Huahine Fare Bay
Fare anchorage · Huahine town anchorage
16°42.8'S 151°01.4'W
Depth
3–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding in 3–10m sand/mud. Afternoon cross-swell from the west can create a gentle roll — 80m alarm appropriate. In settled conditions reduce to 65m.
About This Anchorage
Fare is the main town on Huahine — one of the most authentic and least touristy of the Society Islands. Unlike the resort-dominated Bora Bora, Huahine retains much of its traditional Polynesian character, with taro fields, vanilla plantations, and sacred eels in the freshwater river. The Fare Bay anchorage is comfortable in SE trade conditions, with a sand and mud bottom providing good holding. The town has a market, several restaurants, a few small shops, and the ferry dock. Huahine is divided into two islands (Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti) connected by a bridge. Ancient marae (stone temples) are scattered across the island — one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Society Islands. The island's relative lack of tourists makes it a favourite with sailors.
Protected From
E · SE · S · NE
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring.
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral — sand and mud only. Respect the ferry dock approach — ferries arrive daily from Papeete. Avoid the shallow water near the coral reef.
Hazards
- !Avamoa Pass entry — follow the marked channel; coral on both sides; enter in good light only
- !Western exposure — cross-swell from the open ocean can enter the bay in westerly conditions
- !Ferry traffic at the dock — daily ferries arrive from Papeete; maintain clear channel
- !Coral bommies in the lagoon — navigate carefully with chart and visual look-out
Skipper's Tips
- →Huahine is one of the most authentic Society Islands — rent a bicycle and explore the island's archaeological sites and vanilla plantations
- →The sacred blue-eyed eels in the freshwater river at Maeva village are a remarkable and uniquely Polynesian experience
- →Morning market in Fare has fresh fruit, fish, and local crafts — one of the best in the outer Society Islands
- →Avamoa Pass is straightforward in good light — enter between 10:00 and 14:00 for best coral visibility
- →Huahine to Raiatea passage is 35nm — a comfortable day sail in SE trades
Facilities
Several small restaurants in Fare town. Morning market for fresh produce. Fuel available at the dock (limited supply — call ahead). Small shops for basic provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Fare town (market, small shops) (0.1nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October. Huahine is a wonderful cruising destination — authentic, uncrowded, and scenic. One of the highlights of the Society Islands circuit.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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