The Sailing Guide to Fiji

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Where to Sail in Fiji

Fiji covers a whopping 18,376km2 (7,095mi sq) of the South Pacific with 333 islands. For sailing, there are five main regions from the comfortable and developed Mamanuca Islands to the remote and adventurous Lau Islands.

Sailing in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands

Outside of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are the most frequented by holidaymakers. The islands are a mix of developed islands with resorts, as well as uninhabited islands and islands with villages. The Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands provide something for everyone with idyllic beaches, snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking, island hiking and visiting resorts. There are anchorages at Malolo Lailai and Qalito islands in the Mamanucas and at Matacawalevu, Sawa-i-Lau, Vawa, Naviti and Waya islands. Learn more about visiting these islands in The Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands and The Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands.

Sailing in Kadavu

The waters between the islands of Kadavu and Beqa, the southern part of Fiji, are known as the Astrolabe Lagoon. It is customary to present a sevusevu to the chiefly village on Draveuni Island before sailing in this area. The islands have a good selection of beaches and excellent diving for experienced divers. Yachties might also want to take their tenders up to see the Kadavu Waterfall from Kadavu Village on the southern side of the island. Find out more in The Complete Guide to Kadavu.

Sailing in Vanua Levu and Taveuni

In the northern reaches of Fiji are the large islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni, both known for their areas of natural beauty and amazing scuba diving reefs. Good anchorage can be found at Viani and Vatudamu bays at Taveuni near the Rainbow Reef, while Buca Bay at Vanua Levu is another good option. Aside from visiting the islands’ villages, beaches, resorts and reserves, some of the outer islands are worth a sail to, including Kioa and Rabi where displaced South Pacific Islanders present a unique culture in Fiji. Learn more about this area in The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu and The Complete Guide to Taveuni.

Sailing in the Lomaiviti Islands

Just off the eastern coast of Viti Levu, offers some interesting dive sites for serious divers in the Vatu-i-Ra Channel. The most popular island to visit is Ovalau with the UNESCO site of Levuka town, the first capital of Fiji. Yachties shouldn’t miss the opportunity to reach the less-visited islands of Makogai which has a turtle conservation sanctuary, a good anchorage, and the remains of a leprosarium. Gau Island is also worth an anchorage stay, which also boasts some good dive sites. Learn more in The Complete Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.

Sailing in the Lau Islands

The less-visited islands in Fiji, the Lau Islands is a sailors paradise with a scattering of around 57 islands across the central to the eastern reaches of Fiji. There is almost no tourism infrastructure on these islands, giving yachties a sense of the true South Pacific. Note that you will need to first report to a port of entry before sailing in the Lau Islands, the closest being Savusavu in Vanua Levu. Learn more about these islands in The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands.

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Clearing Customs in Fiji

Fiji Customs requires that all yachts arriving in Fiji from overseas must submit an Advance Notification form at least 48 hours prior to their ETA. This same 48-hours notice must also be given to the Ports Authority, Department of Immigration, Health and Biosecurity.

Ports of Entry in Fiji

The ports of entry to Fiji are as follows:

• Port Denarau Marina, Viti Levu
• Lautoka, Viti Levu
• Vuda Marina, Viti Levu
• Suva, Viti Levu
• Savusavu, Vanua Levu
• Levuka, Ovalau Island
• Rotuma

Yacht Clearance Process

On arrival to any port of entry in Fiji, yachts must fly the yellow Q flag and contact Port Control who will put you in contact with Port Health, Customs and, Agriculture Quarantine for Clearance upon arrival. Officials will enter the yacht for you to present the following documents:

• Completed Inward Report (including two copies of the crew and passengers lists)
• Completed Passenger Arrival Card
• Valid passport
• Clearance from last port
• Valid outward airline ticket if crew/passenger is disembarking at the port of entry and leaving the country by air.

See the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service website for more information.

Immigration

Citizens from selected countries get a free four-month Visitor Visa upon entry into Fiji, which is established through completing the Passenger Arrival Card. Part of the Passenger Arrival Card will be detached and given back to you, which you need to keep as it will be required for Immigration again when departing Fiji. Learn more about immigration in Fiji in Do You Need a Visa to Visit Fiji?

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Restrictions and Protocols for Sailing in Fiji

Aside from the government protocols for sailing in Fiji, there are some cultural ones that you also need to be aware of.

Sevusevu Protocol

For many anchorages and sailing grounds in Fiji, it is customary to present a gift to the overseeing village, known as a sevusevu. This is typically yaqona (kava roots), but some of the more remote islands may also appreciate gifts of basic stores, schoolbooks, stationary and both school and medical supplies. It is recommended that you have enough yaqona for the number of villages and village anchorages you intend to use. Check out Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village for more information.

Marine Reserves and MPAs

Marine reserves and marine protected areas (MPAs) are areas where you cannot fish or take any marine life from the area. While Fiji has a small number of marine reserves, such as the Namena Marine Reserve, Kiuva “Koula-Mai-Wai” Marine Reserve and Naiqoro Passage Marine Reserve, there is a substantial amount of marine protected areas, especially around resort islands. See a full list of MPAs in Fiji on the Atlas of Marine Protection website.