Tahaa Haamene Bay
Haamene Bay · Tahaa vanilla island anchorage
16°41.7'S 151°29.6'W
Depth
5–18m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for excellent mud holding in 5–18m. One of the most sheltered bays in the Society Islands — could reduce to 60m in the inner anchorage. Mud holding is excellent once the anchor is set through the soft top layer.
About This Anchorage
Haamene Bay on Tahaa — the 'vanilla island' — is one of the most deeply sheltered and atmospherically special anchorages in the Society Islands. Tahaa produces 80% of French Polynesia's vanilla and the air around the bay carries a faint, intoxicating vanilla scent. The island shares its barrier reef with Raiatea and the two islands are visible from each other across the shallow lagoon. Haamene Bay cuts deep into the eastern flank of Tahaa, offering excellent mud holding and extraordinary protection. Small vanilla and pearl farms operate along the shore — many offer tours to visiting sailors. The anchorage is tranquil, beautiful, and utterly removed from the tourist industry of Bora Bora.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SE · W
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral — mud and sand only. Respect the pearl and vanilla farm moorings.
Hazards
- !Deep water throughout much of the bay — calculate scope carefully; 5–18m range
- !Pearl farm lines and buoys — navigate around farm structures carefully
- !No fuel or water — carry sufficient supplies from Uturoa
- !Mosquitoes at dusk in the sheltered bay — screens and repellent required
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrange a vanilla plantation tour — watching vanilla orchids hand-pollinated and the curing process is fascinating; most farms welcome visiting sailors
- →The combined Raiatea-Tahaa lagoon is one of the finest sailing grounds in the Society Islands — circumnavigation of Tahaa inside the reef is a wonderful day sail
- →Haamene Bay to Apu Bay (northwest Tahaa) is a short scenic lagoon passage — explore both in the same day
- →The pearl farms offer excellent prices for Tahitian black pearls — significantly cheaper than Papeete jewellery shops
Facilities
Small local restaurants in nearby Haamene village. Vanilla and pearl farm tours available — some include refreshments. Nearest full provisioning at Uturoa (Raiatea, 8nm).
Nearest provisions: Haamene village (small), Uturoa (8nm) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October. One of the most serene anchorages in the Society Islands — the vanilla scent, excellent holding, and complete shelter make it ideal for a rest day or two.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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