Fiji

Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific, consisting of more than 330 volcanic islands, with most of the population on the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. It has a tropical marine climate and extensive coral reef systems surrounding many of its islands. Fiji’s society is shaped by indigenous iTaukei and Indo‑Fijian communities, with English, Fijian and Fiji Hindi recognised as official languages and Christian and Hindu traditions widely practised. It is a major South Pacific cruising destination for visiting yachts.

In Savusavu you can find KokoMana Chocolate Farm, a small cocoa farm and chocolate factory in a forested valley, with its own cocoa plantation and chocolate production area that visitors can tour. Nakama Thermal Hot Springs, also in Savusavu, are geothermal pools where near‑boiling mineral water vents to the surface in a well‑established local cooking area where visitors are welcome to bring their own food to cook.

On Malolo Island, Mount Silo Lookout is reached by a short, steep ridge path to a former gun site with clear views over the surrounding reefs and anchorages.

In the Bay of Islands, on Nggilanggila Island, Cathedral Cave is a large sea cave accessible by dinghy, with tie‑off points just outside the entrance.

Fiji's coral reefs are among the most biodiverse in the Pacific, and diving and snorkelling draw cruisers back to the archipelago year after year. The Great White Wall - Rainbow Reef in the Somosomo Strait is a dramatic wall of white soft coral, one of Fiji's most celebrated dive sites. Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat at Viani Bay runs guided dive and snorkel tours to Rainbow Reef, with pick-up from your boat. Manta rays are frequently encountered in Fijian waters, and the Vurolevo Manta Cleaning Station is one of the most reliable spots to find them. Snorkelling only is permitted at the cleaning station as diving drives the mantas away.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Bay of Islands ★ 5.0 Ideal for anchoring, this location is highlighted as having numerous spots and nooks for activities like kayaking. The reviews indicate it accommodates various boat sizes comfortably. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Little Harbour ★ 5.0 Visitors appreciate the beautiful scenery and protection at Little Harbour. The anchorage provides good holding with depths around 10m, and various amenities are available, including access to local produce and community interaction. Local guides facilitate visits to nearby villages.
	St Katherines Bay, Rabi Island ★ 5.0 This anchorage features beautiful scenery, calm waters, and friendly locals. Visitors reported excellent holding in mud with depths around 10 m. Activities include exploring the island and snorkeling with manta rays.
	Bay of Islands - Ship Sound ★ 5.0 Gorgeous positioning and robust protection characterize this anchorage. Good holding is reported in sandy conditions. Careful navigation upon entry is necessary due to rocks and shallower areas.
	Nadi Bay ★ 5.0 Nadi Bay features good protection and anchorage amidst beautiful scenery. Multiple visitors note the excellent holding in mud, while a serene dinghy trip can be enjoyed along a river that is best accessed at high tide. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
	Namata Bay ★ 5.0 Anchoring is possible in depths around 11 to 20 meters. Warm welcomes are extended by the Mitchell family, who also appreciate offerings like kava and school supplies. Snorkeling opportunities are highlighted, along with reports of clear water and light winds.
	Fulaga - NE ★ 5.0 Beautiful surroundings characterize this anchorage. Visitors appreciate the excellent holding and proximity to snorkeling locations. The nearby beach at low tide offers spots for relaxation and activities, making it a versatile area for exploration.
	Nabukeru Bay, Yasawa ★ 4.9 Anchoring is possible in 13-14 meters with good holding. The area offers excellent snorkeling and beautiful limestone formations. Strong easterly winds can funnel through the bay, so conditions vary significantly.
	Cukucou Harbour, Yadua island ★ 4.9 Anchoring is enjoyable in clear water with excellent holding on sand. Visitors noted good snorkelling opportunities and an inviting local community. Beach access varies with tides and can be challenging at low water.
	Yasawa-i-rara ★ 4.7 Anchorage offers calm settings with sandy bottoms. Visitors report friendly interactions with the village, though some have noted confusion regarding sevu sevu procedures. Supply irregularities for staple foods have been mentioned, indicating preparation is advisable before arrival.

Show more

Marinas

	Nawi Island Marina ★ 5.0 The marina features exceptional staff who assist with docking and check-in processes, as noted in multiple reviews. Facilities include clean bathrooms and well-designed berths. While some dining options are less favorable, the overall experience and available amenities are highly regarded.
	The Copra Shed Marina ★ 4.9 This marina is known for its friendly and helpful staff. It offers secure moorings and various amenities, including hot showers. Restaurants and stores are conveniently located within walking distance, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
	Naisoso Marina ★ 4.3 The marina offers basic amenities such as water and electricity. Visitors have reported mud at low tide affecting deeper-keel vessels. The surrounding area has construction, which may cause noise, though overall conditions are manageable for a stopover.
	Port Denarau ★ 4.0 Port Denarau Marina features helpful and friendly staff, with convenient amenities and nearby businesses. Some reviews mention issues such as maintenance and availability of hot water. Visitors appreciate the location and services, making the marina favorable despite occasional concerns.
	Royal Suva Yacht Club ★ 4.0 The yacht club offers a temporary membership granting access to secure facilities, including a dinghy dock, showers, and laundry, though laundry costs are high. The restaurant is currently undergoing renovations, impacting food availability. Access to the club is straightforward with nearby taxi services.

Show more

Moorings

	Paradise Island Resort Moorings ★ 4.5 With multiple moorings available, the resort offers amenities like free scuba tank fills and friendly staff support for tying up. Visitors frequently mention good conditions except during certain weather patterns, and enjoyable experiences such as local excursions are highlighted.
	Dolphin Bay Divers Mooring ★ 4.3 Dolphin Bay Divers offers two mooring buoys that are available for visiting yachts. Visitors reported the moorings to be in good condition, although some noted it can be rolly with northern winds. The site provides good shelter when winds are from the east-southeast.
	Port Denarau Moorings ★ 4.0 Mooring buoys are located near commercial activities and facilities. During cyclone season, the marina staff frequently inspects the moorings for safety. Visitors noted a sandbar hazard at low tide, recommending caution during approach.

