Anchorage· Maupiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands
ZMR de Petei (Maupiti)
16° 26.8′ S · 152° 14.6′ W
Maupiti's village anchorage zone: a five-boat regulated box in the channel off Petei, just north of Vaiea, with Mount Teurafaatiu behind and Motu Tuanai's palms across the water. It is the legal way to stay a few nights within dinghy range of the village dock, shops and the summit trail.
Practical
Boats under 20 m only, maximum 5 boats, maximum stay 96 hours (arrêté 399 CM 2026, Art. 9a). Coordinate is the centre of the four official corner points (WGS84): 16°26.90'S 152°14.71'W, 16°26.85'S 152°14.76'W, 16°26.61'S 152°14.48'W, 16°26.68'S 152°14.42'W. Noonsite (Aug 2023) describes the town anchorage as good holding in sand, 10-30 ft, and well protected. It warns of an old mooring line just below the surface at about 16°26.800'S 152°14.716'W, which falls inside this zone, so look before you drop. Dinghy to the sturdy village dock next to the town clock and mairie, watching for coral heads on the way in. 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
Village access: shops, bakery, summit hike, Sunday church
Season
Year-round once inside; your exit depends on the Onoiau Pass swell window