Makatea Island: The Complete Travel Guide (With Map)!

Welcome to Makatea Island in French Polynesia.

Planning a trip to Makatea Island can feel overwhelming as it is so remote. Discover the tips and secrets that most travelers miss on how to get the most out of your visit!

Would you like to know what to expect from Makatea Island? Check out the video below!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• 🚤 Remote: Makatea is only reachable by boat or helicopter and has no airport, making it one of French Polynesia’s most remote islands.

• 🧗 Climbing trails: Makatea Tahiti has MORE THAN 100 climbing routes, including the Via Ferrata and cliffs up to 50 meters above the ocean (watch the video above).

• ⛏️ History: The island is a former phosphate mining hub, now showing abandoned mines and railroads as historical attractions (definitely worth checking out).

What makes Makatea Island so special?

Makatea Island is a beautiful green island in the Pacific Ocean.

It is ONE OF ONLY THREE ISLANDS IN THE WORLD with a special feature (the others are Nauru and Banaba).

Originally, it was an atoll, but over time, it was raised by the weight of volcanic islands that depressed the seafloor and created a bulge that lifted Makatea straight out of the water.

Unique ecosystem

Makatea Island has a unique ecosystem.

Most of the surrounding atolls in Makatea are only a few meters high, but this island has impressive cliffs that rise up to 320 feet (98 meters) high, with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

To imagine this French Polynesian island, you can imagine lush vegetation and rugged terrain.

The island is incredibly REMOTE, with a POPULATION of less than 100 people.

As there is no airport in Makatea, getting there requires a BOAT RIDE from Tahiti or Rangiroa (more below).

Nature and landscapes

Unique geology

Makatea Island is famous for its geological formation, which is actually where the island gets its name.

“Makatea” refers to a raised coral island, and Makatea is considered the highest raised coral atoll.

Unlike some neighboring atolls, surrounded by lagoons, so they have a peaceful and paradise-looking lagoon, Makatea doesn’t have this.

Instead, it has a reef drop that goes steeply into the deep ocean, creating cliffs and rugged landscapes that define the island’s wild beauty.

Makatea’s coastline is an almost continuous band of sedimentary rock that reaches 40 to 75 meters (131 to 246 feet) in height.

Stunning beaches and clear waters

Even though Makatea Island is famous for its cliffs, it also has pristine beaches.

These secluded beaches have soft white sand and clear, turquoise waters.

Given that this island is so remote and not reachable by plane, there is almost no tourism (except for some sailors and the people arriving through the Aranu5 cruise).

So you’ll likely have the island and its beaches all to yourself.

The warm water invites you to dive in and explore, offering excellent visibility for snorkeling.

List of beaches on Makatea Island

Tereia Beach:

The most famous beach on the island, with white sand and clear waters. It’s perfect for a quiet day by the sea.

Vaiare Beach:

A smaller, secluded beach. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, it provides an intimate, peaceful atmosphere.

Hiti Beach:

This quieter beach is ideal if you want to escape into nature. It offers a more rugged feel, with rocks surrounding the shoreline.

Teura Beach:

Known for its crystal-clear waters and shallow reefs, making it perfect for a quick swim or snorkeling.

How to get to Makatea Island

Makatea is a remote island in the Tuamotu Archipelago in French polynesia.

As there is NO AISTRIP ON THE ISLAND, reaching Makatea requires dedication, but the journey is well worth it.

By boat to Makatea Island

The best way to reach Makatea is by boat from Rangiroa.

You can sail from either Tahiti (Papeete) or Rangiroa. The trip from Tahiti to Rangiroa takes 1 hour by plane.

Once you’re in Rangiroa, there are two options to get to Makatea:

• Aranui Cruise: This cruise ship also delivers merchandise to the island and carries passengers. It runs on a specific schedule, so it’s best to plan your trip around the ferry’s timetable. The ferry journey takes five days, and you will visit five Tuamotu islands.

• Charter catamaran: If you want to be flexible, you can also charter a private catamaran, with or without a skipper from Tahiti or Rangiroa. The catamaran journey to Makatea typically takes about a night’s sailing.

By helicopter

If money is no object, you can choose a helicopter ride from Tahiti to Makatea.

Transport on Makatea

Makatea is relatively small, with a landmass of only 14 square miles, and there is just one small road on the island.

