Service· Hiva Oa· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Tahauku Seawall Dinghy Dock
9° 48.2′ S · 139° 1.8′ W
The working quay at the head of Tahauku harbour, with the Tourism Committee hut, showers and the island's only yacht trash point, where every cruiser lands, loads jerry cans and meets the hire car.
Practical
Coordinate is the Tourism Committee on the quay (OpenStreetMap). The 2026 brief lists four landings: (1) the quay in front of the Tourism Committee, or drag the dinghy up the va'a (outrigger canoe) club slipway; (2) near the breakwater behind the CODIM shuttle area; (3) the slipway in front of Marquises Maintenance Services; (4) Atuona beach in calm weather, minding the tide. Always use a dinghy stern anchor: several cruisers have watched dinghies get sucked under the concrete dock at low tide (2016 and 2022), and the surge makes the steps tricky. Leave room for canoes on the ramp and never block the ferry steps. Showers and fresh water next to the Tourism Committee are marked NOT potable on the 2026 brief, so treat or filter it. Earlier reports disagree on whether it is drinkable. Put household trash in the designated container and never leave bags outside, because dogs tear them open. Used oil goes on the quay just past the service station, and batteries to the landfill at the far end of Atuona village. In the late afternoon locals fish from the quay and visitors are welcome to join them.
Best for
Landing, water, showers and trash
Nearby
- Atuona Laundry ServicesRight here
- Atuona Rent A CarRight here
- Hiva Oa Anchoring Regulations (Arrêté 384 CM, 2026)Right here
- Hiva Oa Cross-Island 4x4 TourRight here
- Marquises Diving (Hiva Oa)Right here
- Southern Marquesas Weather and SwellRight here
- Tahauku Tourism CommitteeRight here
- CODIM Inter-Island Shuttle (Tahauku)0.1 NM away