Toau Anchorage
Toau atoll · Toau false pass anchorage · Anse Amyot
16°01.0'S 145°50.0'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding in 4–10m sand. Anse Amyot is one of the most sheltered anchorages in all of the Tuamotus — almost completely surrounded by reef. S/SE exposure is the only vulnerability. Draft restriction of approximately 1.8m for entry — deeper keels cannot enter.
About This Anchorage
Toau is an uninhabited atoll (except for one pearl farmer family) 30nm west of Fakarava — one of the most extraordinary stops in the entire Tuamotu Archipelago. Anse Amyot is a 'false pass' — a shallow break in the northwest reef that creates a perfectly protected lagoon pocket accessible only to shoal-draft vessels (maximum approximately 1.8m draught). There is no tidal current through the false pass — unlike all the real passes in the Tuamotus. Once inside, the anchorage is surrounded by reef on three sides, with turquoise water over white sand, complete silence, and one of the most beautiful and remote settings imaginable. The pearl farmer family (the Amyot family, who have lived here for decades) welcomes visiting sailors and may trade fresh fish for provisions — bring gifts from Fakarava (bread, wine, cigarettes).
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: DRAFT LIMIT: approximately 1.8m maximum through the false pass entry. Enter only at high water (check tide tables). No anchoring on coral. Respect the resident family's privacy and property — request permission before going ashore.
Hazards
- !DRAFT RESTRICTION — maximum approximately 1.8m through the false pass; deeper keels cannot enter; check your draft carefully before approaching
- !Entry only at high water — check tide tables; attempt only in good light (10:00–14:00)
- !Atoll approach — Toau is invisible until close range; GPS waypoints essential
- !Extreme remoteness — 30nm from Fakarava; no assistance available; vessel must be completely self-sufficient
- !S/SE exposure — in southerly conditions, swell can enter; monitor weather
Skipper's Tips
- →Anse Amyot is one of the most extraordinary anchorages in the Pacific — a completely protected pocket in an uninhabited atoll; if your draft allows, do not miss it
- →Bring generous trade gifts for the Amyot family — they have lived in this remote paradise for decades and welcome the connection with passing sailors
- →The snorkelling inside and just outside the false pass is pristine — virtually untouched coral and fish life
- →The 30nm passage from Fakarava to Toau is straightforward in SE trades — a half-day sail
- →Toau has no real pass — no current danger as at Rangiroa or Fakarava; the draft restriction is the only challenge
Facilities
The resident pearl farming family may offer fresh fish in exchange for provisions — bring trade goods from Fakarava. No commercial facilities whatsoever. Self-sufficient.
Nearest provisions: Rotoava (Fakarava, 30nm east) (30nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October. Toau is the Pacific's best-kept secret for shoal-draft vessels — one of the most remote, beautiful, and genuinely otherworldly anchorages in French Polynesia.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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