By George.Curtis2 - 17 Mar 2016
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Mr John in Fiji (Kindle Ready)Rough guide to some of Fiji 's cruising grounds
Viani Bay – 16°55.99 'N, 179°53.25 'E
Fawn Harbour – 16°44.03 'N, 179°42.83 'E
Naiqaiqai – 16°43.12 'N, 179°53.55 'E
Savu Savu - Vanua Levu – 16°47.00 'S, 179°20.00 'E
Savusavu – 16°46.70 'N, 179°20.00 'E
Suva – 18°07.24 'N, 178°25.30 'E
Kavala Bay – 18°58.88 'N, 178°25.12 'E
Dravuni Island – 18°45.28 'N, 178°31.27 'E
Gt Astrolabe reef - Dravuni Island – 18°45.00 'S, 178°31.00 'E
Namara Island – 18°47.17 'N, 178°29.74 'E
Kadavu Village – 19°02.69 'N, 178°29.15 'E
Beqa Lagoon – 18°24.00 'S, 178°04.50 'E
Sawa-I-Lau – 16°51.00 'S, 177°28.00 'E?????
Saweni Bay – 17°38.74 'N, 177°23.55 'E
Blue Lagoon – 16°57.00 'S, 177°22.00 'E
Musket Cove – 17°46.24 'N, 177°11.33 'E
Navadra Island, Mamanucas – 17°27.52 'N, 177°02.69 'E
Yalobi Bay – 17°18.58 'N, 177°07.37 'E [
Nalauwaki Bay, Waya Island – 17°16.32 'N, 177°06.72 'E
Narewa Bay, Somosomo, Naviti Island – 17°04.87 'N, 177°16.60 'E
Lautoka – 17°36.20 'N, 177°26.20 'E
Vuda Point marina – 17°41.00 'S, 177°23.00 'E
Land Harbour/Nadala Bay, Yasawa Island – 16°49.43 'N, 177°27.58 'E
Koroinasolo Bay, Vanua Levu – 16°44.03 'N, 178°31.72 'E
Bua Bay – 16°52.10 'N, 178°34.79 'E
Notes on the whole of Fiji.
It is worth noting that the current military government of Fiji is not in any way antagonistic to foreigners who visit the country, rather the reverse. We had some reservations about visiting Fiji because of the non-democratic nature of the regime and some of the measures it has taken to restrict freedoms in the country. We have to say that there were no obvious signs of repression in Fijian daily life. Those Fijians, both Melanesian and Indo-Fijian, with whom we raised the topic seemed happy with the stability brought by the regime and with its stated policies of national unity and integration. However, it was clear that they did hope for a return to constitutional democracy in the near future as well as a return to normal social and economic relations with other South Pacific countries, including Australia and New Zealand.
We made use of the Calder cruising guide for Fiji, which we found quite useful when used in conjunction with appropriate charts. Much of the non-navigational information is now out of date. For much of Fiji waters, CMap is quite accurate but not to WGS84 datum, thus caution is required in its use. Much of the charting is also fairly small scale. Navigational marks shown on charts for Fiji waters are not at all to be relied on. Many have disappeared and the function and position of those that remain is not always clear.
The Lau Islands
These are east of the island group. DO NOT stop there on the way west without having first cleared though one of the Ports of Entry. (Heavy fines). There is a political struggle between Lau and central government. Your cruising permit will now include the Lau Islands automatically; however the islanders apparently seek to charge yachts for anchoring - canoes may come to the yacht and ask for payment but it is important to make sure you are paying the right people. This is best left until you have landed and conducted your SevuSevu with the village elders.
Bligh Water
Bligh Water is the area of open deeper water between the two main islands. It is the only area in Fiji which can really be sailed across safely at night – so long as one reaches the other side in good daylight. This may require a certain amount of speed control especially when heading west with the trades.
Yadua Island
Yadua Island is reputed to be a delightful place to visit. Sadly we were unable to do so, as in 2010 all foreign yachts were banned from visiting. We heard that this was because crew from a sailing yacht had stolen rare iguana eggs from this area of scientific interest, earlier in the year.
Kadavu
Kadavu Island is one of the larger islands of the Fiji Group. With its attached reef complex of Great Astrolabe reef, it comprises a small cruising ground in itself. The island’s villages are generally more traditional than many on the two main islands and are less developed.
