Mahini Atoll, Tuamotus

Created by webmaster. Last modified on 2002-08-19 00:50:47
Contributors: Steve Green S/Y Excalibur
Countries: French Polynesia

We have been cruising this area using both Warwick Clay's South Pacific Anchorages and Charlie's Charts of Polynesia. The information regarding the passage to Mahini in these publications is conflicting. Clay states that entry is impossible to yachts drawing more than 2 metres whereas Charlie shows a depth of at least 2 fathoms. We draw 2.5M and entered at W = 1h and had 0.2m under our keel at the shallowest point. It would be a shame to miss this lagoon because of the inaccurate statements in Warwick Clay's pilot. A tripping line is essential when anchoring. Five yachts have needed to dive on their anchors in the last two days owing to entanglement with unseen coral heads. The longitude positions shown on Charlie's charts should not be relied upon for navigation. Mark one eyeball only.