Anchorage· Maupiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands

ZMR de Manuea (Maupiti)

16° 28.2′ S · 152° 15.4′ W

The southern regulated anchorage, a five-boat zone over the sand of the south lagoon west of the channel. It sits a short dinghy ride from the motu beaches of Pitiahe and Tiapa'a and from the manta cleaning area by the pass.

Society IslandsTahiti & Moorea

Practical

Boats under 20 m only, maximum 5 boats, maximum stay 96 hours (arrêté 399 CM 2026, Art. 9b). Coordinate is the centre of the official corners (WGS84): 16°28.17'S 152°15.55'W, 16°28.11'S 152°15.50'W, 16°28.33'S 152°15.24'W, 16°28.39'S 152°15.29'W. This zone replaces the informal anchoring and mooring balls cruisers used off Pte Tamaupiti and Motu Pitiahe, where Noonsite (Aug 2023) counted six mooring balls; anchoring outside the ZMR is now prohibited. Keep clear of the manta no-navigation zone off Motu Pitiahe. The bottom is not described in the decree. Anchor on sand by eye with good overhead light. 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

Base for the motu beaches and the manta station near the pass

Season

Year-round inside; strong S swell raises the lagoon level and the pass outflow

Nearby