Anchorage· Makatea· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs

Makatea Moorings (Temao)

15° 49.6′ S · 148° 16.8′ W

A handful of deep-water moorings off the old phosphate port of Temao on Makatea's NW coast, where 60-100 m limestone cliffs rise straight from the reef: no lagoon, no pass, and an island tour unlike anywhere else in the Tuamotus.

Tuamotus Marquesas

Practical

Coordinate is the mooring just north of a row of old pier supports (SY Rumpus, June 2023). Typically three moorings: one directly off the breakwater entrance to the boat basin, one by the old pier supports, and one further south. The old-pier mooring was submerged about 2 m in 2023 (swim down to retrieve it); the southern one is visible but was described as not 100% reliable. In 2022 the southern orange ball with a vertical pick-up handle belonged to a charter company, usable only with the mayor's prior approval and on the understanding you may have to move. Moorings lie in 30-50 m and feel alarmingly close to the reef, but crews who backed down hard (2000 rpm) were fine. Tenable only in E winds and slight swell: any west in the wind or swell puts you near the reef. There is swell even in light winds, so expect to rotate. No anchoring possible: the reef drops off too steeply. First come, first served; text the mayor, Julien Mai (+689 87 74 45 22), before arriving to check conditions and availability (contacts as published by Noonsite 2023). If you raft to another boat's stern, insist both keep an anchor watch all night: lines have wrapped keels and props. Snorkelling around the moorings is excellent (15-20 m visibility).

Makatea Moorings (Temao)

Practical

Best for

Season

Nearby