Anchorage· Maupiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Vaiea Village Anchorage
16° 26.9′ S · 152° 14.8′ W · approximate
The traditional anchorage off Maupiti's main village of Vaiea, in the sheltered channel between the island and Motu Tuanai, a two-minute dinghy ride from the town dock, mairie and church. The legal spot today is the ZMR de Petei, a few hundred metres north.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: about 180 m off the town dinghy dock (OSM ferry stop next to the mairie), checked as water against the OSM coastline. Noonsite (Aug 2023): good holding in sand in 10-30 ft and well protected. There were three mooring balls in town, and a sturdy dinghy dock next to the town clock; watch for coral heads on the way ashore. Under arrêté 399 CM (2026), anchoring outside a ZMR is prohibited. Anchor inside the ZMR de Petei (5 boats, 96 hours) and keep the channel and the airport-shuttle route clear. Drinking water is available from the public tap by the dock (OSM 'Point d'eau'); take small quantities only.
Best for
Shore access to Vaiea's shops, snack bars and the summit trail