Vaipaee Bay Anchorage (Baie Invisible, Ua Huka)

8° 56.4′ S · 139° 34.4′ W

A narrow, fjord-like cleft between high cliffs on Ua Huka's south coast, so hidden from seaward that it is called the 'Invisible Bay'. Swell that looks alarming at the entrance dies away to almost nothing deep inside. It is the landing for Vaipaee village, the island's main settlement. Since December 2023 the island's official name is Ua Huna.

Tuamotus Marquesas

Practical

Migration (Feb 2024): 08°56.422'S / 139°34.372'W, 18 ft, fair holding in mud. Several moorings for small local boats now sit further in; some yachts anchor among them, but watch your swing. Chugach (Apr 2019): 08°56.4018'S / 139°34.399'W in 4 m, mud, almost no swell well inside; 4 m right up to the cliffs on both sides. Moon Rebel (Aug 2018): 08°56.360'S / 139°34.434'W in 3.6 m, west of the fishing-boat moorings, excellent holding in thick mud; room for 3-4 boats on single anchors. Jacaranda (Oct 2015) dragged twice in the soft mud of the inner bay near the river mouth (just after a tsunami) and re-anchored about 100 m further out in about 22 ft at 08°56.42'S / 139°34.34'W, bow and stern. That spot held but was rougher. The bay is a lee shore in the afternoon sea breeze and gusts to 18+ kt even with E 10 outside. Supply ships tie to bollards on both cliffs; when the ship is in, lines run right across the entrance and you cannot get in or out (2022), so ask when it is due. Dinghy: the concrete dock and ramp are rough and busy. Land on the beach just after high tide, or go up the river (NE corner) to the bridge on a rising tide. Carry oars, because it is very shallow a long way out. Fishing boats move at night: show an anchor light. Not a port of entry; report to the gendarmerie as a courtesy (Noonsite). Noonsite: when the Aranui is due it ties to both cliffs and blocks the bay for the day; if space is available, boats may come alongside the quay.

Vaipaee Bay Anchorage (Baie Invisible, Ua Huka)

Practical

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