Anchorage· Rangiroa· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Tiputa Pass Anchorage (Rangiroa)
14° 58.0′ S · 147° 38.1′ W
The cruiser hub of Rangiroa: sand and scattered coral just inside and west of Tiputa Pass, off the Kia Ora Resort, with the Ohotu wharf, dive shops, snacks and shops a short dinghy ride away and dolphins playing in the pass at your doorstep.
Practical
Position 14°58.03'S 147°38.13'W, about 30 ft (9 m) of clear water over mostly sand with low coral (Sea Flyer, 2011); other boats report 10 m in front of the Kia Ora Resort. Sand and better holding closer in to the resort; deeper areas have more coral heads, so float your chain with fenders or pearl floats. Comfortable in ENE-NE trades; with E wind some swell works in, and once the wind goes south of east it gets quite rolly (uncomfortable, not unsafe). Do not anchor directly in front of the resort: in 2019 the Kia Ora asked boats blocking its view to move. Local boats commute through the anchorage at morning rush hour. A 2019 report mentions about 5 moorings said to be well maintained (verify locally). The gendarmerie collects a small anchoring tax: 150 XPF per person per day (2011 reports; Noonsite 2024 still lists a 150 XPF tax payable at the gendarmerie on arrival; verify locally). Dinghy to the Ohotu wharf on the west edge of the pass. 4G coverage reported since 2020. Noonsite (May 2022) notes yachts anchor either off Tiputa village or at the more sheltered anchorage off the Kia Ora, and that there is a small harbour on the west side inside Tiputa Pass.
Best for
Base camp for diving Tiputa Pass and provisioning at Ohotu/Avatoru
Season
Best in NE-E trades; rolly in SE-S winds
Nearby
- Hotel Kia Ora Resort (Rangiroa)0.2 NM away
- Chez Lili (Tiputa)0.3 NM away
- Laverie Ohotu (Tiputa)0.3 NM away
- Magasin T.M.T. (Tiputa)0.3 NM away
- Ohotu et Magasin Tatie Henriette (Tiputa)0.3 NM away
- Rangiroa Bike Rental and Ride to Avatoru0.3 NM away
- Rangiroa Diving Center0.3 NM away
- Snack Puna Ohotu (Tiputa)0.3 NM away