Anchoring, Things to Do, Provisioning and More in Taveuni
Welcome to Taveuni, one of Fiji’s most pristine volcanic islands and a true gem for sailors. Across the Somosomo Strait from Vanua Levu, this 42 km-long “Garden Island” offers a compact cruising ground packed with natural wonders. With the Bouma National Heritage Park covering 80% of the island, you’ll find rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and majestic waterfalls perfect for land excursions. The surrounding waters teem with marine life, making it an ideal spot for diving and snorkelling.
For those seeking safe anchorages, Taveuni’s coastline offers several protected bays. The nearby islands of Qamea, Matangi, and Laucala provide additional anchoring options and are known for their luxury resorts, surf spots and dive sites.
Whether you’re looking to stock up on provisions, explore untouched nature, or simply relax in a secluded anchorage, this guide will help you navigate the best of Taveuni and its surrounding waters.
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5 Tips for Yachts Visiting Taveuni
Here’s what you need to know about dropping anchor in Taveuni:
- Official clearance is a must. Before sailing to Taveuni, private yachts must complete formal entry procedures at one of Fiji’s designated ports. You can’t clear customs directly in Taveuni if arriving from international waters. For more details on this process, check out our The Complete Sailing Guide to Fiji.
- Resorts offer convenient mooring options. Many resorts provide the easiest access to mooring or anchorage, along with the use of their facilities. Some even offer complimentary moorings (we’ll reveal which ones later in this guide).
- Diverse dining scene. Taveuni boasts a mix of independent eateries and resort restaurants. For more culinary insights, take a look at our guide on Where to Eat in the Yasawa Islands: Guide for Yachties.
- Good provisioning, limited marina facilities. While Taveuni offers decent options for restocking supplies, it lacks comprehensive marina amenities such as fuel docks.
- Respect local customs. It’s essential to familiarise yourself with local protocols, especially when visiting villages or seeking permission to anchor. 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 Taveuni. The rest of this guide will delve deeper into what this verdant 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 Taveuni.
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 Taveuni is Savusavu on Vanua Levu. Learn more about the clearance process here in A Sailing Guide to Port Savusavu: Marinas, Moorings & More.
For clearing elsewhere, your best resource is The Complete Sailing Guide to Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Best Moorings and Anchorages in Taveuni
Taveuni and its neighbouring islands of Laucala, Qamea, and Matangi offer a treasure trove of stunning moorings and anchorages. Here, you can explore pristine islands, unwind at laid-back resorts, and dive into fabulous reefs teeming with marine life.
With no marinas in sight, these untouched havens provide an authentic taste of Fijian bliss. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon your own private slice of heaven!
Ready to drop anchor in paradise? Here’s a quick rundown of the best mooring and anchorage spots in and around Taveuni:
© FijiPocketGuide.comThings to Do, How to Get Around and Provisioning
A jewel in Fiji’s crown, Taveuni is a larger island than your average Fiji paradise. Characterised by lush rainforest, it is famous for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails that lead to breathtaking vistas, with fingers crossed for a clear day.
Just offshore lies the renowned Rainbow Reef, Fiji’s most celebrated dive site, where drift diving skills are a must if you’re venturing out solo. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert diver, though; dive shops and most resorts here specialise in scuba experiences for all levels.
Fancy island hopping? You’re in luck! The nearby Qamea and Matangi Islands boast fantastic surf breaks.
With so much to explore both on land and sea, Taveuni offers a diverse range of activities to suit every traveller’s taste. We’ll also share more about getting around and provisioning in our detailed guide, so stay tuned.
The Top Experiences in Taveuni
What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Taveuni highlights:
- Hike through Bouma National Heritage Park to see stunning waterfalls
- Snorkel or dive at the world-famous Rainbow Reef
- Cross the 180th meridian at the International Date Line
- Explore the coastal rainforest of Lavena Coastal Walk
- Visit a traditional Fijian village and participate in a kava ceremony
- Birdwatch in the Taveuni Forest Reserve/Des Veoux Peak
- Swim in the natural rock pools at Waitavala Water Slide
- Visit the historic Wairiki Holy Cross Church for its stunning architecture
- Hike to Lake Tagimoucia to see Fiji’s rare national flower…
… And the list continues over in our 10 Things to Do in Taveuni for Yachties.
Getting Around Taveuni
Taxis are available in Matei, Waiyevo and Naqara. Agree on prices beforehand. Pacific Transport offers affordable bus services around the island. Car rentals are available for self-drive tours. That’s the TLDR of it anyway!
For more details on transportation options, check out the Taveuni Transport Guide.
Provisioning, Information, Shops and Services in Taveuni
Provisioning and self-catering are also very doable in Taveuni. It’s best to stock up on groceries in Matei, Waiyevo, Naqara or Wairiki, which offer several options for supermarkets, convenience stores and roadside fruit stalls.
Limited healthcare, fuel stations and banks are available. There is no fuel dock. Local SIM cards can be purchased from convenience stores.
For more details on provisioning and shopping options in Taveuni, check out our article on Yacht Provisioning: Shops & Services in Taveuni.
© FijiPocketGuide.comClearing Out of Taveuni
Yes, there are even formalities for leaving Fiji via a yacht, but note that you cannot clear out in Taveuni.
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 general advice for cruising Fiji, check out The Sailing Guide to Fiji.
More About Yachting in Taveuni
That’s it for our guide to sailing in Taveuni. For more information about yachting in Fiji, check out the following articles:
- 10 Best Things to Do in Taveuni for Yachties
- Where to Eat in Taveuni for Yachties
- Yacht Provisioning: Shops & Services in Taveuni
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.
