ATUONA

• PFAUQ
• Latitude: -9.80583
• Longitude: -139.037
• South Pacific
• Port in French Polynesia

Location: French Polynesia

Certainly! Here's a detailed description and specifications for the marine port of Atuona in French Polynesia:

Port Description: Atuona

ATUONA is a small port located in the Marquesas Islands, part of French Polynesia. It is situated on the southern coast of Hiva Oa Island, which is one of the main islands in the Marquesas archipelago. Atuona is the administrative center of the commune of Hiva Oa and is renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. It is perhaps most famous for being the final resting place of French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel.

Given its remote and relatively underdeveloped nature, the port serves primarily as a docking point for smaller vessels, including local ferries, fishing boats, and occasional yachts. Atuona port provides essential services for the local population and visiting vessels, but facilities are more limited compared to larger commercial ports.

Port Specifications:

• Location Coordinates: Approximately 9°48' S latitude and 139°01' W longitude.

• Docking Facilities:

  • Type: Small pier.
  • Length: The pier can accommodate vessels up to about 50 meters in length.
  • Depth: Depth alongside the pier varies from 4 to 6 meters.

• Anchorage Details:

  • Type: Open roadstead; vessels generally anchor offshore.
  • Holding Ground: Good holding in sand and mud.
  • Depth: Anchorage depths range from 10 to 20 meters.

• Mooring: Limited mooring buoys available.

• Navigational Aids:

  • A small lighthouse or leading lights may be present to assist with nighttime navigation. Detailed charts are recommended for safe entry.

• Facilities and Services:

  • Fuel: Limited availability, typically diesel fuel can be arranged.
  • Water: Freshwater supply is limited but available.
  • Provisions: Basic provisions can be sourced from local shops.
  • Repairs: Limited repair services, mainly for minor repairs.
  • Communications: Basic; mobile phone services are generally available.
  • Customs & Immigration: Check-in facilities for arriving yachts and vessels.

Port Usage:

• Commercial Traffic: Primarily local commercial traffic for supplies and inter-island ferry services.
• Fishing: Local fishing boats regularly use the port.
• Tourism: Visited by yachts and small cruise vessels as part of the Marquesas Island tours.
• Cultural Significance: Points of interest include the graves of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, and historical sites related to Marquesan culture.

Climate:

• Tropical Climate: Warm and humid year-round.
• Rainy Season: Typically from November to April, which can affect sea conditions.
• Trade Winds: Prevailing winds from the southeast during the dry season.

Access:

• By Sea: Approaches can be challenging due to the remoteness and potential for heavy swells, particularly during the rainy season.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Atuona Airport (also called Hiva Oa Airport), which has flights connecting to other islands in French Polynesia.

For mariners planning to visit the port of Atuona, it's advisable to obtain updated nautical charts, check for local notices to mariners, and ensure that vessel provisions and maintenance requirements are self-sufficient given the limited infrastructure.

Whether you're planning a visit by sea or are simply looking to understand marine operations in this part of the world, Atuona port provides a glimpse into the unique and remote maritime activities in the Marquesas Islands.