Bora Bora Hamoa Bay
Hamoa anchorage · Bora Bora east lagoon
16°29.8'S 151°43.1'W
Depth
3–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding in 3–10m sand. E/NE exposure — in strong trades from the east, some chop may develop. Comfortable in most conditions. 75m appropriate.
About This Anchorage
Hamoa Bay on the eastern side of the Bora Bora lagoon is a quieter alternative to the busy Vaitape anchorage — sheltered from the prevailing W/SW winds and with excellent sand holding. The eastern lagoon generally sees fewer charter boats than the west side. The morning view of Mount Otemanu reflected in the calm eastern lagoon is extraordinarily beautiful. The local fishing community uses this area, and the atmosphere is more authentic than the resort-dominated west coast.
Protected From
W · SW · NW · S
Exposed To
E · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral — sand only. Navigate the eastern lagoon in good light.
Hazards
- !E/NE exposure — in fresh trade winds from the east, some chop develops; not ideal in strong SE/E conditions
- !Coral bommies — fewer than central lagoon but still present; snorkel to verify anchor placement
- !Navigate eastern lagoon in good light only
Skipper's Tips
- →The Mount Otemanu sunrise from the eastern lagoon is spectacular — caught in morning light before the W-facing Vaitape side
- →A quiet and authentic Bora Bora anchorage — the best alternative if Vaitape is overcrowded
- →Vaitape (2nm west by dinghy) is easily reachable for provisioning
Facilities
No facilities at Hamoa Bay. Nearest provisioning at Vaitape (2nm west). Carry all provisions.
Nearest provisions: Vaitape town (2nm west) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October. A quieter corner of the Bora Bora lagoon — recommended for sailors wanting the experience without the charter traffic.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In Bora Bora's shallow lagoon, anchor drag at night means coral bommies in the dark. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — protecting your vessel while you sleep under the stars of the South Pacific.
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