There is a small harbor in the NE corner of the bay by Hanavave, protected by a substantial breakwater. Inside there is a quay and launching ramp. Dinghies should be tied to the main quay wall and a stern anchor used.
Try to anchor near the quay in about 10 metres, but there is left over rubble on the seabed from when the breakwater was constructed.
Strong accelerated winds sweep down the valley and gusts of up to 50 knots or more have caused more than a few boats to drag anchor into each other in this quickly deepening anchorage (>20 metres further out) There are also parts of the bay where shallow sand exists over rock, so it is essential you check your anchor is holding tight.
There is a small quay in Omoa bay with a line where you can tie up your dinghy safely away from the big surge.
Dinghy thefts have been reported here in the past, so be sure to padlock your dinghy and outboard and raise both at night.
Last updated: June 2024
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Through 2022 and 2023 we have visited many places throughout French Polynesia.
Comments and feedback have been compiled into one report with some brief notes below.
https://www.noonsite.com/report/french-polynesia-cruiser-report-from-maria/
Fatu Hiva – Bay of Virgins
S/Y Jamala
February 2023
We arrived here from the Gambier islands just as the French navy ship was leaving. When we were here in 2019 and 20 there was a French navy war ship here then too. They must frequent this bay. We try to anchor nearer to the quay in about 10 metres but there is left over rubble on the seabed from when they made the break water. A local came out in his dinghy and pointed to the best sandy spot to put out anchor. It held immediately. There were 6 other boats in this bay, it can get quite crowded and is deep ( 20m ) further out.
S/Y Lady Jane
May 2019
Fatu-Hiva for Noonsite
We anchored in Fatu-Hiva before we had cleared in. There was only one boat who had cleared on at Hiva Oa and made the trip back to Fatu-Hiva .
It didn’t seem to be a problem, all boats flew their french flag ( no Q flag) and turned off their AIS.
You can arrange to have dinner or lunch at some local houses.
We had dinner at Kathy’s house $19 (US) per head. Bring your own alcohol or fruit juice is included in the price.
We went to dinner at SiSi’s ( next door) on another evening $15 per head. They know that people don’t have the local currency.
If your going to walk and climb to the waterfall, wear sensible shoes and take water. Follow the road straight until you reach the number 2 on the road and the turn left.
The locals will also arrange to take you to the next village either by car or by boat. If they take you by boat then you will need to walk back. It’s about 10k +, up and down hill!
There’s a shop in the village( painted green) and it’s on the right hand side.
There were quite a few boats here, only one had been to Hiva Oa first to clear in. There is no gendarmerie here and all locals know that no one has cleared in yet. It doesn’t seem to be an issue and previous reports about advising people that you have arrived appear to be old.
We anchored fairly near to the shore at 11 metres but you can go further in to approx 5metres. It gets very windy here as the wind funnels down through the bay.
See our website for photos etc
http://www.untilthebuttermelts.com
Yacht Jacaranda visited Fatu Hiva Island in July 2015. Their passage notes give great detail, wonderful photographs, and are a worthwhile read before visiting here.
See http://www.jacarandajourney.com/#!79-marq—fatu-hiva/c1x13