Snorkel· Hiva Oa· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Puamau Underwater Paepae Snorkel (Hiva Oa)
9° 45.7′ S · 138° 52.6′ W · approximate
A small stone platform (paepae) lies underwater right beside the Puamau anchorage: an archaeological snorkel unique to the Marquesas, a short swim from the boat.
Practical
Approximate position: the brief places it 'just next to the anchorage' without coordinates, so this point is a nominal position at the inshore side of the ZMR (centre 09°45.66'S 138°52.47'W). Ask in the village for its exact spot. 2026 brief: 'a small underwater platform just next to the anchorage, perfect for snorkeling. Make sure you don't anchor on it.' Look before you drop and never anchor on stone or coral. Do not move or take any stones: paepae are tapu. Visibility depends on swell and runoff after rain. Inside the ZMR, swim only close to your boat (Arrêté 384 CM, 2026). Spearfishing trips with Yann Loriot, +689 87 37 52 25 (2026 brief).
Best for
Archaeology under water beside the anchorage
Season
Calm SE trades; poor visibility after rain or in N swell
Nearby
- Puamau Bay (Hiva Oa)0.1 NM away
- Puamau Beach (Hiva Oa)0.3 NM away
- Snack Therese (Puamau)0.5 NM away
- Restaurant Marie-Antoinette (Puamau)0.8 NM away
- Me'ae Iipona Tiki Site (Puamau, Hiva Oa)0.9 NM away
- Nahoe Anchorage (Hiva Oa)3.1 NM away
- Hanapaaoa Tiki (Hiva Oa)5.2 NM away
- Hanaiapa-Hanatekuua Point Snorkel (Hiva Oa)7.9 NM away