The atolls in the north of the archipelago enclose lagoons with treasures of natural beauty. You\u2019ll find deserted anchorages that are unspoiled and truly exotic.<\/p>\n
Be careful between the atolls<\/strong>, visible only when less than 10 min away. Strong currents in the channels between the atolls. In the 76 atolls<\/strong>, there are few navigable passes<\/strong>. When there is strong SE winds or heavy swells, the current coming out of the passes can climb to 6 knots. A tidal bore can rise inside or outside of the passes. Enter during slack tide.<\/p>\n There are side markings<\/strong> in the passes of the main islands and sometimes in channels leading to villages.<\/p>\n Be careful in the lagoons<\/strong>, on-sight navigation, have the sun at your back or straight above so you can see the colors and the coral heads, as well as the pearl farms buoys.<\/p>\n Anchoring recommended<\/strong> on the east side in July-August when strong E\/SE winds blow.<\/p>\n Fresh water sources are rare. Fill up in the Marquesas and refill with rainwater if your boat doesn\u2019t have a watermaker (desalinization unit)<\/p>\nWater<\/h2>\n