French Polynesia — Society Islands

Moorea Hauru Point

Hauru Anchorage · Club Med Moorea Anchorage · Tiahura Pass area

17°28.1'S 149°54.1'W

Depth

38m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

75m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

75m

75m for lagoon anchorage in 3–8m on sand. Well-protected from SE trades. Enter through Tiahura Pass — only in good light (10:00–14:00 best for coral visibility). Coral bommies in the lagoon — snorkel to verify sand patch before setting.

About This Anchorage

Hauru Point on Moorea's northwest coast offers a sheltered lagoon anchorage inside the fringing reef, accessible through Tiahura Pass. The lagoon here is shallower and more typical of what visiting sailors expect from French Polynesia — turquoise water, white sand, and scattered coral bommies. The northwest coast is one of the most picturesque sections of Moorea with several small motu (reef islets) providing visual interest. The Club Med resort occupies part of the adjacent beach. The area is well-protected from the dominant SE trade winds. Sunset over the open ocean from this northwest-facing position is spectacular. Several small restaurants and bicycle rental shops are in the Hauru village area.

Protected From

N · NE · S · SE

Exposed To

W · NW

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free anchoring in sand.
Permit required
No

Restrictions: No anchoring on coral. Enter through Tiahura Pass only in good light — coral heads are unmarked. Avoid the beach area immediately in front of the Club Med resort.

Hazards

  • !Tiahura Pass entry — coral heads close to the channel; enter only in good light (10:00–14:00) with polarised sunglasses
  • !Coral bommies throughout the lagoon — snorkel anchor chain after setting
  • !W/NW exposure — pass-through swells from the open ocean can enter the lagoon in westerly conditions
  • !Shallow areas in the lagoon — draft over 2m requires careful navigation

Skipper's Tips

  • Enter Tiahura Pass with the sun high and behind you (10:00–14:00) for the best visibility of coral heads
  • The sunset from Hauru Point looking west over the open Pacific is one of the most spectacular in French Polynesia
  • Bicycle is the best way to explore the northwest coast — flat coastal road runs from Hauru to the ferry dock
  • The snorkelling off the Hauru motu (small reef islands) is excellent — rays, reef sharks, and colourful fish in the clear lagoon

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Several small restaurants and snack bars in Hauru village. Bicycle and scooter rental nearby. No fuel or water at the anchorage.

Nearest provisions: Hauru village (small shops) (0.3nm)

Best Months & Season

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

May–October. Good SE trade wind protection — a comfortable anchorage in normal conditions. Avoid in any westerly weather.

Recommended Anchor Types

Rocna/Manson SupremeDelta

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m

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