Service· Mopelia (Maupiha'a)· French Polynesia — Society Islands

Mopelia Landing & Copra Etiquette

16° 46.9′ S · 153° 56.4′ W · approximate

Mopelia's few residents live from copra, and visiting yachts are one of their few links to the outside world. Going ashore well means arriving as a guest: bring practical gifts, ask before you take anything, and offer help with the copra.

Society IslandsTahiti & Moorea

Practical

Coordinate is approximate: the northern houses on the eastern motu (OSM), as in the copra community entry. Land by dinghy on the lagoon side by the houses; the two anchorages sit off the northern and southern ends of the inhabited motu. Copra is the main activity and everyone works at it (Multihulls World): the community needs about 25 t bagged before the supply boat calls, and visitors can join the harvest and bagging. The supply boat from Maupiti comes only if the copra harvest justifies it (every 3-4 months per Multihulls World; about twice a year per French Wikipedia). Cash is of little use: in 2008 copra was credited to an account ashore and charged against goods such as diesel (Anahi). Useful gifts reported by cruisers: tobacco, seeds, flour, rice, tinned food, spices, fruit, a mosquito net, crayons and paper for children (Anahi 2008, Gryphon 2010), and LED bulbs, jam and boat parts (Noonsite 2024). Coconuts, crabs, pigs and fish all belong to someone, so ask first; follow the residents' fishing rules. If invited to a meal, bring your own drinks and a dish; one 2008 rally boat was later asked for a contribution, so be clear about expectations. Residents may ask for practical help, such as sending an email. Keep a respectful distance from nesting birds.

Best for

Going ashore as a welcome guest

Nearby