Vanua Levu southwest Coast Passage
The trip inside the fringing reef from Yadua Passage on the west coast to Nasonisoni Passage on the south coast can be made in one day. There are no remaining navigation marks apart from some small buoys in Nasonisoni Passage, so good light is important to pick out the reefs and a few isolated dangers. It is a good plan to time this trip for favourable tide in Nasonisoni Passage. In general this is an easy trip from east to west and harder the other way, when lighter winds are preferable.
Viani Bay16:44.995S/179:53.246E, mooring
This bay is on the south-eastern corner of Vanua Levu, opposite the coast of Taveuni Island. There are several passes into the Bay, but the easiest entrance is through the pass to the northeast of the Bay itself. Though there is a shallower spot in this pass it is easily avoided. The Bay extends to the west. There are potential anchorages on the north and south sides of the bay. That on the south side, tucked in an angle of a reef gives quite good protection from the southeast trades. It is also possible to anchor off the village at the head of the bay. The most attractive spot is on one of Jack Fisher’s two moorings off his house just south of the village at the head of the Bay. Caution is needed approaching the moorings as there is a reef between the anchorage immediately off the village and the moorings themselves. There are bommies strewn throughout the western end of the bay near the anchorage and moorings.
Jack is very welcoming and friendly to cruisers. He is something of a Fiji institution. For a small sum ($F10 per person in 2010) he will act as your guide for snorkelling or diving on Rainbow Reef, showing you where to anchor and where the best parts of the reef are. If you wish for somewhat more he will also accompany you to Taveuni to see the waterfalls and act as boat guard, as the there have been some thefts from yachts left unattended on the Taveuni side. Jack is also a mine of information about Fijian flora and a short hike into the bush with him is an education.
The village itself is welcoming. There is no need to do sevu sevu. There are no supplies.
Fawn Harbour 16;44.026S/179:42.831E, 14m, sand
Though the water is not terribly clear, the pass going into the harbour is distinct in reasonable light conditions, as is the curving pass between the reefs leading to the anchorage among the mangroves to the west. There is a significant tidal flow for which allowance must be made in choosing an anchoring position. There is good protection in moderate conditions. Though we did not test it, there is an anchorage position further in, in the cove extending westwards behind the second reef and mangroves. This would also be less affected by tidal current and might give better protection in stronger winds. There is good fossicking on the reef at low water, though one must be a little careful of the grounded moray eels, which may snap at one’s feet!
Viani Bay16:44.995S/179:53.246E, mooring
This bay is on the south-eastern corner of Vanua Levu, opposite the coast of Taveuni Island. There are several passes into the Bay, but the easiest entrance is through the pass to the northeast of the Bay itself. Though there is a shallower spot in this pass it is easily avoided. The Bay extends to the west. There are potential anchorages on the north and south sides of the bay. That on the south side, tucked in an angle of a reef gives quite good protection from the southeast trades. It is also possible to anchor off the village at the head of the bay. The most attractive spot is on one of Jack Fisher’s two moorings off his house just south of the village at the head of the Bay. Caution is needed approaching the moorings as there is a reef between the anchorage immediately off the village and the moorings themselves. There are bommies strewn throughout the western end of the bay near the anchorage and moorings.
Jack is very welcoming and friendly to cruisers. He is something of a Fiji institution. For a small sum ($F10 per person in 2010) he will act as your guide for snorkelling or diving on Rainbow Reef, showing you where to anchor and where the best parts of the reef are. If you wish for somewhat more he will also accompany you to Taveuni to see the waterfalls and act as boat guard, as the there have been some thefts from yachts left unattended on the Taveuni side. Jack is also a mine of information about Fijian flora and a short hike into the bush with him is an education.
The village itself is welcoming. There is no need to do sevu sevu. There are no supplies.
Naiqaiqai 16:43.121S/179:53.547E, 13m, mud & sand
The anchorage is in a pool just inside the relatively narrow, but deep entrance. There is room for three or four boats. Protection is good from any direction but north. There is significant tidal flow through the anchorage. There is no village. It is possible to take a dinghy some way up the river at high water through the quite dense mangrove swamp. There are all sorts of passages, which are clearly used by some locals on rafts. The main channel is fairly clear, but some care must be taken not to be stranded up a dead end on a falling tide.
