Fakarava Tetamanu — South Pass
Tumakohua Pass anchorage · Fakarava south pass · Tetamanu anchorage
16°18.5'S 145°34.0'W
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding in 4–12m sand. UNESCO Reserve — anchor in sand ONLY. S/SW exposure — in southerly conditions the anchorage can develop uncomfortable swell. The remoteness and the whale sharks make this one of the most special anchorages in the Pacific.
About This Anchorage
Tetamanu is the tiny settlement at the south end of Fakarava atoll — the southern pass (Tumakohua Pass) — and is perhaps the most remote anchorage in the inhabited Tuamotus. A handful of pearl farmers and guesthouse operators live here; there is no road, no regular supply ship, and almost no tourist infrastructure. The Tumakohua Pass is famous worldwide for its whale shark aggregations during June–August when dozens of whale sharks gather in the pass to feed on coral spawn. Swimming with whale sharks here — some reaching 8–12m in length — is a genuinely extraordinary experience. The diving at both the north wall and the south wall of the pass is world-class. The snorkelling in the pristine inner lagoon near the village is exceptional. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve rules are strictly enforced.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — NO ANCHORING ON CORAL; strictly enforced. ENTER TUMAKOHUA PASS AT SLACK WATER ONLY — current 3–4kt. No disturbing whale sharks — approach protocols (no fins, no bubbles from scuba in whale shark zones). Very limited anchor space — arrive early.
Hazards
- !TUMAKOHUA PASS CURRENT — 3–4kt; ENTER AT SLACK WATER ONLY; the whale sharks are in the current but you still cannot enter with current running
- !UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — NO ANCHORING ON CORAL; snorkel to verify sand before setting; significant fines
- !Extreme remoteness — 55nm from Rotoava, 450nm from Papeete; vessel must be fully self-sufficient; emergency assistance is many hours away
- !S/SW exposure — in southerly weather the anchorage can become uncomfortable
- !Limited anchor space — arrive by 14:00 to secure a suitable sand patch
Skipper's Tips
- →The whale shark aggregation at Tetamanu (June–August) is one of the great wildlife experiences on Earth — snorkelling alongside 8m whale sharks in pristine water
- →Approach the whale sharks respectfully — no fins near the animal, no sudden movements, and no scuba bubbles in the whale shark zones
- →The Tetamanu guesthouse will prepare a meal if requested — genuinely warm Polynesian hospitality in the most remote setting imaginable
- →The 55nm transit inside the Fakarava lagoon from Rotoava to Tetamanu is one of the great passages in the Pacific — extraordinary colours, absolute solitude
- →Check weather carefully before leaving Rotoava — you cannot return against a strong SE trade wind in the southern lagoon
Facilities
Tiny Tetamanu village guesthouse offers meals for visiting sailors. Very limited provisions — carry everything from Rotoava (55nm north) or Papeete. Self-sufficient.
Nearest provisions: Rotoava (Fakarava north, 55nm by lagoon) (55nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August for whale sharks. May and September are excellent for diving without the crowds. Completely remote — one of the most extraordinary anchorages in the entire Pacific.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In a remote Tuamotu atoll lagoon, dragging onto coral bommies at night with no assistance for hundreds of miles is a catastrophe. Safety Anchor Alarm is the most important safety tool on your boat in these waters — after your life raft.
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