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

	Vuda Marina ★ 5.0 Vuda Marina features a welcoming atmosphere supported by friendly staff and a strong community. Multiple reviews highlight its secure environment and excellent restaurant. The marina accommodates water berths and provides effective facilities for haul-out services.
	Valaga boatyard ★ 4.8 Valaga Boatyard features professional haul-out services with effective communication and care. The facility has water and electricity access but lacks current shower facilities, although it does offer toilets. The remote setting may appeal to those seeking a quiet environment.

Chandlers

	Yacht Help Marine Supplies ★ 5.0 Yacht Help Marine Supplies specializes in marine supplies and services. Many visitors note excellent customer service, highlighting their ability to source hard-to-find items. Stock includes Volvo and Yamaha service kits and barrier coat products.
	Watermaker Oceanic Water Group ★ 5.0 Oceana Water Group provides replacement filters and components for watermakers, including charcoal filters and membranes. Service includes prompt delivery to the marina, with efficiency and good pricing being noted by visitors. Custom work is also available.
	Aquam Insula ★ 5.0 Available tools and gear are of high quality with reasonable pricing noted by visitors. Products can be viewed online, and replies to inquiries occur promptly. Freight forwarding services are offered, although not yet tested by all.
No image	The Yacht Shop ★ 5.0 The Yacht Shop provides a limited selection of boating supplies. Service is highlighted as informative, with particular mention of the detailed knowledge offered by the shop keeper, Joseph. Visitors should verify inventory and services at the shop.
	Western Marine Limited ★ 5.0 Diesel engine oil is competitively priced. Positive experiences mentioned include transportation assistance to the yacht club. A single Review supports these points.

Show more

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Fiji:

Sevusevu is the ceremonial presentation of a gift to a village chief, made when arriving to anchor in waters that fall within village-owned territory. Most anchorages outside resort and commercial areas carry this obligation, and anchoring without seeking permission is the equivalent of pitching a tent in someone's backyard without first asking permission. The gift is most commonly a half-kilo bundle of waka, dried kava root. On arrival, ask for the headman, who will escort you to the chief's house. Hats should be removed before entering the village, and shoes left outside the door. The kava root is presented sitting cross-legged on the floor. Waka can be bought at markets in Savusavu, Nadi and Suva but is generally not available in the outer islands, so stocking up before heading offshore is advisable. Fishing in village waters is prohibited without the chief's permission, which can be sought as part of the sevusevu process.

Fiji's waters are heavily reefed and charts can be inaccurate in some areas, making eyeball navigation essential near reefs and bommies. Reef passages are best planned for mid-day when overhead sun improves visibility of coral heads.

Yachts must arrive with a clean hull to prevent the introduction of invasive species; in-water hull cleaning is prohibited. After checking in, a cruising permit must be obtained from the Customs Office. Processing typically takes a few days, though some reports indicate it can take up to a week. Permits are generally issued for six months.

Arrivals from the east must proceed directly to an approved Port of Entry to complete clearance. Stopping in the Lau Group before clearing in is prohibited and strictly enforced, with reports of vessels being intercepted and escorted from Fijian waters if found in breach.

While cruising, AIS must remain active at all times and vessels are required to submit a weekly position report by email to Fijian customs.

Diesel is available at the main ports and marinas on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, but fuel is scarce in the outer islands. Stocking up before heading offshore is advisable.

During the off‑season from November to April, which coincides with Fiji’s tropical cyclone season, many yachts remain in the country, berthed in marinas that provide cyclone‑resistant storage facilities. Some crews leave Fiji before or during this period, typically sailing south to New Zealand or west to Australia.

• Best times of year to sail here: May to October
• Most common type of shore power: 240V 50Hz (Australian/New Zealand-style three-pin plugs)
• Cost for provisioning: Medium
• Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD)
• Personal security: Petty and occasional violent crime can occur, official travel advisories highlight the need for awareness in certain locations
• Emergency phone numbers:
  • Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 911
  • Police (direct): 917
  • Fire (direct): 910
  • National disaster / emergency coordination: 915
• International dialing code: +679
• Time zone(s): Fiji Time (UTC+12), no daylight saving currently observed

Fiji’s early maritime history includes the arrival of the Lapita people over 3,000 years ago, among the first seafaring settlers to cross into what is now Remote Oceania. Their navigation and canoe‑building skills supported long‑distance voyaging and inter‑island trade across the archipelago well before European contact, and archaeological sites on islands such as Viti Levu preserve evidence of these communities.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, European explorers including Abel Tasman and James Cook charted parts of Fiji, adding the islands to European maps of the Pacific. In the early 19th century, Fiji became a regular destination for sandalwood traders, whaling ships and bêche-de-mer fleets, drawing increasing numbers of foreign vessels and merchants into local coastal communities. These commercial activities helped set the stage for deeper political involvement by colonial powers, culminating in Fiji's cession to Britain in 1874 and its development as a British colony closely tied to maritime trade routes. Fiji remained under British control until it gained independence in 1970.

Fiji’s contemporary maritime life combines traditional practices, such as canoe building and inter‑island travel in outboard‑powered boats, with modern commercial shipping, inter‑island ferries and an active cruising and yachting sector. The historical port town of Levuka on Ovalau, Fiji’s first colonial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves 19th‑century waterfront buildings and port infrastructure that illustrate the country’s role in regional maritime commerce and administration.