Wildlife· Ahe· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Motu Manu Forest and Turtle-Nesting Reserve (Ahe)
14° 26.4′ S · 146° 13.5′ W
A protected motu holding one of the last stands of native atoll forest in the Tuamotus, with big old trees, ferns and orchids, sea birds roosting at dusk and an ocean beach where turtles lay their eggs.
Practical
Position is Jacaranda's fix for the Pension Raita picnic tables in this area (14°26.369'S 146°13.475'W, 2016), near Ahe's NE corner. A short dinghy ride from the airport-side anchorage; cleared walking trails take about an hour, and a short walk across leads to the outer-reef beach where turtles nest (keep off marked nests; no lights at night). Best in the heat of the day under the canopy or at dusk when birds return. Locals collect soil here for gardens. In 2023 Elvira Sweden visited by local boat (Temarii) from the village and thought it would be an amazing place to anchor in front of. Take all rubbish away.
Best for
Walking in real atoll forest