Moorea - Docking

Anchoring Restrictions:

There are strict anchoring restrictions at many of the more popular places in French Polynesia including Mo'orea.

The number of yachts permitted in each anchorage has been greatly reduced and in some areas yachts are banned completely.

A series of new restrictions have been proposed by the municipal council of the Commune of Moorea Maiao to restrict anchorages but these have yet to be ratified by the Direction  Polynesienne Des Affaires Maritimes (DPAM).

See this article in the March 2025 edition of Magazine Moorea:

• Anchorage Areas and Quotas on Moorea. (Zones de mouillage et leur quota sur Moorea.)

It is recommended to contact the Moorea Town Hall (Tel +689 40 56 12 71) to find out where it’s permitted to anchor.

See this cruiser report for some useful tips and updates – Making Sense of Anchoring Restrictions.

Anchorages:

The two best anchorages, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, are on the north side of this heart-shaped island and have spectacular entries. Both bays offer very good shelter.

• Cook's Bay: Can be entered at night as it has a directional light. The bay is deep and wide and surrounded by volcanic peaks, however, because of this, it does fall into shade early in the afternoon. Diesel is available here at the Mobil gas station, which does have a dock but with limited depth so most boats will have to anchor off and dinghy ashore with jerry cans. There is a good supermarket ashore and other shops.
• Opunohu Bay: Can also now be entered at night, with lateral marks at the reef and transit lights to line up when entering the channel.   There is enough room for about five boats to anchor on the right side of the pass near the Tiki snorkelling site.  The bay is very picturesque with crystal clear water, a lovely beach and is only 4.8 kms (three miles) from stingray city, reachable by dinghy.  A new, private marina is being developed and currently has a pontoon with space for six to eight boats with electricity and water available.  Shore services will include showers and toilets.
• Afareaitu: On the east coast, port of entry, has only a very mediocre anchorage, not recommended for long stays.  There is a wharf located near the temple which gives access to the village.
• Vaiare: Seems to be the preferred anchorage for many, just 3 miles to the north. This has the only marina on the island and is also the terminal for the ferries to/from Papeete and closer to the airport. Anchoring time is restricted here to a few days.
• Sofitel la Ora Hotel: Just north of Vaiare is a popular anchorage off the Sofitel Ia Ora Hotel (huts cost $1000 a night) which very clear water, so great for snorkeling. Dinghies can be taken ashore to the public beach, which is right next door to the hotel beach. There is internet access via the hotel and the village is just a short dinghy ride away. There is however a 7-day limit for anchored boats.

Security:

Be sure to secure your dinghy and outboard and raise both at night, as well as remove any loose items from the deck. It is advisable to leave someone onboard if going ashore at night.  See the  Comments section about an incident off Oponuhu Beach, Moorea.

Marinas:

There is a small marina at Vaiare used mainly by local boats and finding space can be hard. You may have more luck out of season. The marina office is located across the bay near the ferry docks, about a 20-minute walk. The visitors pontoon can accommodate 4-6 boats and there is a small dinghy dock. Water is no longer free.

Last updated:  April 2025