Beach· Tubuai· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs

Motu One Sand Islet (Tubuai)

23° 19.6′ S · 149° 28.1′ W

A bare sand cay on Tubuai's northern barrier reef that has washed away and re-formed after cyclones: a dinghy run from the Mataura anchorage for a swim and a walk on pure white sand.

TuamotusMarquesas

Practical

Coordinate from OSM (Motu One, 'Îlot de Sable'). About 2 km north of the Mataura dock across the lagoon; fr.wikipedia notes it has disappeared and re-formed, so expect it to change shape. Go by dinghy in good light: the lagoon averages 6 m but has bommies and shallow banks. No shade or facilities. Tubuai's best-known mainland beach is Tavana (the former 'Bloody Bay' of the Bounty clash, fr.wikipedia; Tahiti Tourisme recommends it for a swim). Beaches here have ochre-to-white sand and many are coral-free.

Best for

Sandbar swim and picnic

Season

Light winds and good light

Nearby