Savusavu – 16°46.70'N, 179°20.00'E
Savusavu has become something of a cruiser crossroads. It is a Port of Entry and most yachts arriving in Fiji from the east tend to clear in at Savusavu now. Official procedures are well organised by either the Copra Shed Marina or Wairui Marine, both of which rent moorings in the well protected Nakama Creek. Prices are very reasonable. There is virtually no room to anchor within the creek. Water is available at the docks and fuel, by can, from the petrol station on the front. There are a number of small supermarkets for supplies and some engineering and electrical services are available in the town. Internet was available from a centre at the Copra Shed Marina building. Parts can be shipped in from Suva or Nadi quite quickly. There are air and ferry links to Suva and Nadi. Savusavu controls the northern division of the islands and it is necessary to do at least an internal check in here. There are a variety of small restaurants in Savusavu. There are a few ‘hurricane moorings’ operated by the marinas on which boats can be left during cyclone season. There are buses across the island to the larger town of Labasa on the north coast. A trip there makes a nice day outing through the lush tropical flora of the south half of the island, followed by the dry cane fields of the north.
1) Information Submitted by John & Pat Driscoll - Moonlight of Down Substantially updated by David Caukill, Serendipity
2) Date 1997 (Updated 2012)
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Savu Savu - Vanua Levu, Fiji 16 47’ S 179 20’ E
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts: Savu Savu is a good port of entry for yachts approaching Fiji from the east. Whilst the clearance procedures are the same as Suva, the process is a lot less fraught. Savu Savu makes an excellent cruising base for the, at present, little cruised area around Vanua Levu, Taveuni and the reefs to the NE.
5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage. The Copra Shed Marina CSM) is close to the centre of town. It has eight alongside berths and about 30 swinging moorings. Watui Marina nearby also has about 20 swining moorings. There is also some anchorage space with good holding for perhaps 10 yachts at the north end of Nakama Creek.
CSM has modern building and facilities. Waitui is more basic but more helpful.
6) Entry Ports Savu Savu, Levuka, Suva and Lautoka.
7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing:
a) from/to same country Yes. Cruising Permit required before leaving initial Port of Entry. The marinas can organise that by fax in 24 hours. From June 2012, (Public Circular 2/2012) there is no longer need to give an itinerary nor clear in and out of each port. You need to clear out of SavuSavu but you clearance is for any Fijian Coastal water within the bounds of our Crusing Permit (which now includes the Lau Islands automatically- see 19).
b) from/to abroad The Fijian authorities now need 48hrs prior notice of your arrival - easiest by email. Download form CSC from www.frca.org.fj/docs/customs_forms/Inward.doc and follow instructions. ).
On arrival Advise either Watui or Copra Shed Marina (Ch 16) of arrival. They will arrange for the Health & Agriculture officers to board the vessel. Following Quarantine clearance. Customs and Immigration will normally visit the yacht. Biosecurity clearance is ashore in the marina office. though Customs may visit the yacht to check . Prepare 3 copies of Crew list.
The procedure, whilst slightly lengthy, is not onerous and can take most of the day if you arrive in Savu Savu with a group of yachts.
Yachts must clear in within 24 hours of arrival and MUST NOT go ashore or have physical contact with anyone before hand.
Fees are (2012): Health/Quarrantine F$172.50; Biosecurity F$90; Overtime charges F$ 76.50 (outside office hours).
12 months stay without duty.
See Para 19) re duties on alcohol.
c) visa requirements UK citizens are automatically granted a 4 month stay which may be extended. Other nationalities should inquire before arriving.
8) Location/Existence of:
a) harbour master. There is no port authority. Yachts are marshalled by the marinas
b) customs/immigration. Modern building midway between Watui and Copra Shed (CSM) marinas
c) health authorities. Hospital about F$8 return taxi fare. Need to go there to pay Health Quarrantine charges.
d) police Gov’t building in town, 300m E of CSM 9)
10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen The officials are mostly pleasant but the process is cumbersome and can take some time.
11) Repair/Hauling Facilities No haul out facilities. Nearest is Port Denaro or Vuda Point at Lautoka. Most trades available there.
12) Sailing Directions or Charts BA charts 440 & 378.
13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail
"Mr John in Fiji" See link in Publications page.
