The atoll has a small population and an environment that must be respected. Sailboats are limited to 52 yachts/pleasure boats in the atoll distributed in five distinct anchorage areas. See the DPAM link below.
Authorized Anchoring Areas Fakarava - DPAM
In order to protect the lagoon and restrict numbers due to limited supplies available on the atoll, there are plans to establish mooring buoys in the North and South, as well as in Toau, at a cost of 3 000 XPF. Other services will be available for a fee.
Currently all public moorings are free and suitable for vessels up to 30 tons.
Moorings and anchorages listed from north to south.
North Pass (Garuae) anchorages:
Airport anchorages:
Rotoava anchorages (Fakarava Lagoon):
There is a public dock available for loading/unloading and two public moorings (the rest are used by charter companies). If you pick up a charter boat mooring and they come back, they will ask you to move, even if it's night time.
You will need to anchor at least 200m from the shore and be aware of some locally placed buoys on the shore-line. The owner will ask you to move if you anchor anywhere near.
There is also an anchorage with good holding in front of the dive shop (16°03.8S; 145°37.1W), 7m depth with sand bottom and some coral around. Well protected from E and S winds. Check the schedule of local freighters before anchoring here.
Limited potable water is available from the Town Hall (5xpf/litre). Free WIFI is available at the Tourism office on the Rotoava quay. There are now recycling bins available - a fee of 1000xpf per week for waste collection is charged. Pay your fees at the Town Hall on arrival and you must sort your own rubbish.
Petrol and diesel is available from the station in the town and you can take your boat alongside to fill up.
South Pass - Tetamanu anchorages:
There are only three public moorings here. There is one private mooring for the charter catamaran and two other yellow moorings that are for the dive boats . These are the ones that are nearest to the dive shop/hotel .
Hirifa:
If anchoring in Hirifa or the south pass, be careful of the coral and float your anchor chain. You can anchor here and go diving or snorkelling in the south pass. There is a dive boat that will pick you up.
See French Polynesia Yachting Essentials for tips on Navigation and Anchoring in this part of the world.
If there is no space on Fakarava, it is possible to go to the neighbouring atolls of Toau and Kauehi.
There are eight moorings at Anse Amio here in a depth of seven to 15metres to avoid damaging the coral. There is a restaurant and pension run by the islands three residents.
There is a wide pass here that is navigable in all weathers. Reach the village of Tearavero by following the signs There are two anchorage areas in front of the village. Do not anchor in front of the airport and keep your anchor lights on at night for returning fishermen.
Last updated: April 2025
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
As a free user of Noonsite you are restricted to viewing 3 country formalities per month. You have viewed 0 formalities this month – but can view the countries you have accessed to date as many times as you want.
Become a Noonsite Member and you can view unlimited formalities each month and enjoy additional member benefits. Membership fees help our team keep country formalities information up-to-date in support of cruisers worldwide.
Find out more about membership levels and Become a Noonsite Member.
