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©© Grégoire Le Bacon
The coast of Ua Huka

Discover Vaipaee bay in Ua Huka

Vaipaee, the invisible bay

Boats don’t notice it…

Visit Vaipaee bay. From above you can see how really narrow it is.

Sea-Seek, sailing guide.

"The head of the bay is quite calm but the swell from the south makes it unnavigable"

A bay that’s not easy to reach

If you’re in Ua Huka, you will very likely visit Vaipaee, on the south coast. Situated at the head of a bay, it is the biggest of the island’s three villages. Due to the extremely narrow mouth of the bay (200 m), and its sharp curve, it is known as the invisible bay’. Ships out in the ocean don’t usually even spot it! The best way to see it is from above.

There is a scenic viewpoint from where you get a view over the whole bay. If you happen to be there when the ‘Aranui cargo ship calls, you’ll be able to admire the navigational skills of her captain as she makes a 180° turn in the narrow bay. Then you can watch as her passengers and freight are ferried to the quay in small boats.

Culture

Museums of Ua Huka

Museum of Wood, museum of the Sea, museum of Petroglyphs, museum of Te Tumu…
Experience

Our recommendations in Ua Huka

Want to see more?

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