Landmark· Mataiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Ofai Taunoa Turtle Rock (Mataiva)
14° 51.6′ S · 148° 40.4′ W
A 2.3 m mushroom of uplifted fossil coral standing on the ocean-side reef flat, carved by wind and sea; islanders say that when a cloud takes its shape, turtles come ashore to nest that night.
Practical
Coordinate from the Tahiti Heritage map pin, on the ocean side of the north rim east of Pahua. It is a feo, a remnant of an older raised reef like Rangiroa's Ile aux Recifs. Reach it on foot or by bike along the motu from Pahua; wear reef shoes on the platier. Sea turtles are protected in French Polynesia: do not disturb nesting beaches.
Best for
A walk or bike ride to a legendary rock
Nearby
- Mataiva Lagoon Pools (the 70 basins)1.3 NM away
- Mataiva Plongee (dive centre)1.3 NM away
- Mataiva Atoll (no yacht anchorage)1.4 NM away
- Mataiva Bird Motu1.5 NM away
- Pahua Pass (Mataiva, not navigable)2 NM away
- Pahua Bridge (Mataiva)2.1 NM away
- Pahua Village (Mataiva)2.2 NM away
- Mataiva Airport (MVT)2.3 NM away