This island offers many protected anchorages. However, for safety and to preserve the archipelago and its population, navigation and anchoring in bays is subject to certain rules and obligations. The number of visiting pleasure boats is limited to about 100 sailboats distributed throughout eight different anchorages.
Visit the Tourism Office located on the seaside in Taiohae, nect to the market which is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 3.30pm. They will give you information about anchoring restrictions, local activities and the timetable for the arrival of supply vessels.
The most popular anchorages are listed below.
This bay lies in the middle of the south coast. The entrance is straightforward and may be possible to enter at night, using the red flashing range lights, when aligned they provide a good entry course. Use caution if entering at night as there may be boats at anchor without anchor lights. The swell can be bad here and a stern anchor may help to face into the swell, but most boats swing freely.
The large quay is easily visible to Starboard when entering in all conditions. The area between the large quay and small municipal quay, at the end of the bay in the NE corner, is a NO MOORING zone. There is also an underwater cable, avoid anchoring near it. See image on right.
Up to 100 boats are permitted in this anchorage. Note that anchoring is prohibited on the western side of the bay.
Dinghy Dock
Extreme care must be taken at the municipal quay (dinghy dock) particularly when there is swell in the bay. At low water, dinghies can end up under the wall and several cases of damaged dinghies have occurred. There is now only one ladder to get onto the quay. It is better to exit your dinghy and then move the dinghy to the southern wall by the large tyres. Do not leave the dinghy further north near the local fishing boats, as dinghies have been rolled here too. Don't lift your outboard or use a stern anchor.
Fuel is available here. If no supply ship is in you can do this directly at the quay if the wind allows you by dropping anchor, reversing to the quay and using a stern line. Otherwise by jerry cans.
This bay is on the north side of Nuku Hiva and the approach is straight forward until reaching the coral reef in front of the beach. It is a popular anchorage because of the beautiful white sandy beach and has a 10 boat capacity. If there are more than 10 boats present when you arrive, you will have to move to another anchorage. There is a pass in the reef which provides shore access by dinghy and small local boats. It is marked by buoys to keep you off the reef and is more visible when the tide is out.
This is a popular anchorage with good holding. Crystal clear waters let you watch small sharks and rays swimming below. The bay is well protected from swells but can suffer from strong gusts that blow down from the mountains. If you're feeling energetic, hike over to Haataivea Bay where there is a fruit and vegetable farm. Allow several hours to walk there and back, but there is a beautiful sandy beach to break your visit.
This is a three-fingered bay and yachts are permitted to anchor in all three. It is reported to be less rolly than in Taiohae Bay. You can get drinking water here at the shed at Taipivai, or just beyond the shed at Hooumi. There are three shops at Taipivai.
Last updated: May 2024
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