Mangareva - Docking
It is recommended to go ashore on arrival and ask the locals where it’s permitted to anchor (etc.) See this cruiser report for some useful tips and updates – Making Sense of Anchoring Restrictions.
Anchorages on Mangareva
A buoyed channel leads into the anchorage inside the reef, off the main settlement at Rikitea. This anchorage is very safe and offers good protection. Cruisers have been known to leave boats there, unattended for weeks or months.
There are also good anchorages away from Rikitea offering good snorkelling/diving and beautiful beaches. However it is advisable to check first as some locals are not that welcoming to cruisers.
Taravai
There is a good anchorage between the islands of Taravai and Agakauitai, which is close to the village of Taravai where Herve and Valerie host a Sunday get-together and BBQ for cruisers.
See the Comments section about an incident that occurred on Taravai between a local villager and the skipper of a yacht at anchor.
Airport anchorage
On the eastern fringes of the Gambier. Be aware that a cruiser snorkeling the Fausse Passe, False Pass, from this anchorage in May 2024 suffered an unprovoked shark attack in May 2024. More details can be found here.
Totegegie
There is a ‘hole’ here that provides a lot of room to anchor away from coral heads.
Last updated: May 2023
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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