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

Mopelia (Maupiha'a) Lagoon Anchorage

16° 47.1′ S · 153° 56.6′ W · approximate

The northeast-corner anchorage inside Mopelia's lagoon, off the north end of the long eastern motu where the Raioho family lives. It is a remote, spacious sand anchorage at the western end of the Society Islands, about 100 nm beyond Maupiti.

Society IslandsTahiti & Moorea

Practical

Coordinate is approximate: about 350 m off the lagoon shore of the eastern motu near the northern houses, checked as water against the OpenStreetMap lagoon and coastline. Pick your own spot by eye. Noonsite (June 2024): there are no mooring buoys, so anchoring is essential. The two main anchorages, at the north and south ends of the large eastern motu, are both spacious with good holding in sand. The northern one has scattered coral. There are many large coral heads, so anchor with good overhead sun and think about where a wind shift will swing you; floating your chain is advisable. The SE corner is the usual choice, but move here to the NE corner, off the Raiohos' house, if the wind goes north. Water colour shows depth clearly. From the pass, take the right-hand channel marked with clusters of orange buoys (local advice), then cross the lagoon in good light. Mopelia has no shops, fuel, water supply, medical care or clearance. Arrive self-sufficient in food, water and fuel (Noonsite 2024). The nearest ports of entry are Bora Bora and Raiatea, about 100 nm and more upwind. The only regular link was a supply ship from Maupiti, scheduled about twice a year (French Wikipedia), and rotations are sometimes cancelled for weather.

Best for

Shelter in northerly winds and a visit to the Raioho family

Season

Settled trade-wind weather; plan the pass exit for morning

Nearby