Anchorage· Maupiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands

Maupiti Large-Yacht Zones (arrêté 399 CM 2026)

16° 27.8′ S · 152° 15.2′ W

Two single-boat swinging circles, Maupiti Yacht-1 and Maupiti Yacht-2, are the only places yachts of 20-50 m may anchor inside the lagoon. Both lie in the open south lagoon between Vaiea and the pass.

Society Islands Tahiti & Moorea

Practical

MA-Y-1: anchor point 16°27.78'S 152°15.17'W (shown here). MA-Y-2: anchor point 16°28.21'S 152°15.13'W (-16.47017, -152.25217). Each has a 90 m swing radius, for vessels 20-50 m, maximum 48 hours (Art. 8). The anchor must go down at the anchor point. Yachts of 20 m or more must keep enough crew aboard to manoeuvre at all times. Boats over 20 m may not use the Petei or Manuea zones, and boats under 20 m may not use these circles. Navigation rules relax beyond 100 m from an anchored large yacht. Prior DPAM authorization is required (+689 40 54 45 00). Note that Onoiau Pass was described by a cruiser as barely more than 50 m wide (Multihulls World), so large yachts need a careful pass assessment first. Rules under arrêté 399 CM of 31 March 2026 (JOPF 3 April 2026): anchoring anywhere outside the designated ZMRs is prohibited, as is stopping in any marked or customary channel or in the pass. You need prior authorization from DPAM (the maritime authority) before anchoring in a ZMR. The fee ('redevance') is deferred until the escales tariff grid is published (Art. 16). Inside a ZMR: speed limit 5 knots, no sailing, no scuba diving, no jet skis, windsurfers, kites or e-foils. Swim and snorkel only right next to your own boat. Show anchor lights from sunset to sunrise and keep AIS on if fitted. No sewage or grey-water discharge, hull work, sanding or engine testing. No underwater, hull or floodlights except while loading. Boats under 20 m left unattended must name someone who can move the boat within 6 hours. Exemptions: boats of 10 m or less with no accommodation, for 24 hours or less, and traditional va'a. DPAM: +689 40 54 45 00, accueil.dpam@administration.gov.pf (DPAM page updated July 2026). Check the DPAM Maupiti page for any amendment before arrival.

Best for

Superyachts 20-50 m that can make the pass

Practical

Best for

Nearby