Curly Carswell (Ch16; curlycarswell@gmail.com) a seasoned cruiser is based in Savu Savu. He gives excellent 3 hour seminars on his boat twice a week as a result of which we completly changed our crusing plans. He also sells chartlets with routes and way points for F$25.
14) Port Radio Services None. For yachts one of the marinas on Ch 16.
15) Weather Forecasts. Cruiser net each morning at 08.30. All weather information originates from the Fiji Meteorological Service at Nandi Airport. Copies of the S.W. Pacific Islands Area Weather Fax are posted at the marinas daily. Suva Radio 3DP gives Weather Messages on 4372 Khz (Ch 406) & 8746 Khz (Ch 810) J3E at 1203, 1603, 2003 & 0803 FST (ZD-12). Radio Fiji Gold on their MF and various FM frequencies together with Radio FM96 after news broadcasts.
16) Yacht Club(S) Savu savu Yacht Club is located at the Copra Shed. It has bar facilities. Cruisers are invited to take out an optional Boat membership for F$10 for the year.
17) Other Facilities:
drinking water Bulk from the CSM Fuel Dock. Containers can be filled by hose at the dinghy dock.
fuel CSM Fuel dock. gas (propane)/gaz FijiGas supplies Propane at depot 3 kms E of town. Instant fill has adapters for most types of bottles.
bank Westpac & ANZ in town.Three ATMs.
shops/market Small supermarkets provide adequate provisions. Market is small but has good local produce. Butcher, small, but good fresh local meats.
Restaurants/hotels; Surf and Turf (excellent food; north end of town with own dinghy dock). Josephs DeckOut Cafe; Hot springs Hotel (pizzas) . Captains Table (CSM) good food, slow service. Captains Cafe CSM) (Pizza). Many small Indian and Chinese restaurants in town. Cousteau resort about 5 km south. Excellent and accordingly pricey.
post office/telephones including mobile facilities
PO-yes. Vodafone and Digicell prepay mobile phones are cheap - all calls including to international (e.g. UK) landlines - are F$0.60 per minute all over Fiji
Internet cafes
There is wifi available in most cafes - slow with limited bandwidth. There is also public wifi but hese are expensive (F$20 per day). Mobile 3G coverage is excellent F$30 per Gigabyte all over Fiji. 3G npt available outside major towns so speed suffers (a lot!)
best mailing address c/o Copra Shed Marina, PO Box 262, Savu savu, Vanua Levu, Fiji.
Showers - marinas
Laundry - marinas
transport/air services Cheap buses and taxis. International flights from Nadi. 3 local flights daily to/from Nadi.
medical facilities/hospital Basic hospital with Doctor & Pharmacy in about 2 kilometre north of town in Savu savu. SavuSavu Medical Centre is a good private surgery - near the Hot Spring Hotel (Tel 885 0721)
Good hospital in Labasa 1½ hours or 3 hours by bus. Good private dentist in Labasa..
18) Recommendations or Warnings Firearms must be declared and will be removed ashore. Supposed be returned on final departure.
19) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting.
Alcohol &Tobacco Duties.
Yachta are assessed duty on all alcohol on board on arrival. Duty free allowances are 2.25 litres of spirits and 4.5 litres of either or both wine and beer (500 cigarettes); these are per person allowances. If declared on entry, duty on the excess will be about F$1-1.50 per 33cl tin and F$45 per litre spirits.
Yachts may be searched for excess alcohol. Undeclared goods will be confiscated. Stores can not be bonded on vessels less than 200 GRT.
Excursions
A bus trip over the mountain to Labasa, particularly to visit the colourful Saturday market, is recommended. Return the same day or via Matawa Bay (8 hours) the following day.
Suva 18:07.244S/178:25.300E, 10m, mud & sand
With Papeete and Noumea, Suva is one of the most important urban centres in the South Pacific Islands. Staff at the Royal Suva Yacht Club (RSYC) are helpful and the Club is generally welcoming to visiting cruisers. The Club will arrange clearance and transport of officials to anchored yachts, though it does charge a significant fee, around F$40, for this service. There is no guarantee that officials will come for clearance procedures in any great hurry. A wait of a couple of days is not unusual. This compares poorly to Lautoka or Savusavu, where clearance proceeds quickly, though with considerable paperwork. There is a small charge for quarantine inspection, but no other charges. Fiji operates a regional system of internal clearance, so it is necessary to clear out from Suva to head either west toward the area controlled from Lautoka or north to the area controlled from Savusavu. The customs office is at the commercial dock, Queens Wharf.
