Anchoring, Things to Do, Provisioning and More in Kadavu
Set your sights on Kadavu (pronounced “Kan-daa-vu”), a 57 km (35 mi) island meandering in the southern reaches of Fiji. As Fiji’s fourth-largest island, Kadavu offers a wealth of experiences for those exploring by sea.
While you’ll find world-class scuba diving along the Great Astrolabe Reef (the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef) and advanced reef breaks for the surfing enthusiasts among you, Kadavu’s charm extends far beyond its waters.
The island’s untouched volcanic landscape promises glorious jungle hikes where you might spot endemic birds like the Kadavu fantail, musk parrot and velvet dove. Plus, with 75 coastal villages only accessible by boat or hiking trail, you’ll discover distinct traditions such as turtle calling.
From secluded anchorages to luxurious private island resorts, Kadavu caters to every sailor’s taste. So, weigh anchor and get ready to explore Kadavu with this comprehensive sailing guide.
Table of Contents
5 Tips for Yachts Visiting Kadavu
Here’s what you need to know about dropping anchor in Kadavu:
- Official clearance is a must. Before sailing to Kadavu, private yachts must complete formal entry procedures at one of Fiji’s designated ports. You can’t clear customs directly in Kadavu if arriving from international waters. For more details on this process, check out our The Complete Sailing Guide to Fiji.
- Anchoring permissions. Apart from Vunisea, the main town of Kadavu, you’ll need to seek permission from resorts and villages before dropping anchor. It’s a great opportunity to embrace the local culture and meet friendly Fijians!
- Limited dining options. Vunisea offers a handful of takeaways and street food stalls, while resorts provide meal options. Don’t expect a thriving culinary scene, but do enjoy the local flavours. For more insights into dining while sailing, take a look at our guide on Where to Eat in the Yasawa Islands: Guide for Yachties.
- Provisioning and facilities. While Kadavu offers decent options for restocking supplies, it lacks comprehensive marina amenities. Plan ahead and come prepared for a more rustic yachting experience.
- Respect local customs. Familiarise yourself with local protocols, especially when visiting villages or seeking anchoring permission. The sevusevu (gift-giving ceremony) is an integral part of Fijian culture. Learn more about this and other traditions in our guide to Fiji Village Customs & Traditions.
Armed with these tips, you’re all set to make the most of your yachting adventure in Kadavu. The rest of this guide will delve deeper into what this remote paradise has to offer.
© FijiPocketGuide.comCustoms and Clearance Process
When sailing to Fiji, it’s essential to know that private yachts cannot clear customs via Kadavu.
All vessels arriving from international waters must first complete formal clearance at one of Fiji’s official ports of entry: Suva, Port Denarau, Vuda, Lautoka, Levuka, Savusavu or Rotuma.
The closest port to Kadavu is Suva, located on the southeast coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu.
For more details on the clearance process, check out The Sailing Guide to Fiji: Tips for Yachting in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Best Moorings and Anchorages in Kadavu
Kadavu’s peaceful bays and sheltered lagoons, protected by the magnificent Great Astrolabe Reef, offer a sailor’s dream. Most anchorages are tranquil havens, perfect for those seeking a slice of Fijian serenity.
Remember, when you’re eyeing up that perfect spot near a village, it’s essential to present sevusevu (a traditional offering) to seek permission to anchor. It’s not just a formality; it’s a wonderful way to connect with the local culture!
For those looking to mix a bit of luxury with their seafaring adventure, many resorts offer anchorage near their properties. Fancy a sundowner at a resort bar or a delicious meal at their restaurant? Places like Matava Eco Adventure Resort and Oneta Resort welcome yachties to use their facilities. Just be sure to get in touch first – it’s always good to give them a heads-up.
Now, if you’re dreaming of mooring near the exclusive Kokomo Private Island, you might need to book a room to enjoy their slice of paradise. But trust us, it’s worth considering for a night of indulgence!
© FijiPocketGuide.comThings to Do, How to Get Around and Provisioning
By now, you’ve probably realised that this remote paradise is the sailing grounds you’ve been waiting for, with world-class dive sites teeming with soft coral, manta rays, eagle rays and sharks. You’ll have the surf breaks all to yourself, and on land, you can spot colourful and rare birds while immersing yourself in local customs through sevusevu and kava ceremonies.
Now, we won’t sugarcoat it: provisioning isn’t exactly a breeze here, and you won’t find a buzzing restaurant scene. But hey, that’s the beauty of having your floating home, right? You’re all set to explore this untouched gem at your own pace. So, hoist those sails and let’s dive into what Kadavu has to offer!
The Top Experiences in Kadavu
What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Kadavu highlights:
- Dive or snorkel the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the world’s largest barrier reefs
- Kayak through the lush mangrove forests with Tamarillo Active Travel
- Trek to hidden waterfalls in the island’s rugged interior
- Experience authentic Fijian culture in traditional villages
- Try your hand at game fishing in the surrounding waters
- Join a guided birdwatching tour to spot the rare Kadavu musk parrot
- Experience Fiji’s best-kept surfing secrets
- Indulge in fresh, locally-sourced seafood at local resorts
- Take your yacht to Ono Island for even more secluded beaches…
… And the list continues over in our 10 Things to Do in Kadavu for Yachties.
Getting Around Kadavu
Kadavu’s transport options are limited, with most travel occurring by boat. Luckily, you have that sorted.
Resorts offer transfers, and local carriers provide transport in Vunisea.
For a comprehensive overview of getting around the island, check out our Kadavu Transport Guide.
Provisioning, Information, Shops and Services in Kadavu
Kadavu has a number of convenience stores selling a range of tinned goods and staple foods (basically, anything that is easy to keep), as well as seasonal produce from the local plantations.
Due to late shipments to the island, there’s not always the variety of foods you might expect, so it’s best to approach grocery shopping with an open mind.
Most shops can be found in the largest village on the island, Vunisea.
For more details on these provisioning spots and other essential services for yachties in Kadavu, don’t miss our comprehensive article, Yacht Provisioning: Shops & Services in Kadavu.
© FijiPocketGuide.comClearing Out of Kadavu
Yes, there are even formalities for leaving Fiji via a yacht, but note that you cannot clear out in Kadavu.
You will need to berth your yacht at a Port of Entry and pay your port fees at the port office before proceeding with the Customs clearance procedures. You will need your inbound clearance papers, crew details, the details of your vessel and your next port of call. You must then leave Fiji within 24 hours.
For more advice on clearing out of Fiji, check out The Sailing Guide to Fiji.
More About Yachting in Kadavu
That’s it for our guide to sailing in Kadavu. For more information about yachting in Fiji, check out the following articles:
- 10 Best Things to Do in Kadavu for Yachties
- Yacht Provisioning: Shops & Services in Kadavu
- Where to Eat in Kadavu: Guide for Yachties
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Sailing Guide to Fiji: Tips for Yachting in Fiji.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- SV Soggy Paws (Sailing resource for the South Pacific)
- Ocean Posse (Mooring data for the South Pacific)
Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
