Makatea Island, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia
The ghost island of French Polynesia. A raised coral atoll 80 metres above sea level, haunted by a phosphate-mining past and fringed by sheer cliffs — nothing else in the Pacific looks like this.
The ghost island of French Polynesia. A raised coral atoll 80 metres above sea level, haunted by a phosphate-mining past and fringed by sheer cliffs — nothing else in the Pacific looks like this.
Makatea has no lagoon and no cruise pier. All ships anchor off the west coast and ferry passengers ashore by Zodiac or tender to Temao Wharf.
💡 Pro move: Five permanent moorings were installed in late 2025, improving safety for anchoring vessels.
All cruise ships anchor offshore and use tenders or Zodiacs — there is no conventional pier.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Aranui 5 | Anchor off west coast → Temao Wharf📍 | Tendered |
| Ponant expedition ships | Anchor off west coast → Temao Wharf📍 | Tendered |
| Other expedition lines | Anchor off west coast → Temao Wharf📍 | Tendered |
Nearly all meaningful experiences on Makatea require a guide — the terrain is sharp, the caves are dark, and the ruins are unstable.
A dramatic limestone grotto featuring giant stalactites and a crystal-clear underground freshwater pool where you can swim in cool, fresh water. The island's signature experience — Makatea's name derives from the fresh water drawn from its dark caves.
Find cave tour packages →Explore the jungle-swallowed ruins of Makatea's 1917–1966 phosphate boom: rusted locomotives, railway tracks, abandoned workshops, and a crumbling cinema.
Find guided history tours →Scale the vertical limestone cliffs on a bolted via-ferrata route with fixed steel cables and ladders. The views from the top over open Pacific ocean are extraordinary.
Find via ferrata tours →Join locals in the jagged coral forest to find Kaveu — the giant coconut crab. One of the most unusual wildlife encounters in French Polynesia.
Find wildlife tours →Makatea is home to species found nowhere else on earth, including the Makatea fruit dove and the Tuamotu reed warbler. Guided walks through interior forest.
Find birdwatching tours →Walking on Makatea requires sturdy shoes — the island's surface is sharp fossilised coral that will shred sandals or thin soles.
From the Temao slipway, follow the dirt road up the cliff face to the plateau. From the Belvédère viewpoint near the village of Vaitepaua you get sweeping panoramic views of the ocean and rusted phosphate infrastructure below.
📍 Open in MapsOnce on the plateau, wander the old mining settlement at Vaitepaua. See the abandoned industrial buildings, overgrown train tracks, and rusted machinery. Stay on known paths — structures are unstable.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Makatea Island, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 25 | 5:34 AM | 6:31 PM |
| Feb | 82°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 | 5:49 AM | 6:24 PM |
| Mar | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 22 | 5:56 AM | 6:06 PM |
| Apr | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:01 AM | 5:44 PM |
| May | 81°F / 27°C | 79°F / 26°C | 20 | 6:08 AM | 5:30 PM |
| Jun | 80°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 16 | 6:18 AM | 5:29 PM |
| Jul | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 15 | 6:21 AM | 5:37 PM |
| Aug | 78°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 14 | 6:10 AM | 5:44 PM |
| Sep | 78°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 13 | 5:47 AM | 5:48 PM |
| Oct | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 17 | 5:25 AM | 5:52 PM |
| Nov | 80°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 23 | 5:12 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Dec | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 24 | 5:16 AM | 6:20 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Makatea Island, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.