Vaituha is a small valley in northwestern Eiao (French Polynesia) in which a small watersource empties into a small bay of the same name.[1] This bay is one of two reliable anchorages on Eiao. The depth of the bay is 27 meters.

Vaituha bay as seen from the ocean.
Eiao. Photo of Vaituha Bay after rains. The waters of the bay are colored red by the laterite for several days. Photo taken during the DIREN scientific mission
Vaithua bay as seen from Eiao
An image of Vaithua bay on Eiao island as seen from outer space.
Vaithua bay seen from above.

The interior end of the valley has a seasonally spectacular waterfall emptying out of a pebble beach. The high magnesium water is drinkable, but often turns the warter in the bay a shade of orange because of eroding silt after rain. This silt and color can stay for weeks and can cause ciguatera in fish.[2] The valley rises steeply to the plateau which comprises much of the center of the island, and is one of the few ascents thereto. The Vaithua Valley contains most of Eiao's flora and fauna, including wild pigs.

In 1962 - 1963, Georges de Caunes lived on the island in this bay, earning it a temporary title "Bay of Caunes." This was to preform a radio show based on the novel Robinson Crusoe. This was ended in around 100 days due to health complications.[3]

References

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7°59′42″S 140°42′24″W / 7.99500°S 140.70667°W / -7.99500; -140.70667

  1. ^ "Baie de Vaituha (Eiao) (Marquises)" (in French). Sea Seek. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  2. ^ Lambrides, Ariana & Weisler, Marshall & Charleux, Michel. (2018). New taxonomic records and regional trends for the Marquesan prehistoric marine fishery, Eiao Island, Polynesia. 9.
  3. ^ Polynésie Française [French Polynesia - Sailing Guide] (in French). French Polynesia. 2023.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)