Landmark· Mataiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Mataiva Lagoon Pools (the 70 basins)
14° 52.9′ S · 148° 40.5′ W
Mataiva's unique lagoon: about 70 deep blue basins separated by a lattice of coral walls just under the surface, which gives the 'nine eyes' atoll its patchwork look from the air.
Practical
Coordinate from the Tahiti Heritage map pin for the lagoon. Tahiti Heritage: the lagoon covers about 25 km2; the basins average about 8 m deep and 20 ha each, and the dividing walls rise to about 50 cm below the surface with steep sides. Water renews slowly because the atoll is nearly closed: one pass in the north-west (outflow) and hoa in the south-east (inflow). Phosphate deposits of 10-15 million tonnes lie under the basins; residents and conservationists have so far blocked mining. Explore by kayak, small boat or wading with a local guide from Pahua; the shallow walls make it unnavigable for anything with a keel. Wear reef shoes.
Best for
Swimming and kayaking a maze of turquoise pools
Nearby
- Mataiva Atoll (no yacht anchorage)0.3 NM away
- Mataiva Plongee (dive centre)0.3 NM away
- Mataiva Bird Motu1.2 NM away
- Ofai Taunoa Turtle Rock (Mataiva)1.3 NM away
- Marae Papiro and Tu Paure's Stone Chair (Mataiva)1.6 NM away
- Pahua Pass (Mataiva, not navigable)2 NM away
- Pahua Bridge (Mataiva)2.1 NM away
- Mataiva Airport (MVT)2.2 NM away