Bora Bora Povai Bay
Povai anchorage · Bora Bora near Vaitape
16°30.4'S 151°45.2'W
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding in 4–12m sand. Adjacent to Vaitape — convenient for town access. W/SW exposure is the non-prevailing direction under SE trades.
About This Anchorage
Povai Bay lies immediately southwest of Vaitape village — the main town on Bora Bora — making it the most convenient anchorage for provisioning and customs formalities. The bay is slightly less crowded than the Vaitape town anchorage itself and offers comparable facilities access by dinghy. The classic view of Mount Otemanu is visible from the bay. Good sand holding in patches between coral bommies. The Intercontinental Resort is adjacent to the bay. A practical first-night anchorage in Bora Bora while completing formalities and provisioning at Vaitape.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral. Avoid resort water-sports areas. Standard lagoon navigation caution.
Hazards
- !Coral bommies — snorkel to verify anchor placement
- !Resort tender traffic at speed
- !W/SW exposure — uncommon but possible in unusual weather
Skipper's Tips
- →Povai Bay is the most convenient base for Vaitape town access — dinghy to the dock takes 10 minutes
- →Complete all customs, provisioning, and repairs at Vaitape before exploring the rest of the lagoon
- →The Intercontinental Resort beach bar is accessible to visiting sailors for drinks
Facilities
Resort restaurant nearby (Intercontinental). All Vaitape town facilities by dinghy — 1nm to the dock.
Nearest provisions: Vaitape town (1nm north by dinghy) (1nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October. A practical base anchorage for Bora Bora arrival and provisioning.
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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