Tuanake and Hiti Atolls (no pass)

16° 40.0′ S · 144° 13.0′ W

Two tiny, almost empty atolls of the old Raevski group between Katiu and Makemo. They are refuges for the rare Tuamotu sandpiper, the Tuamotu reed-warbler and the critically endangered Polynesian ground dove.

Tuamotus Marquesas

Practical

Coordinates are Tuanake's center (English Wikipedia); Hiti lies about 7.5 km east. Soggy Paws lists both as 'No Pass' (Charlie's Charts p.96). Wikipedia notes a shallow pass on Tuanake's south side, for small craft only. Tuanake had 6 residents in 2017; Katiu residents use its two fish parks and harvest sea cucumbers. Do not land on bird motus: ground-nesting birds are easily disturbed, and dogs, fires and night crab hunts harm them. Stand well off: both are low and hard to see at night. Pass status (confirmed): French Wikipedia describes Tuanake's pass as 'very shallow, on the south side' ('une passe très peu profonde située au sud'): not usable by yachts, and no outside anchorage is published for either atoll. See 'Tuanake Bird Refuge (Tuamotu Sandpiper)'.

Best for

Birders' landmark on the Katiu to Makemo hop

Practical

Best for

Nearby