Service· Makatea· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Temao Boat Basin Dinghy Landing (Makatea)
15° 49.5′ S · 148° 16.4′ W
The narrow concrete breakwater entrance and small boat basin with a slipway at Temao, a relic of the phosphate era and the only landing on Makatea.
Practical
Coordinate is Noonsite's breakwater-entrance position (15°49'27"S 148°16'24"W). A short channel marked by red and green markers leads in; keep close to the west cardinal mark to avoid bommies, watch the sets and time your run, since waves surge in and can break right across the entrance in a big swell (don't attempt it then). Inside, tie bow and stern with an anchor off (2022 crews tied to the wall beside the launch ramp) and allow for a big tidal range. Julien Mai or his son will pick you up from the boat if you'd rather not brave the entrance. From the dock it is a short walk uphill to the village.
Best for
Getting ashore safely