Anchoring, Things to Do, Provisioning and More in the Lau Islands
Adventurous yachties, this is the island group for you. Welcome to the true final frontier of Fiji: the Lau Islands.
Some 60 small islands are sparsely scattered across Fiji’s eastern borders, with some closer to Tonga than Viti Levu. The islands’ culture is a fascinating blend of Fijian and Tongan, evident in the rounded thatched bures and woven ta’ovala wrapped around locals’ waists.
Those with an open mind and a sense of adventure will find the Lau Islands a rewarding destination, welcomed by true Fijian hospitality and some of the most pristine waters and untouched islands you’re likely to encounter.
Let us guide you through the logistics with this complete sailing guide to the Lau Islands.
Table of Contents
5 Tips for Yachts Visiting the Lau Islands
Here’s what you need to know about dropping anchor in the Lau Islands:
- Private yachts cannot clear into Fiji via the Lau Islands. All vessels arriving from international waters must first complete formal clearance at one of Fiji’s official ports of entry. You’ll find more details on this process in our The Sailing Guide to Fiji: Tips for Yachting in Fiji.
- Occasionally, special arrangements are made for organised yacht rallies to clear into the Lau Islands directly. If you’re part of such a rally, make sure to double-check the specific arrangements with your organisers.
- Come to the Lau Islands well-stocked with all the provisions you’ll need. These remote islands have limited supplies, so it’s best not to rely on getting food or fuel once you arrive. Pack plenty of essentials to last your entire stay.
- Familiarise yourself with local protocols for visiting villages and asking permission to anchor. A sevusevu (gift) is an important part of Fijian culture. Learn more about this and other customs in our guide to Fiji Village Customs & Traditions.
- Be prepared for limited transport services in the Lau Islands. You’ll need to rely primarily on your yacht, dinghy and your own two feet to get around. This isolation is part of the charm, but it’s important to plan accordingly.
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to make the most of your yachting adventure in Vanua Balavu, Lakeba and beyond. The rest of this guide will dive deeper into what these remote islands have to offer.
© FijiPocketGuide.comCustoms and Clearance Process
When sailing to Fiji, it’s essential to know that private yachts cannot clear customs via the Lau Islands.
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 the Lau Group is Savusavu on Vanua Levu. However, clearing in Suva on Viti Levu is another practical option, especially if you’re planning to arrange a homestay. In which case, you’ll want to visit the Lau Provincial Office.
For more details on the clearance process, check out The Sailing Guide to Fiji: Tips for Yachting in Fiji. If you’re heading to Savusavu, don’t miss A Sailing Guide to Port Savusavu: Marinas, Moorings & More.
Anchorages in the Lau Islands
Discovering the hidden gems of Fiji’s remote Lau Islands starts with the anchorages that await intrepid sailors. With no marinas or moorings, these untouched havens offer a true taste of paradise.
Here’s a quick rundown of your best anchorage options:
© FijiPocketGuide.comThings to Do, How to Get Around and Provisioning
This pristine group of islands offers intrepid travellers a chance to experience Fiji at its most authentic and untouched. From crystal-clear lagoons to traditional villages steeped in Polynesian culture, the Lau Islands promise an adventure like no other.
The Top Experiences in the Lau Islands
What can you expect to do among these far-flung islands? Here are some of the Lau highlights:
- Snorkel and explore limestone caves in the Bay of Islands at Vanua Balavu
- Kayak among the mushroom rocks of Fulaga
- Visit Fiji’s 100% organic island, Cicia
- Explore Lakeba’s caves, hillforts and Fijian-Tongan villages
- Explore pristine beaches and swim in crystal-clear lagoons
- Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life
- Hike through lush tropical forests and discover hidden waterfalls
- Cast a line for some exciting game fishing
- Witness breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean
- Join a traditional kava ceremony with friendly locals…
… And the list continues over in our 10 Things to Do in the Lau Islands for Yachties.
How to Get Around the Lau Islands
Luckily for you, you have one of the best modes of transport for the Lau Islands right at your fingertips. Visitors on private yachts are, indeed, the most popular type of tourist to the Lau Islands.
But if you need to make a quick flight to the mainland, weekly flights touch down at a handful of islands in the Lau Group.
You’ll find everything you need to know about getting around in the Lau Islands Transport Guide.
Provisioning, Information, Shops and Services in the Lau Islands
The Lau Islands present a unique challenge for sailors due to their extreme remoteness and lack of tourism infrastructure.
Most villages have small stores, but supplies are limited and frequently run low due to infrequent cargo ship visits.
Fresh produce is particularly scarce and hard to purchase. Cruisers are strongly advised to stock up on essentials like sugar, rice and flour in Savusavu or Suva before setting sail. These items can be useful for trades or as alternatives to yaqona in sevusevu ceremonies.
All in all, self-sufficiency is key when exploring this pristine archipelago.
For more detailed information on provisioning and sailing in Fiji, check out A Sailing Guide to Savusavu and Yacht Provisioning in the Lau Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.comDeparture Clearance
Yes, there are even formalities for leaving Fiji via a yacht, but note that you cannot clear out in the Lau Islands.
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 the Lau Islands
That’s it for our guide to sailing in the Lau Islands. For more information about exploring Fiji’s final frontier, check out the following articles:
- 10 Things to Do in the Lau Islands for Yachties
- Where to Eat in the Lau Islands: Guide for Yachties
- Yacht Provisioning: Shops & Services in the Lau Islands
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.
