Bora Bora Matira Point
Matira Beach anchorage · Bora Bora south lagoon
16°32.7'S 151°44.5'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding in 3–8m sand. Good sand bottom with fewer bommies than the central lagoon. Comfortable in SE trade conditions. 75m appropriate — reduce to 60m in settled conditions.
About This Anchorage
Matira Point is at the southern tip of Bora Bora's main island — the location of Matira Beach, widely regarded as the best public beach in Bora Bora and one of the most beautiful in the Pacific. The anchorage here is in shallower, cleaner sand with fewer coral bommies than the busy Vaitape anchorage to the north. The beach is fringed with palm trees and the overwater bungalow resort hotels are visible across the lagoon. The point itself has a small cluster of restaurants and snack bars. The anchorage is slightly more exposed to the south (unusual direction in SE trade conditions) but comfortable in normal weather. A good alternative to the crowded Vaitape anchorage.
Protected From
N · NE · E · NW
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand. Resort moorings — do not use without permission.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral. Avoid resort mooring fields. Snorkel to verify sand before setting.
Hazards
- !Resort tender traffic — motorised tenders from the overwater bungalow resorts move fast; keep clear
- !S/SW exposure — occasionally uncomfortable in unusual southerly conditions; check forecasts
- !Coral bommies present — fewer than the central lagoon but still present; snorkel to verify
- !Shallow areas near the point — use depth sounder when approaching
Skipper's Tips
- →Matira Beach is the only public beach on Bora Bora accessible without a resort day pass — walk ashore and enjoy it
- →The Bloody Mary's restaurant at Matira is a Bora Bora institution — worth a visit for the sand floor dining experience
- →The snorkelling off the point is excellent — reef fish, rays, and occasionally black-tipped reef sharks in the clear lagoon
- →Matira Point anchorage is slightly less chaotic than the Vaitape anchorage — better for a quiet night
Facilities
Several restaurants and snack bars at Matira Point. No fuel or water at the anchorage — go to Vaitape (3nm north).
Nearest provisions: Vaitape town (3nm north) (3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October. A more comfortable alternative to the busy Vaitape anchorage — good sand holding and beautiful beach access.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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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