Most visiting cruisers anchor in the area off the RSYC. There are various small ships and fishing vessels on moorings whose swing must be taken into account. The anchorage area also shoals quite sharply inshore, as a result it is a longish dinghy ride to the Club.
One of the primary reasons for clearing in at Suva is that one can make direct application to the appropriate ministries for a cruising permit and any special permit to visit the Lau Group. The regulations for these permits change regularly, so it is worth seeking up-to-date information if necessary. Most of the ministries are at the northern end of the town along the sea front.
Fuel and water are available at the RSYC, but only by jerry can. There are several supermarkets in town a half hour walk from the Club or short taxi ride. Taxis are not expensive. There is also a very large market for fresh produce. Upstairs in this market one can buy yagona (kava root). It is necessary to stock up with some wrapped packages of the root as sevu sevu presents for chiefs at any villages one visits. We have had various recommendations as to the appropriate amount. In the end it seemed to us that about 300-350 grams was about right, though stall holders will try to sell you 500 grams in Suva, while those in Savusavu seemed to think that 200 grams was quite enough.
Yacht specific equipment is generally not available in Suva, though general hardware is. Parts and equipment can be shipped to the airport at Nadi on the western side of Viti Levu, where it may be best to clear them through customs oneself. From Suva Nadi Airport is a 5 – 8 hour bus ride away or a 4 hour expensive and hair-raising taxi ride! There are over-night ferry services to Savusavu from Suva.
Internet and telephone facilities are available in town from several providers. There are several banks with ATMs, which accept foreign cards.
Kavala Bay 18:58.877S/178:25.116E, 14m, mud & sand
This is a long bay providing good shelter from all but north-east winds. The best anchorage is in the south-west corner of the bay off the concrete jetty below the store. There is water on the jetty and some basic supplies at the store. Caution! When approaching the anchorage it is essential to avoid the reef which extends half-way across the bay from the point on the southern shore near the western end of the village. (The extent of this reef is not adequately illustrated in the Calder guide). It is marked by a post at its northern end. Leave this post to port as you approach the anchorage. The northern arm of the bay shoals rapidly. There is good holding in sand and mud. Sevu sevu is not necessary here unless one plans to visit one of the villages.
Beqa Lagoon – 18°24.00'S, 178°04.50'E
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Tim & Annabel Finding – Casimir, 2) DATE August 1996
3) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Beqa Lagoon, Fiji Lat & Long 18º24?S 178º07E
4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Beautiful anchorages with protection available in all wind conditions by moving within the lagoon. Excellent snorkeling. Proximity to Suva makes this an ideal first taste of outer island life within close range of reprovisioning.
17) RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS We presented Sevu-Sevu to the chief of Rukua village. The chief of Yanuca Island collected his kava by boat as the village is on the opposite side of the island with no anchorage. Stewart Island and the small motu on the northern reef are both excellent snorkeling/lunch stops.
18) OTHER INFORMATION Tides: Springs. 1.8m Neaps. 0.9m Approach And Entry: We approached from Suva through Sulphur Passage, which was easily found even in poor conditions. With eyeball navigation we visited Rukua village, Stewart Island and Yanuca Island where we found a variety of anchorages around the coast althought there is no suitable anchorage off the village. We left the lagoon via the passage to the northwest of Yanuca enroute to the Coral Coast.
Dravuni Island 18:45.285S/178:31.270E, 12m, sand & coral
The island has an attractive, well-maintained village and has occasional visits from small cruise ships. As a result, there is a floating pontoon, which makes dinghy landing easy, though the beach is also reasonably accessible. The anchorage gives adequate protection in settled conditions only. There is good holding in sand with some coral. There is a nice short hike up to the lookout on the hill at the western end of the island for views over the whole area of the Reef. Permission should be sought from the chief to visit neighbouring Namara Island. Sevu sevu is expected and the chief will want to see your cruising permit.
Gt Astrolabe reef - Dravuni Island – 18°45.00'S, 178°31.00'E
The reef is well charted, but many of the navigational marks have deteriorated or disappeared. As in most of Fiji waters, good light and sensible coral pilotage procedures are essential. There is good snorkelling and diving in many places within and just outside the reef. There are a number of useful anchorages, but most are suitable only for moderate trade wind conditions.
