Mangareva - General Info

Where is Mangareva?

The Gambier Islands lie about 1000NM southeast of Tahiti and consist of 14 small, mountainous islands within the one lagoon.  The largest and most populated is Mangareva whose main village is Rikitea with its impressive cathedral. Most of the population live in this village.  The whole archipelago represents a small but protected and diverse cruising area.

Entrance Notes and Cautions for Mangareva:

The islands are surrounded by a diamond-shaped outer reef that is mostly submerged in the south and west, while the northern and eastern sides are a barrier reef with several motus.

There are three passes into the Gambiers:  NorthWest Pass, SouthEast Pass and South West Pass.   The northwest pass leads into the only true channel into the lagoon and is well marked, wide and deep. Keep the red markers on your left (IALA buoy system A - Europe).

There are lots of pearl farms located throughout the lagoon.  Most are marked with pearl floats.  However, some floats maybe just under water and not all pearl farms are buoyed.  If approaching an area that is either marked as a pearl farm or where you see buoys, keep a really good watch.

Warnings: 

• The Gambier Archipelago has a high incidence of ciguatera poisoning - be very cautious about eating fish here.  If in doubt - as the locals.
• Unprovoked shark attack, near the Airport Island, aside the Fausse Passe, False Pass, May 2024. Read details at https://www.oceancruisingclub.org/home/news/2716

Cruiser Highlights for Mangareva:

Pearl farms, convents, watchtowers and schools from the 1800s, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.  Great hiking above Rikitea.

Position - entrance to Rikitea:

23° 07.20'S, 134° 57.31'W

Last updated:  May 2024