Raiatea Uturoa
Uturoa Marina · Raiatea main port
16°43.7'S 151°26.5'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding in 5–15m. Larger radius recommended due to variable depths and the need to avoid the ferry channel. Reduce to 65m in settled conditions.
About This Anchorage
Uturoa is the administrative capital of the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia and the main port on Raiatea — the sacred island at the spiritual heart of Polynesian culture. Raiatea was the ancient centre of navigation from which Polynesian voyagers set out to populate Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island. The island shares its lagoon with Tahaa (the vanilla island) and both are surrounded by the same barrier reef. Uturoa has the best provisioning in the Leeward Islands — a market, several supermarkets, chandleries, and fuel dock. Multiple charter companies are based here. The famous Marae Taputapuatea (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is on Raiatea's east coast — the most sacred marae in all of Polynesia. The anchorage south of the marina is comfortable in most conditions.
Protected From
E · S · SE · NE
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring. Marina berths available at approximately XPF 1,500–3,000/night.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral. Avoid the ferry and cargo ship approach channel. Respect the charter company dock areas.
Hazards
- !Ferry and cargo ship traffic in the harbour — maintain clear channel and watch for large vessels
- !Charter traffic — many charter yachts navigate the lagoon; some on inexperienced crews
- !Western exposure — afternoon roll from SE trade winds crossing the lagoon; bearable but not ideal
- !Coral bommies in the lagoon — standard navigation caution applies
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit Marae Taputapuatea on the east coast — the most sacred archaeological site in the Pacific; accessible by day charter or rental car
- →Uturoa market is excellent for fresh produce and local crafts — open mornings except Sunday
- →Raiatea is the best place in the Leeward Islands to provision before Bora Bora or the return to Papeete
- →The lagoon between Raiatea and Tahaa is superb sailing — protected water, good wind, and beautiful scenery
- →The passage from Raiatea to Bora Bora (25nm) is a classic day sail in the SE trades — straightforward in good conditions
Facilities
Market and several supermarkets in Uturoa town. Good range of restaurants and cafes. Fuel dock. Chandlery. Best provisioning in the Leeward Islands.
Nearest provisions: Uturoa town (market, supermarkets) (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October. Raiatea is the sailing hub of the Leeward Islands — well-positioned for exploration of the shared Raiatea-Tahaa lagoon and for passages to Bora Bora.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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