Anchorage· Amanu· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Star Anchorage (Etoile Reef, Amanu)
17° 48.7′ S · 140° 46.8′ W
A star-shaped reef in the middle of the lagoon that locals call the 'belly button' of Amanu. 'You cannot claim to have arrived in Amanu until you have been to the star.'
Practical
Sugar Shack (Dec 2021): 17°48.656S / 140°46.797W in 4.7 m in a sandy patch clear of obvious bommies; it held through an 18-20 kt squall, but expect a slight roll at all times as swell wraps over the reef. Grace of Longstone (Jan 2021) used the west side at 17°48.17S / 140°46W: tuck in behind the reef and float the chain, room for perhaps three boats. Excellent shelter in N through E winds, with good snorkeling and kitesurfing. No land. Jacaranda: calm in 12-14 kt ENE, a slight bump over 20 kt at high tide, held in 30 kt gusts. Back down hard, because some boats have dragged.
Best for
Mid-lagoon snorkeling and kiting with no land in sight
Season
N-E winds
Nearby
- Star Reef Snorkel (Amanu)0.1 NM away
- Amanu East Shore Anchorage2.8 NM away
- Amanu Lagoon Kitesurfing3.2 NM away
- Amanu South and Southeast Anchorage4.2 NM away
- Amanu Post Office (OPT)4.6 NM away
- Amanu Town Basin (near Fafameru Pass)4.6 NM away
- Saint-Paul Church (Amanu)4.6 NM away
- Amanu Gendarmerie Check-in4.7 NM away