Mangareva - General Info
Where is Mangareva?
The Gambier Islands lie about 1000NM southeast of Tahiti and consist of 14 small, mountainous islands within the one lagoon. The largest and most populated is Mangareva whose main village is Rikitea with its impressive cathedral. Most of the population live in this village. The whole archipelago represents a small but protected and diverse cruising area.
Entrance Notes and Cautions for Mangareva:
The islands are surrounded by a diamond-shaped outer reef that is mostly submerged in the south and west, while the northern and eastern sides are a barrier reef with several motus.
There are three passes into the Gambiers: NorthWest Pass, SouthEast Pass and South West Pass. The northwest pass leads into the only true channel into the lagoon and is well marked, wide and deep. Keep the red markers on your left (IALA buoy system A – Europe).
There are lots of pearl farms located throughout the lagoon. Most are marked with pearl floats. However, some floats maybe just under water and not all pearl farms are buoyed. If approaching an area that is either marked as a pearl farm or where you see buoys, keep a really good watch.
Warnings:
- The Gambier Archipelago has a high incidence of ciguatera poisoning – be very cautious about eating fish here. If in doubt – as the locals.
- Unprovoked shark attack, near the Airport Island, aside the Fausse Passe, False Pass, May 2024. Read details at https://www.oceancruisingclub.org/home/news/2716
Cruiser Highlights for Mangareva:
Pearl farms, convents, watchtowers and schools from the 1800s, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. Great hiking above Rikitea.
Position – entrance to Rikitea:
23° 07.20’S, 134° 57.31’W
Last updated: May 2024
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Related to following destinations: French Polynesia, Gambiers, Mangareva
Port Navigation
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Anchored in Gambier, French Polynesia near the Airport Island, aside the Fausse Passe, False Pass, unprovoked Shark Attack May 2024. Read OCC member SV Kisadee’s account what happened and the steps they took to salvage the situation. Lessons for us all. https://www.oceancruisingclub.org/home/news/2716
A violent incident occured in Taravai Gambier French Polynésia 17 May 2021.
(Philippe) Hervé Tuihani and his wife were well known as friends of cruisers in Gambier. They organise BBQ, pétanque/volleyball and sell vegetable from their home. Jean Charles Schneider and Hervé disagreed about COVID and visitors (sailors ) to the island. Hervé threatened to beat up Jean Charles if he approach Taravaï . But Jean Charles returned to Taravaï 6 months later on 17/5/2021 with his partner and two friends to help an other inhabitant in a other achorage. Hervé Tuihani arrived on a surf board and uninvited boarded the sailing boat whilst underway. Hervé directly approached Jean Charles . Without provocation Hervé violently attacked Jean Charles. During the sustained attack the partner of Jean Charles intervered to calm the situation and Hervé left. Jean Charles immediatly returned to Rikitea for medical assistance and support. We saw Jean Charles one hour after the attack with his face completely deformed and in shock. Jean Charles sought medical assessment and diagnosed with multiple fractures to his face and missing teeth. His treatment required two operations in Tahiti and he has not fully recovered. The attack was investigated by the Police. Hervé was charged and found guilty of the violent assalt. Procédure 17/05/2021 Rikitéa Nmr P.V. 00174 Natinf : 7183 You might consider if you want to visit Taravai (it’s not Hervé’s island)
There is no ATM or bank at Gambiers, no way of obtaining cash if you didn’t bring dollars which the post office will exchange for you. Some shops accept Visa/MasterCard.
Is it possible to obtain Diesel there?
Or any supplies at all?
Thank you!
No supplies. You can oder 200 liters of Diesel each 3 weeks with the vessel ” Taporo” .
Since august 2021 you can obtain cash