Namara Island 18:47.175S/178:29.742E, 10m, sand & coral
The island is uninhabited. It is small and pretty with beaches and some reasonable snorkelling. The anchorage on the north side gives reasonable protection from moderate trade winds in settled conditions. There is good holding in sand with some coral.
Passage along the south coast of Kadavu
The Calder guide gives a good, clear description of the twists and turns of this passage. For most of the way the channel is fairly clear, but the shallowest part has an S bend where it is necessary to feel one’s way very carefully. There are some marks at the beginning and end of this section which give some indication of the channel at this point. Good light is essential.
Kadavu Village 19:02.693S/178:29.152E, 11m, mud & sand
This is a friendly, fairly traditional village built on the bank of a small river. The anchorage is in a reef-fringed pool where there is swinging room for one yacht. The best time to approach the anchorage is toward low tide, as the run-off from the river makes the reef hard to make out even in good light. There is good protection west through north to east. Though open to the south, the anchorage is sufficiently protected by reefs to be tenable in light to moderate south-easterly trade wind conditions. There is good holding in mud and sand. The dinghy landing is at the school and is approached along a channel on the eastern shore of the anchorage. Children from the village will almost certainly want to guide you into the village. Ask to see the chief and do sevu sevu. In 2010, the chief was Monassa. He and his wife, Millie, were very welcoming. Both speak English. Do not carry bags on your shoulder or wear sunglasses in this village.
Saweni Bay 17:38.738S/177:23.549E, 5m, sand (inner anchorage)
This is a pleasant anchorage with good protection from all directions except north. There is an inner basin fringed by reefs, with room for perhaps four or five yachts. The outer anchorage, beyond the two arms of the reef, is still well protected, but deeper. There is good holding in sand. There is a picnic area beyond the little beach, which can be busy with locals at the weekends. The beach is an easy dinghy landing. Just up from the beach there is a very small shop. It is a 15-20 minute walk up the small road to reach the main Nadi-Lautoka highway, where there are plenty of buses into Lautoka. The motel on the west side of the bay no longer seems to welcome cruisers.
Blue Lagoon – 16°57.00'S, 177°22.00'E
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Tim and Annabel Finding - Casimir David Caukill - Serendipity
2) DATE 1996 Update 2012
3) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Blue Lagoon, Yasawa Group Lat & Long 16º57?S 177º22?E
4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Beautiful anchorage between sandy, palm strewn islands. Excellent snorkeling. Protected in most prevailing wind conditions
l) transport/air services) . Local boats run to Lautoka (7 hours). Medical facilities/hospital No anything else. Blue Lagoon Cruise ships visit daily but have a separate anchorage at the south end of Nanuya-Sewa so are not intrusive on the yacht anchorage
17) RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS We presented Sevu-Sevu to the lady chief who lives on the shore and had a very interesting stay, learning much about the local lifestyle and customs. The easy walk to the hilltop gives beautiful panoramic views of the islands
18) OTHER INFORMATION Tides: Springs. 1.8m Neaps. 0.9m Approach And Entry: We approached from the north and easily followed the channel marked by beacons which is described clearly in both pilot books. The cruise ships use the western channel when going north and Kubo Pass when going south.(Serendipity (2012) used the eastern passage which is also well marked and alittle eaiser than the North.) The anchorage is large and at one point during our stay there were 12 yachts anchored, as it is one of the highlights of the Yasawa Group.
Musket Cove 17:46.243S/177:11.335E,
mooring No. 2 (anchorage is approx 200-300m west)
Musket Cove Resort and Marina is one of the few Fijian resorts to actively welcome cruisers. It also stages the annual Musket Cove Regatta in September. There is a small, well protected marina with stern-tie berths, power and water. A large number of moorings are also available. If all these are taken there is room to anchor, but it is very deep. There are fuel and food supplies available ashore, although the food is expensive. All facilities of the resort are available to cruisers including bars, restaurants and swimming pools. There is one computer available for Internet at the resort office. There is wireless Internet access on purchase of a card.
