Bora Bora Faanui Bay
Faanui anchorage · Bora Bora north lagoon
16°28.9'S 151°46.6'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding in 5–15m sand. N/NE exposure toward the pass — in northerly swell the bay can become uncomfortable. 80m appropriate given the depth range. Snorkel anchor chain to verify sand placement.
About This Anchorage
Faanui Bay on the north shore of the Bora Bora lagoon is one of the less-visited parts of the lagoon — calmer and with fewer charter boats than the busy Vaitape area. The bay is historically significant as the site of a major American supply base during World War II (1942–1945) when the US used Bora Bora as a key Pacific logistics hub. Remnants of the base — concrete docks, fuel storage pits, a coastal gun emplacement — can be explored by dinghy. The anchorage has good sand holding and beautiful lagoon views. The Passe de Tevairoa (north pass) is approximately 2nm to the northeast — the only entry point into the lagoon.
Protected From
S · SE · E · W
Exposed To
N · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral — sand only. Navigate carefully around the WWII dock remains. Shallow areas near the bay head.
Hazards
- !N/NE exposure — in northerly conditions or when swell enters through the pass, the bay can be uncomfortable
- !WWII dock remains underwater — navigate carefully with chart; concrete structures can foul anchor
- !Coral bommies — snorkel to verify anchor placement
- !Depth range (5–15m) — calculate scope carefully for the deeper areas
Skipper's Tips
- →Explore the WWII American base remains by dinghy — the concrete dock, gun emplacement, and fuel storage are fascinating historical artefacts
- →Faanui is significantly quieter than the Vaitape anchorage — good for crew resting after a long passage
- →The views of Mount Otemanu from the northern lagoon are outstanding — the classic Bora Bora panorama
- →The pass (Passe de Tevairoa) is clearly visible to the NE from Faanui — ensure you are well anchored before the northerly trades push through the pass
Facilities
No facilities at Faanui Bay. Nearest provisioning at Vaitape (3.5nm south). Carry all provisions.
Nearest provisions: Vaitape town (3.5nm south) (3.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October. A quieter corner of the Bora Bora lagoon with historical interest. Good alternative to the crowded Vaitape area.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In Bora Bora's shallow lagoon, anchor drag at night means coral bommies in the dark. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — protecting your vessel while you sleep under the stars of the South Pacific.
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