Anchorage· Raiatea· French Polynesia — Society Islands

ZMR de Vairahi (Raiatea)

16° 46.6′ S · 151° 25.3′ W

A bay on the east coast below Avera, well sheltered from south-east trades, at the trailhead for the Three Cascades walk.

Society IslandsTahiti & Moorea

Practical

Quota 10 boats, 48 h, under 20 m. The brief says it is 'well sheltered from SE winds'. Land at the floating dock in the Avera fishing-boat marina. A cruiser report on the Tahiti Cruisers Guide adds that fresh water is available at the fishing co-op dock (verify locally). Small shops, a pharmacy (Pharmacie Lafayette Avera), the post office and a medical clinic are in Avera village. Two pearl farms nearby (Vairua Perles and Perle d'O) take visitors. Horse riding at Cadichon Vallée ranch (87 22 21 65). Paddleboard and holopuni sailing-canoe hire (87 37 25 85). 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

Sheltered SE-trade anchorage and the Three Cascades hike

Nearby