Since there are NO CAR or MOTOR scooter rentals, you best go around on a bike or foot.

Bikes are usually available if you’re staying at a Tahitian Guesthouse.

If you’re staying on a sailboat, you’ll dock at the Temao quay and explore the island on foot. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.

Best things to do on Makatea Island

Now that you know why the island is so famous and how to get there, you want to learn how to enjoy it.

Let’s take a closer look.

Rock climbing on Makatea Island

Makatea is famous for its ROCK CLIMBING. The first trails were opened in 2019, and today, there are over a hundred, worth 10 miles (16 kilometers) of cliff-face climbing trails.

Some trails even rise to 50 meters above the Pacific Ocean

The most famous trails is the ‘VIA FERRATA’ trail, equipped with cables, ladders, and ramps, takes about 45 minutes to complete.

All of the climbing routes range from 4th and 5th grades (over 30 lines) to challenging climbs, including 18 6a’s, 16 6 b’s, 6 6c’s, 11 7a’s, 6 7 b’s, 4 7c’s, a couple of 8a’s, and a single 8b for the most experienced climbers.

Best climbing routes on Makatea Island

Temao

Located in the north-west of Makatea, near the port, Temao is a climbing area right on the white beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The dark, sharp rock formations are dominated by large holes that create dramatic rock columns.

Most of the routes here are single pitches in the 5th and 6th grades, though there are also multi-pitches and some harder climbs up to 7c.

Canyon de Moumu

On the eastern coast of Makatea lies the Canyon de Moumu, an ideal sector for BEGINNERS.

This area has 20 routes in the 4th and 5th grades, with climbs averaging 15 meters long.

The dark-grey rock, full of holes, provides an excellent starting point for newcomers to sport climbing.

Moumu Nord

Heading to the northeast of Makatea, the landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic.

Moumu Nord offers a spectacular climbing experience, with white vertical cliffs on the beach and steep overhangs above the water.

This area has over 25 routes, mostly in the 7th grade, offering a challenge for experienced climbers.

Athlete Nina Caprez praised this area as offering “40 meters of pure blank walls, with perfect pockets and cracks. Above the sea, we equipped routes on steep and perfectly shaped rock—quality far above what we could have ever expected.”

Acropol

In the southeast of Makatea, the Acropol sector has massive rock formations with huge holes and caves.

Most routes here fall within the 5c to 6b range, but there’s also a short multi-pitch route that offers breathtaking views over the ocean.

Hiking on Makatea Island

Makatea is famous not only for its rock climbing trails but also for its hiking trails.

One of the most popular and rewarding hikes is the trail leading to the summit of Mount Puutiare, at 370 feet (113 meters).

The hike takes about an hour to reach the top, where you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of the island and the surrounding Pacific Ocean. Perfect to take an Instagram-worthy picture!

Another superb trail is the Niania trail, which leads to a viewpoint. This trail is steeper and more dangerous, taking about 15 minutes to complete.

DID YOU KNOW: When you walk around the island, you can also see agricultural initiatives along the road, such as bee hives, vanilla plants, and dried coconut, which can be sold for its oil?

Snorkeling and diving

Makatea is a unique and fascinating destination for snorkeling and diving, with a complex system of partially submerged caves and underground formations.

DID YOU KNOW: Divers have explored the underwater labyrinthine network, but the depths remain largely unexplored, so there are no official statistics about how widespread the cave system really is.

Makatea is home to THREE freshwater caves fed by the groundwater table.

The most popular cave is called Hina, where families and children love to dive from the cave’s walls into the cool, refreshing water.

Inside the larger chambers of the cave, you’ll find stalactites and stalagmites.

The caves played an important role in Makatea’s cultural history. Some were used for purification rituals during ceremonies, while others served as sites for sacred burials.

The Vaimarui cave is also visit-worthy, with its elephant leg-shaped stalactite.

According to local legend, touching this formation with your left hand while making a vow will bring you good fortune.

Ecotourism experiences

Makatea is not only a destination for adventure but also for sustainable travel and ecotourism.

Phosphate mines tour

To learn more about the island’s phosphate history (see below), join a local guide to explore the island’s phosphate mines.

Located in the middle of a dense jungle, you’ll come across a vast, barren stretch of land known as ‘the Sahara‘.