Information dating back to 2000:
18) Recommendations or Warnings
A good place for relaxing. Excellent snorkelling, swimming and diving. The staff are very friendly, helpful and welcoming. Approach and Entry; The passage in to Musket Cove is marked by beacons, but good visibility is important as there are many submerged reefs along the passage and approaching the anchorage. Give the beacons a wide berth as they are located on the tops of the reefs. The entry is well mapped in both pilot books. Tides: Springs. 1.8m Neaps. 0.9m
19) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting. Dive School runs courses, guided dives, can refill bottles. A busy place, which many yachties visit and enjoy. Fiji Regatta week is based in Musket Cove and there is a whole week of activities and racing before the fleet leaves on the Port Vila race. The regatta is very popular and the Port Vila Race includes Customs and Immigration coming over to deal with the formalities. It is the only permissible way of buying duty free alcohol before leaving Fiji!!
The following flyer was received from Musket Cove in November 2003: Musket Cove FLYER There have been vast improvements since those early days in the eighties when you had to drag your dinghies across the sand flats to deep water. Today there is a deepwater channel leading into an modem marina, plus there are deepwater moorings. At the marina and the inner basin there is room to moor 50 yachts stem to, as well as some all weather long term moorings. In the bay there are 21 deepwater swing moorings and still plenty of room to anchor. There is now an all tide haul-out slipway and at the marina there 's a fuel dock where yachts can also take on water and obtain LPG gas refills. Ashore there is a sizeable ablutions block providing showers and toilets as well as a self- service laundry facility. The Marina Office provides a mail holding and redirection service, monitors VHF channel 68 and provides international telephone, fax and internet services as well as daily weather fax reports. The Dive Shop provides dive tank refills. All provisioning needs can be obtained from the Trader Supermarket, which also has a coffee shop. Wine and liquor sales are available at bottle shop prices from the resort.
Visiting yachts people can use all the facilities of the resort and when friends and relations come to visit the 4-Star Musket Cove Island Resort can accommodate upwards of 150 people in a variety of accommodations ranging from hotel rooms to individual traditional bures to self-contained villas. Here life is soft and easy where a quiet drink at yacht club prices with like-minded people at the famous Ratu Nemani Island Bar can be followed by an informal barbecue meal or a gourmet meal at Dick 's Place Restaurant or the Marina Coffee Cove, or maybe the traditional Fijian feast with spit-roasted pig. At the Resort adjacent to a relatively new dining and terrace area there is a 1 million litre free form swimming pool, which is available for use by visiting yachties. The resort also hires out golf buggies and bicycles. On the plantation side of the airstrip there is a 9-hole golf course available for everyone.
Musket Cove is serviced by 3 return Malolo Cat (a fast motor catamaran) services daily, which operates between the resort and Port Denarau. There are also regular Sun Air flights between Malolo Lailai Island and Nadi Airport throughout each day. Musket Cove is more than just a marina and a resort - it is a very special blissful location in the South Pacific, which has caused more that a few yachties to utter the prayer, "When I go to heaven...........let it be Musket Cove."
Navadra Island, Mamanucas 17:27.525S/177:02.689E, 20m, sand & coral
This is a pretty, uninhabited island with lovely white sand beaches and some quite good snorkelling. The anchorage gives reasonable protection in moderate trade wind conditions, but is open to the west and north. The anchorage is fairly deep with good holding in sand. The anchorage is often crowded and a small local cruise ship may come occasionally and take up much of the swinging room.
Yalobi Bay, Waya Island 17:18.583S/177:07.372E, 14m, sand & coral
Waya is the southern-most island of the Yasawa Group. Yalobi Bay at the south end of Waya is an attractive anchorage off a large village. The anchorage is open to the south and southwest, but gives good protection in normal trade wind conditions, with good holding in sand. This is a popular anchorage and like most in the Yasawas, the villagers are used to visiting cruisers. In 2010 the chief was Tom with whom sevu sevu should be done. He spoke good English and was welcoming to cruisers. For the intrepid there is a steep path over the hill above the anchorage to the neighbouring village on the east side of the island. There is an alternative anchorage to the southeast off the village at the north end the smaller island to the south of Waya. This anchorage might give better protection in stronger south-easterly trade winds.
Nalauwaki Bay, Waya Island 17:16.324S/177:06.716E, 14m, sand & coral
Nalauwaki Bay at the northern end of Waya is a large bay with several anchorage options. The most attractive anchorage is north of the village along the western shore, where projecting reefs should be investigated with care before anchoring in sand. However, it is also possible to anchor more in the middle of the bay toward the mouth of the stream which enters the bay east of the village. In strong conditions the bay might be subject to williwaws coming down from the high hills which surround it. Nevertheless, protection is good east through south to west. The bay is open to the north.
