For boats
More
general information about Uturoa you will find there:
http://www.wesailors.com/marina/profile/889/
Approach
Passe
Teavapiti is the main all-weather entrance and exit pass on the east coast for
the port of Uturoa. There are two floating buoys at
the entrance outside of the reef, a green conical buoy on starboard and a red
cylindrical buoy on port. Located north of Motu Taoru, this main shipping pass
to Uturoa has good leading mark on 258 magnetic. The smaller pass to the south
of Motu Taoru should not be used, as it is quite narrow and has strong
currents.
When you
are inside the lagoon go North following the red/green marks (red to port,
green to starboard). You will see a wharfs on your port side with buildings on
background.
Wharfs /
town quays:
You can
moor anywhere except in front of Shell Station and places signed as reserved.
But there is still places for about 15 boats. If there is no free place ask to
berth long side to other boats.
Berthing
there could be uncomfortable if strong NE-E wind is blowing. If there is some
waves in the lagoon they slap at the quay, and it is pretty loud.
There is no
electricity and water on the quays.
Remember,
you are right in town, accessible to anyone who walks by. Few theft and
boarding was noted in the past. Secure your expensive equipment on the deck.
Fuel
There is a
Shell station in the center of the town, which has a guest dock, but does not
offer duty free fuel.
The Total
station is located just north of the Marina
at the head of the small inlet adjacent to the municipal marina, and Total does
offer duty free diesel.
Water
Available
on the Shell Station dock for 2000 XPF. Ask in the office before mooring there.
Provisions
In the
downtown there are at least 3 supermarkets including Champion. Many products
with prices a little higher than in Papeete.
You can buy
some fresh fishes and seafood directly from the fishermen’s boats in the main
harbour (center of the city).
Outside of
Uturoa, there are not many places to reprovision.
Bank / ATM
There are
two banks in Uturoa with ATM’s – easy to find in downtown.
Internet:
Internet
available at the wharf – WDG Hot Spot, but it’s paid (1hr – 500XPF; 5hrs
2000XPF; paid by card via internet). Vini Spot available close to the main post
office with high antennas (also paid).
There is a
WiFi in few restaurants (e.g. La Cubana) near the wharfs in the center of the
town.
Other:
The main
post office is located at the main road to the center (look for high mast). The
second one is located in shop complex near the wharfs.
There is a
hospital, dentist and veterinary.
For crews
Uturoa is
second largest city in Polynesia, but do not
expect a big city. There’s only 12000 inhabitants. All shops, restaurants, foot
trucks are around the center of the city. You can visit some bars, restaurants
and souvenirs shops.
There is
good sport shop called Havait Shop with e.g. snorkeling stuff.
Don’t miss
it. Amazing arrival / departure of Hawaiiki’nui Va’a (pirog race) in late
October/early November.
You can
rent a car or scooter and do a trip around the island. Coast about 7000XPF for
scooter and 8000-12000 for a car. There are few offices.
There is a
small dive center in the marina Uturoa. The most famous diving spot is wreck of
Nordby (3 masted, 100 y.o. ship). The pass is also worth to visit. One dive 6500
CPF.
There is a
second dive center located at Apooiti Marina. You can call or e-mail them
and make an reservation. They will pick
you up from your place.
Hiking.
There is a nice 1 hour hike up to Tapioi Hill, the peak topped by big
antennas
behind Uturoa. It's an easy to moderate hike, took about 1 hour. From the town,
walk north along the inside road (not the one along the water that goes to the Total
Station). Pass the main Post Office and just before the Gandarmerie turn left
into the narrow road. Follow this road, you
will see a sign that indicates hikers are welcome but cars are not. From there,
keep going up the hill. On a clear day the views are spectacular - you can see
Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Huahine. Take
with you a bottle of water.
Fees
Wharf berth
– free
Water at
Shell Station – 2000 XPF
Rent a
scooter – 7000 XPF
Rent a car
– 8000 and up
Diving - 6500 XPF one dive (if you have certificate)