Anchorage· Raiatea· French Polynesia — Society Islands

ZMR de Faaroa (Raiatea)

16° 48.7′ S · 151° 24.6′ W

Raiatea's deep, fjord-like east-coast bay, gateway to the Faaroa (Aoppomau) River dinghy trip and the base for guided visits to Taputapuatea.

Society IslandsTahiti & Moorea

Practical

Quota 10 boats plus 1 superyacht area (Moanataa), 48 h, under 20 m. The brief describes it as 'well-protected in NE winds'. Venturi gusts come down the valley in strong SE trades. Land at the floating dock at the head of the bay; Faaroa village, the botanical garden, the Gabbros geological trail and the Mystery House (87 74 33 12) are within walking distance. Guides pick up at this anchorage for Taputapuatea, as there is no anchorage near the marae. The Dream Yacht base guide notes some moorings in Faaroa Bay; check the line yourself. Centroid of the zone corners in Arrêté 911 CM. Overnight stays (4pm to 9am) must be booked on escales.gov.pf, by email to escales.dpam@administration.gov.pf, or by phone to DPAM on 40 54 45 78 (24/7). Boats under 20 m may use any ZMR space between 9am and 4pm without booking, within the zone quota. The booking service was free in its 2025 pilot; fees were announced for 2026, so verify locally. Under Arrêté 911 CM (2025): boats over 20 m are not allowed in these zones; maximum speed is 5 kn; no sailing, scuba diving or jet skis inside the zone; anchor lights at night; AIS left on at anchor; no underwater or hull lighting; no grey or black water discharge. Once permanent moorings are installed (works planned through 2026), anchoring is banned and you must use a buoy.

Best for

The river trip and a sheltered base for Taputapuatea

Itineraries that stop here

Nearby