Narewa Bay, Somosomo, Naviti Island 17:04.875S/177:16.605E, 16m, sand & coral
Narewa Bay is a beautiful anchorage well north of the village of Somosomo. There is an extensive fringing reef off a long beach. The anchorage is well offshore, but is very well protected from even strong trade winds. There is good holding in sand. There is a path to the village for those who wish to make the hike, or it is possible to anchor further south into the broader bay off the village. Sevu sevu is not necessary if you do not visit the village. There are a few basic supplies available in the village. Fishermen may stop by to sell fish or lobster. There is a path from the beach to the windward side of the peninsula. Clara and Sanita live there. They are both quite old now, but are interesting to meet, as they are living very much in the traditional Fijian manner. She speaks excellent English. A small present of tinned food or batteries would be welcome. There is the wreck of an American WWII plane off the beach near their compound. Divers may be interested in exploring it.
Lautoka – 17°36.20'N, 177°26.20'E
Lautoka is a large town with services second only to Suva. There is a good market and bus services to both Suva and Nadi, as well as some ferry services to Vanua Levu.
Lautoka is a port of entry and controls clearance into the western division of the islands, which includes the Yasawas. If clearing in from abroad it is essential to take the boat to the anchorage off the Customs offices at the commercial wharf. If obtaining an internal clearance, it may be possible to leave the boat anchored in Saweni Bay, a pleasanter spot close-by, and bus into the offices with all papers. We have done this twice with no problem, but have heard of others who were required to bring the boat up to town. Saweni Bay is technically within the port of Lautoka.
Vuda Point Marina is near Lautoka. The marina is considered a reasonably safe place to leave a boat during cyclone season, either in the water or hauled out with the hull lowered into a tyre-lined pit. There are some yacht services at the marina.
A somewhat more modern and up-market marina is at Denerau, near Nadi. There are a variety of yacht services available there.
Vuda Point marina – 17°41.00'S, 177°23.00'E
1) Information Submitted by George Curtis
2) Date 2002
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Vuda Point marina, West Coast of Viti Levu, Fiji 17deg41’S;177deg23’E
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts The new Marina at Vuda Point is excellent and is as cyclone proof as I could imagine. They also provide cyclone holes on the hard. The workshop is improving under the supervision of a South African engineer and the travel lift is now in full operation. Definitely a real alternative to sailing south for the cyclone season
5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage 80 afloat and 40 hard standing berths. We obtained a visitors berth in October 2002 but it might be prudent to call ahead –Tel 679 668214 Email; vudamarina@is.com.fj Rates start at $F2.20 per foot per week with discounts for longer periods.
Land Harbour/Nadala Bay, Yasawa Island 16:49.433S/177:27.579E, 14m, sand
Yasawa Island is at the northern end of the group and is subject to generally stronger winds than further south as the southeast trades accelerate between the two main islands of Fiji. Land Harbour is at the southern end of Yasawa Island on the west side. The approach to the anchorage is easy and well charted. There is good holding in sand and plenty of swinging room. There is good protection from any direction but northwest. However, even the relatively low hills to the east of the anchorage produce pronounced williwaws in stronger conditions. There is a path to the village located on the south side of the island.
Koroinasolo Bay, Vanua Levu 16:44.030S/178:31.716E, 6m, sand & mud
This long bay is very well protected from all directions except north. In sunny, settled weather a light to moderate day breeze blows into the bay from the north. The head of the bay shoals abruptly onto a shelf, which is coral at the sides and silt toward the head. There is good holding in sand and mud. There are some stick markers to show the best route into the beach below the village for dinghy landing. The small, neat village is fairly traditional and the usual customs should be observed and sevu sevu done with the chief, Lianisi in 2010, who was very welcoming but spoke little English, though his son and daughter did. The village is pretty, but there are no supplies. The village men dive for beche de mer on the outer reefs.
Bua Bay 16:52.100S/178:34.793E, 11m, sand
A convenient anchorage on the west side of Vanua Levu, particularly if beating southwards against wind and current in the narrow channels on that side of the island. There is no village nearby. The palm trees on the peninsula give reasonable protection from even strongish trade winds. There is good holding in sand.
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