Beach· Raivavae· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Motu Vaiamanu Beach (Motu Piscine, Raivavae)
23° 52.9′ S · 147° 37.3′ W
The long white-sand beach of Raivavae's 'swimming-pool motu', a chain of islets on the south-east reef enclosing a warm, shallow turquoise pool; one of the most beautiful beaches in French Polynesia.
Practical
Coordinate is Vaiamanu islet (OSM); OSM also labels an islet 'Motu piscine' about 600 m NNW. About 20 minutes by boat from the main island (Tahiti Tourisme). Since 2020 locals have objected to yachts anchoring here in numbers (Pitufa 2022): ask the mairie or gendarmerie first, or go with a pension's motu trip (Pension Vaimano offers motu excursions with or without picnic). For the yacht anchorage waypoints, depths and approach, see 'Motu Piscine (Motu Vaiamanu, Raivavae)'. Take water, shade and reef-safe sunscreen; leave nothing behind (much of the motu land is private).
Best for
Beach day on the swimming-pool motu
Season
Sunny, settled days
Nearby
- Motu Piscine (Motu Vaiamanu, Raivavae)0.1 NM away
- Raivavae Private Motus (ask permission)0.4 NM away
- Vaiuru Bay Anchorage (Raivavae)1.2 NM away
- Clarisse's Tifaifai (Raivavae)1.3 NM away
- Pension Vaimano Table (Vaiuru, Raivavae)1.3 NM away
- Roulotte Tapurani (Vaiuru, Raivavae)1.3 NM away
- Hotuatua Anchorage (Raivavae)1.4 NM away
- Raivavae Fuel and Water1.7 NM away