Tahaa Apu Bay
Apu Bay Tahaa · Baie Apu
16°37.3'S 151°26.3'W
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding in 4–12m. N/NW exposure — check forecasts for northerly swell before overnight. In settled SE trade conditions the anchorage is comfortable.
About This Anchorage
Apu Bay on Tahaa's north coast is a quiet lagoon anchorage with good holding and outstanding views — on clear days, Bora Bora's spectacular Mount Otemanu (727m) is visible to the northwest, rising above the horizon like a vision. The bay is much less visited than the southern bays of Tahaa, and the local fishing community adds an authentic character. The Raiatea-Tahaa shared lagoon is an excellent sailing ground and the passage between Tahaa's northern and southern anchorages is a worthwhile day sail. Apu Bay provides a natural stopping point on a circumnavigation of Tahaa inside the barrier reef.
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW · NE
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral. Avoid local fishing boat moorings.
Hazards
- !N/NW exposure — in any northerly swell, the bay becomes uncomfortable
- !Coral bommies in the lagoon approaches — navigate with chart and visual look-out
- !No facilities — self-sufficient only
Skipper's Tips
- →On a clear morning the view of Mount Otemanu (Bora Bora) to the northwest is extraordinary — one of the great anchorage panoramas
- →Apu Bay is a natural stop on a circumnavigation of Tahaa inside the lagoon — combine with Haamene Bay for a full circuit
- →The passage from Apu Bay to Bora Bora (25nm northwest) is straightforward in SE trades
Facilities
No facilities at Apu Bay. Nearest provisioning at Uturoa (Raiatea, 10nm). Carry all provisions.
Nearest provisions: Uturoa (Raiatea, 10nm) (10nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October. A quiet transitional anchorage between the southern Tahaa bays and the passage to Bora Bora.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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