Tuamotus

The Tuamotu Archipelago is the largest chain of coral atolls in the world, extending across an area roughly the size of Western Europe with around 80 islands and atolls. Unlike the volcanic islands of the other French Polynesian archipelagos, the Tuamotus rise barely above sea level; the landscape is one of low reef, coconut palms, white sand and water. A handful of uplifted coral islands are exceptions to this, Makatea being the most accessible to visiting yachts. The archipelago lies at the centre of French Polynesia, between the Marquesas to the northeast and the Society Islands to the west. Rangiroa and Fakarava are the most developed and most visited atolls; the majority of the group remains sparsely populated and sees few visiting yachts. The economy is based on pearl farming and copra production.

Pass diving and drift snorkelling are the defining underwater experiences of the Tuamotus. The passes concentrate extraordinary marine life: grey reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins and dense schools of pelagic fish. The south pass at Fakarava is the standout destination, a UNESCO biosphere reserve whose underwater walls support hundreds of resting grey reef sharks. The Wall of Sharks is among the most remarkable shark encounters in the Pacific.

For many sailors arriving from the Marquesas, Raroia is their first Tuamotu atoll and often where cruisers encounter their first passes, bommie-strewn lagoons and the need to float the anchor chain. At the north end of the atoll, the Twin Palms Yacht Club is a popular gathering point for visiting yachts. Raroia is also where Thor Heyerdahl's raft Kon-Tiki came ashore in 1947. A memorial marks the motu, which is also nesting habitat for boobies and the rare Tuamotu sandpiper.

Tahanea is an uninhabited National Park atoll, renowned for crystal-clear water and exceptional marine life. Dive the passes, such as Puapua Pass, where you'll encounter sharks, mantas, eagle rays, and an enormous variety of fish. Head to the south of the atoll where several beaches, including Tahanea Sandy Beach, are popular meeting points for cruisers.

On Fakarava, a Pearl Farm Tour offers a free guided visit to a working pearl operation, with the option of a paid lottery to extract a pearl from a selected oyster.

Polynesian tattooing carries deep cultural significance across French Polynesia, with designs rooted in genealogy, identity and the natural world. Tematakena Tattoo by Moana on Rangiroa is run by an artist from the Marquesas and has drawn strongly positive reviews from visiting sailors.

On Tikehau, you can stock up on fresh produce at the Garden Of Eden, and swim with manta rays at Motu Mauu Manta Cleaning Station.

Makatea is an uplifted coral island rising to cliffs around 80 metres, quite unlike any other atoll in the group. A phosphate mining operation ran here from 1917 to 1966, leaving abandoned infrastructure and deep pits that are now part of guided tours. The Makatea Caves offer swimming in freshwater pools. Tapu runs tours covering the ruins and cliffs, with rock climbing available. Hubert's garden and home nearby welcome visiting sailors on a barter basis. A seasonal copra farm close by offers a glimpse into one of the archipelago's primary industries.

The Tuamotus were historically known as the Dangerous Archipelago and the name retains its relevance. The atolls are low-lying and difficult to see at distance; surf on outer reefs is often heard before the land is visible. Navigation through the group demands constant vigilance, and vessels are lost on these reefs every year.

When entering atolls, currents can be strong, sometimes reaching 9 knots. Pass timing is critical; entry and exit should be made at or near slack water, approached in daylight and ideally with the sun high enough to illuminate coral heads. Tidal prediction tables for the Tuamotus are imprecise and conditions vary; local knowledge from boats already inside the lagoon is among the most reliable sources of pass timing information.

Inside the lagoons, coral heads are numerous and many are uncharted. Eyeball navigation in good light is essential. Anchoring in sand is necessary both to hold securely and to avoid reef damage; floating the anchor chain to keep it clear of coral heads is standard practice. Pearl farm buoys are present in many lagoons and some float just at or below the surface.