The area is filled with deep holes, remnants of the island’s mining operations. Some of these holes are nearly 300 feet (91 meters) deep, so it’s important to be careful.

Flora and Fauna of Makatea Island

At Makatea Island, you can find many RARE and some of the most beautiful fauna and flora in the world.

Take a look at our table below to discover the best fauna and flora found on Makatea Island, Tahiti.

Makatea Tahiti also has endemic birds and plants and some of the only remaining primary forests in this part of the South Pacific.

History of Makatea Island

Through history, we always find ourselves gaining a deeper understanding and greater appreciation for the island.

Especially when we discover its past.

Millions of years ago – atoll

The island of Makatea was originally an atoll.

Due to a geological shift of tectonic plates, the island was raised 100 meters above sea level, with thousands of tons of phosphate encased in its rocks and forming limestone cliffs.

The phosphate-rich sand beneath the surface became crucial later in the island’s history.

DID YOU KNOW: Phosphate is a key ingredient for fertilizers, munitions, and pharmaceuticals, and global demand began to rise in the 19th century with the growth of modern agriculture.

1917 – The treasure

Phosphate mining began on Makatea after the discovery of valuable minerals.

The island’s economy shifted as phosphate became its most important export product.

DID YOU KNOW: Today, the island’s biggest export is the coconut crab Birgus latro, the world’s largest land invertebrate. However, locals say that it’s hard to make a decent living in Makatea these days.

1920s-1960s – Industrial activity on Makatea

The island’s population grew from a few hundred to around 3,000 people as foreign laborers arrived to work in the mines.

The island’s industrial development took shape, including the creation of the first railroad in French Polynesia.

The railroad transported phosphate from the island’s mines to the port.

From the 900 hectares of the island, 11 million tonnes of phosphate-rich sand was dug by hand out of naturally occurring limestone cylinders.

DID YOU KNOW: Every day, up to 800 barrowloads of phosphate were extracted from this site, making it an important historical site for the island.

1950s – Modernization

The island saw a boom in modern amenities; locals had microwave ovens, while much of French Polynesia still used traditional earth ovens.

It was a period of prosperity for the island.

1962 – The fall

Phosphate mining operations ceased as the island’s phosphate reserves were largely depleted.

The mining industry’s decline caused a major reduction in population and activity on the island.

The population of Makatea dwindled to less than 100 people. The once-thriving industrial sites were abandoned, leaving behind rusting locomotives, old mining equipment, and railroad remnants.

Today – The tourism industry

The mining ruins have become a tourist attraction.

You can explore sites like The Sahara, a barren area filled with deep mining pits (some up to 300 feet deep), and the old railroad.

Today, only La Compagnie Francaise applied for a mining concession to remove any remaining phosphate.

Even though the island’s beauty has returned, the industrial past remains part of its identity.

Best times to visit Makatea

Makatea, like all islands in French Polynesia, has a tropical climate that is warm and year-round.

However, the best times to visit are during the dry season (May to October).

The month of May is the beginning of the dry season and also the start of the peak season.

You can expect DAILY temperatures around 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F), so it’s warm but not too hot for physical activities.

During these months, RAINFALL IS RARE, with an average of 3 to 5 rainy days per month. When we say rainy days, we mean 3-5 days where it rains in a burst before you have the sunny skies again (a bit like British weather). 

This is because of the trade winds that make the heat less intense.

At night, temperatures decrease slightly to 17 degrees (65 °F), perfect if you want a cool breeze for evening walks or beachside dinners.

Through AccuWeather, you can check the weather live!

Where to stay on Makatea Tahiti?

When it comes to accommodation in Makatea, there are no large hotels or resorts, only charming Tahitian Guesthouses, which are friendly, family-run establishments.

Tahitian guesthouses

• Meals included: Typically, your stay at these guesthouses will include home-cooked meals, often made with fresh local ingredients. These meals are part of the accommodation price and are a great way to experience traditional Tahitian cuisine.

• Guided excursions: Many guesthouses offer guided tours of the island, including excursions to the island’s mines, caves, and cliffs, which are often included in your stay.

• Friendly and familial atmosphere: Expect a more intimate and personal stay where you can engage with the local community. You may find that hosts offer rides to tourist attractions or lend you bicycles for easier exploration of the island.

Catamaran accommodation

If you arrive on a catamaran charter, you will sleep on board the boat.