Seasonal· Bora Bora· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Maraamu & South Swell (Bora Bora passages)
16° 33.6′ S · 151° 38.4′ W · approximate
The maraamu, a reinforced SE trade wind of 25–35 knots that can blow for days from June to August, makes the beat from Bora Bora back to Taha'a and Raiatea rough, and the south swells that come with it can close Maupiti's pass.
Practical
Dream Yacht base guide: Leeward trades E–SE 15–20 kn rising to 25 kn with 3–5 ft chop; maraamu 25–35 kn from SE with 8–9 ft seas, lasting days; Bora Bora–Taha'a passages are uncomfortable in it. Plan the Bora Bora leg for the downwind end of a trip, or wait out a maraamu on a protected BBMS ball (Fare Piti or Toopua). Forecasts: Météo-France on VHF 13 in French; Noonsite reports JRCC weather broadcasts on VHF 13 at 6:30am, 12pm and 4pm local, opening with 'BMS' or 'no BMS' (special marine bulletin). Position is a point midway between Bora Bora and Taha'a (approx). The cyclone season runs November–April.
Best for
Planning around strong-wind weeks
Season
June–August (maraamu); Nov–Apr cyclone season
Nearby
- Outer Reef Dive Sites (Tupitipiti)3.1 NM away
- Tupitipiti & Taurere Lagoon Snorkel (south-east motus)3.4 NM away
- Pointe Fareone & Taurere Beaches (Motu Piti Aau south)3.7 NM away
- Motu Fare One BBMS Mooring Zone (Bora Bora)4.2 NM away
- Motu Piti Aau Resort Beaches (InterContinental Thalasso, Le Méridien)4.8 NM away
- Coral Garden (Motu Piti Uu Uta)5.1 NM away
- Taha'a Coral Garden (Motu Tautau drift snorkel)5.1 NM away
- Taha'a Sunset over Bora Bora (west reef motus)5.2 NM away