Anchorage· Raiatea· French Polynesia — Society Islands

ZMR de Tipaemau (Raiatea)

16° 47.1′ S · 151° 23.6′ W

Turquoise water inside the east reef by Motu Tipaemau, with the sun rising over Huahine. Snorkeling out to the reef, and a public motu with weekend picnics across Iriru Pass.

Society Islands Tahiti & Moorea

Practical

Quota only 5 boats, 48 h, under 20 m. Watch for pearl-farm buoys on the way in (brief). Motu Tipaemau is private, but walking along its shore is permitted; Motu Iriru across the pass is public. The reef break in Iriru Pass can be surfed depending on swell. Exposed to easterly wind over the reef but protected from swell. 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

Reef-edge snorkeling and a Huahine sunrise

Practical

Best for

Nearby