Best Anchorages in French Polynesia

The heart of French Polynesia cruising — from the main port of Papeete (best provisioning in the South Pacific outside of New Zealand) to the dramatic volcanic bays of Moorea (Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay), the authentic charm of Huahine, and the sacred island of Raiatea with its UNESCO-listed Marae Taputapuatea. Tahaa, the 'vanilla island', shares its lagoon with Raiatea. Tidal range is minor (0.3–0.5m). Coral bommies scattered throughout all lagoons — anchor in sand only and snorkel to verify placement. Heiva Festival in July transforms Papeete into an extraordinary celebration of Polynesian culture — anchorage very busy.

Clear customs at Papeete or Uturoa on arrival. No anchoring on coral anywhere — sand patches only; snorkel to verify. Cyclone season November–April — depart by end of October.

Bora Bora — 'the pearl of the Pacific' — is the most famous lagoon in the world, dominated by Mount Otemanu (727m) rising from the centre of a turquoise lagoon. Entry is from the north ONLY via Passe de Tevairoa — no other passes exist. The lagoon is shallow in places (1–3m) with coral bommies scattered throughout — navigate in good light only. Maupiti ('miniature Bora Bora') is accessible via the difficult Onoiau Pass — enter at slack water only when swell is below 1.5m. Raiatea south lagoon completes the Leeward Island sailing circuit.

Enter Bora Bora via Passe de Tevairoa (NORTH ONLY) — no other passes. Maupiti Onoiau Pass: enter at slack water ONLY when swell below 1.5m. No anchoring on coral — shallow lagoon requires constant depth awareness. Coral bommies 0.5–2m below surface throughout.

78 remote atolls stretching 1,500km across the South Pacific — the most extraordinary sailing destination on Earth and the most demanding. All atolls are entered via narrow passes with tidal currents of 3–6 knots (sometimes 8kt). ENTER PASSES AT SLACK WATER ONLY — this is a life-or-death rule. Atolls sit so low they are invisible from sea until within 10nm — GPS waypoints are essential. Coral bommies 0.5–2m below surface throughout all lagoons — navigate only in good light (10:00–14:00) with polarised sunglasses. Fakarava is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Rangiroa is the world's second-largest atoll. Provisions extremely limited — carry 3+ weeks from Papeete.

CRITICAL: Enter ALL Tuamotu passes at SLACK WATER ONLY — currents 3–6kt (sometimes 8kt); vessels have been lost attempting passes in running current. Atolls invisible until 10nm — GPS waypoints mandatory. No anchoring on coral (UNESCO Reserve in Fakarava). Carry 3+ weeks provisions from Papeete. Cyclone season November–April.