Public domain (NASA astronaut photograph), Wikimedia CommonsAnchorage· Raraka· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Raraka Village Anchorage
16° 5.8′ S · 144° 57.4′ W · approximate
A rarely used, shallow anchorage off Motupapu, Raraka's only village of about 100 people, on the north rim beside the pass. Only for shallow-draft boats in settled NE-N weather.
Practical
Coordinate approximate: set about 400 m south (lagoon side) of the village's small-boat harbour as mapped in OpenStreetMap, in water near the pass. No cruiser has published an anchoring position. White Princess (2010) abandoned their entry (7 ft keel) after finding under 1 m under the keel in both arms of the pass. They found the lagoon beacons confusing, the lagoon itself appeared very shallow, and the village would have little shelter except in NE to N winds. Anchor only after surveying by dinghy; float your chain. Pearl farming is allowed on 5 ha in the north of the lagoon (Wikipedia), so watch for lines.
Best for
Off-the-track atoll visit for shoal-draft boats
Nearby
- Port de Raraka Office0.2 NM away
- Raraka Biosphere Reserve Rules (Fare Biosphère)0.2 NM away
- Raraka Fish Park (Motupapu)0.2 NM away
- Raraka Mairie, Post Office and Infirmary0.2 NM away
- Raraka Petite Marina (Motupapu)0.2 NM away
- Raraka Village Magasins (Vairai and Hotuarii)0.2 NM away
- Sainte-Thérèse Church (Raraka)0.3 NM away
- Kauehi East Rim Road Walk10.7 NM away