Raiatea South Lagoon
Raiatea southern anchorage · Raiatea Tahaa shared lagoon south
16°51.2'S 151°26.7'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding in 5–15m sand. Remote anchorage in the southern Raiatea-Tahaa lagoon. S/SW exposure — check forecasts before overnight. Set anchor firmly in sand away from bommies.
About This Anchorage
The southern section of the vast Raiatea-Tahaa shared lagoon is one of the least-visited parts of these islands — a remote, peaceful expanse of turquoise water between the two islands with almost no boat traffic. The lagoon here is deep and wide with good sand holding away from the coral bommies. Both Raiatea and Tahaa are visible from the anchorage, with views of the barrier reef and the open ocean beyond. The southern lagoon is a good day's sail from Uturoa — ideal for those wanting to experience the full extent of this extraordinary 60km-perimeter lagoon. Entry to the southern lagoon requires careful chart navigation through the bommie-strewn inner waters.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral. Navigate southern lagoon in good light only — extensive bommies throughout. Verify all waypoints on current chart.
Hazards
- !Coral bommies throughout — extensive; navigate ONLY in good light with chart, depth sounder, and visual look-out
- !S/SW exposure — can become uncomfortable if southerly swell develops; check forecasts
- !No facilities — self-sufficient; carry 5+ days provisions
- !Distance from assistance — if something goes wrong, Uturoa is 14nm away
Skipper's Tips
- →The southern Raiatea lagoon rewards the adventurous sailor with complete solitude in extraordinary surroundings
- →Navigate midday with sun overhead — the water clarity makes bommies visible from the bow if the sun angle is right
- →Carry a full spare anchor — the bommie-strewn lagoon bottom can foul ground tackle
Facilities
No facilities in the southern lagoon. Nearest provisioning at Uturoa (14nm north). Self-sufficient only.
Nearest provisions: Uturoa (Raiatea, 14nm north) (14nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October only. Remote and self-sufficient — for experienced lagoon navigators only. The quietest part of the Raiatea-Tahaa lagoon system.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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