Makatea, as an uplifted island rather than an atoll, requires a different approach. There is no lagoon; the island is encircled by cliffs and the landing at Temao on the west coast is the only access point.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Navel / Étoile Of Amanu ★ 5.0 Amanu A serene anchorage featuring solid holding and beautiful sandy areas. Multiple visitors reported enjoyable snorkeling with sightings of mantas and eagle rays. Calm conditions from northeast winds of 10-15 knots were experienced, enhancing the ambiance.
	Hirifa, Fakarava Atoll ★ 5.0 Fakarava Tranquil anchorage with beautiful sandy patches and clear water. Activities include snorkeling, water sports, and beach walks. Visitors should exercise caution with anchoring due to potential bommies, though many have found the holding satisfactory.
	Tahanea Sandy Beach ★ 5.0 Tahanea The anchorage features sandy bottoms with good holding, recommended for snorkeling near bommies. Conditions remain calm on the east side, with pleasant paddle boarding opportunities in the surrounding area. Visitors highlight the striking scenery and the presence of nurse and black tip sharks.
	Hirifia kite and wing foil spot ★ 5.0 Fakarava Anchoring is easy, with good holding in sand and protection from prevalent winds. Clear waters and sandy shallows offer excellent conditions for swimming and wing foiling. It is considered a beautiful and tranquil setting by multiple visitors.
	Kauehi - Road ★ 5.0 Kauehi Beautiful and quiet anchorage. Clear sandy bottom and few bommies make for easy navigation. Visitors can enjoy long walks along well-defined tracks, providing a pleasant retreat from the nearby island.
	Ahe ★ 5.0 Ahe An isolated anchorage offers strong shelter from southeast to east winds. Visitors mention a strong anchor ground and the presence of large rocks. Local interactions are friendly, but limited provisions exist.
	Raroia Sand Bar Beach ★ 5.0 Raroia Anchoring conditions are favorable, even in strong east winds. Clear waters and nearby bommies enhance activities like paddle boarding and snorkeling. Multiple visitors recommend against night arrivals due to uncharted hazards.
	Eastern Makemo ★ 4.9 Makemo Calm anchorage with stunning crystal clear water and good holding in sand. Access requires maneuvering through bommies, with depths generally between 10-22 feet. Conditions are favorable for activities like snorkeling, wing foiling, and kiteboarding.
	Copra Shed, Tahanea ★ 4.9 Tahanea The anchorage features a sandy bottom with 3-4 meters of water depth, providing excellent holding. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and tranquil surroundings. It serves as a sheltered spot for riding out adverse weather conditions.
	Tahanea Middle Pass ★ 4.8 Tahanea Anchoring can be tricky due to multiple bommies, requiring visitors to float chains. The location supports excellent snorkeling with a variety of marine life and is well protected from prevailing northeast winds. A coconut cabin is available ashore for socializing.

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Moorings

	Toau southeast moorings ★ 4.9 Toau Moorings are available and well-maintained, providing protection from E and SE winds. The area features five mooring balls, with easy access to a sandy beach and good snorkeling opportunities. Inspections confirm robust chains and lines, although some moorings have been taken out of service.
	North Pass Fakarava ★ 4.8 Fakarava Mooring buoys are well-maintained and offer good holding. Conditions for swimming and snorkeling are favorable, with visibility noted as decent. Multiple reviews indicate that the area features bommies, suggesting caution with anchoring.
	Apataki Mooring Buoy ★ 4.7 Apataki The mooring buoy is frequently occupied, providing a calm spot for vessels when available. Snorkeling in the pass is highlighted as a positive feature. Depth remains consistent at 3-4 meters, suitable for various sizes of boats.
	Fakarava South Pass ★ 4.5 Fakarava Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts report excellent conditions with abundant marine life. Multiple visitors highlight the good state of mooring buoys, with specific anchorage locations mentioned for their accessibility. Overall, visitors appreciate the tranquil atmosphere with fewer vessels in recent trips.
	Toau "blind pass" (Anse Amyot) ★ 4.5 Toau Mooring opportunities are currently limited, with fewer than five functional buoys reported in recent Reviews. Visibility underwater can complicate securing lines. The site offers aids such as snorkelling and dining options with local hosts, enhancing the experience.

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Harbours

	Old Navy dock / aka “Darse Sud” ★ 4.6 Hao Sheltered anchorage with deep holding options, ideal for different wind directions. Close proximity to town enhances the experience. Facilities for anchoring outside the dock are available to avoid potential issues within the town anchorage.
	KATIU - Berthing Alongside ★ 4.3 Katiu Dock access during low slack is manageable, though current conditions may complicate entry on occasion. The community is welcoming, hosting various local festivals. Snorkeling opportunities near the dock are noted for their beauty when currents are favorable.
	Niutahi Pier ★ 3.9 Apataki The dock offers easy access to the town and is popular for supply boats arriving unexpectedly. Visitors highlight friendly locals and decent snorkeling. The generator noise from the town may be bothersome, and careful management of space is necessary due to local fishing activities.

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

Apataki Carenage ★ 4.8 Apataki Exceptional service at the boatyard is noted, with knowledgeable staff who care for boats diligently. Basic facilities are available, and the location offers beautiful surroundings and swimming opportunities. However, sourcing boat parts may require extra effort.

Useful yacht clearance links:

There are currently too few reports on yacht clearance for this part of French Polynesia. If you clear in here, please add any missing clearance markers and a short review to help others.