Anchorage· Taravai· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Onemea Bay (Taravai West)
23° 9.0′ S · 135° 3.3′ W
One of Pitufa's favourite Gambier anchorages: a secluded, glassy bay on Taravai's west side with pink and golden sand beaches, green hills, real sunsets and good snorkeling at both entrance corners.
Practical
Coordinate from Pitufa (2015): 6-8 m of sand with good holding, in a sandy area larger than charted. Sugar Shack anchored at 23 deg 09.015'S 135 deg 03.297'W in 7 m with 45 m of chain, backed toward the reef (2021). It held 15-20 kn outside without a ripple. Protected from E-SE wind and swell, but open to the west. Reefs and rocks near the edges show at low tide. Approach from Baie Anganui through the deep channel close to shore. From the NW pass, follow the well-charted channel with shallow reefs on both sides (Navionics). Garmin charts were offset here. Expect flies and small black bugs at dawn and dusk when the wind drops. There is no phone signal. The beaches can be reached at any tide through sandy channels.
Best for
Calm, secluded anchorage in trade winds
Season
E-SE winds; avoid in westerlies
Nearby
- Anganui Bay (Taravai West)0.4 NM away
- Taravai West Pass Snorkel0.6 NM away
- Edouard and Denise's Homestead Produce (Taravai South)1 NM away
- Agakauitai Bay Anchorage (Taravai South)1.1 NM away
- Agakauitai South Bay Snorkel1.3 NM away
- Agakauitai Island (permission required)1.6 NM away
- Taravai Hikes and Gardens1.7 NM away
- St Gabriel Church (Taravai)1.8 NM away