Discover Fiji's Cruising beauty spots.
With exotic beauty, superb diving, and a growing yachting infrastructure, Fiji is an obvious choice for yachts on a Pacific sojourn.
With around 333 islands to explore,there are numerous possibilities for discovery. Here here are four regions you will love during your onboard exploration.
Mamanuca Islands
Fiji's most popular and accessible islands are visible just off the coast of Nadi. The 20 palm-fringed islands are known for white sand beaches, coral gardens and some of the country's most exclusive resorts.The fantastic range of water sports, surfing, diving, boating, spa and other activities means visitors will enjoy fun-filled days and balmy, romantic evenings.
The islands are movie stars in their own right - think Tom Hank’s Cast Away and the reality TV show Survivor: Fiji. The Mamanuca Islands also offer famous divesites such as the Big W and Gotham City.
Some of the best surf breaks in the world are also located in the Mamanuca Islands, including Cloudbreak, Restaurant and Wilkes.For those who come here to relax, there’s Cloud 9 - the floating bar and pizzeria in mid-ocean - or indulge in a private picnic on a sand cay.
Yasawa Islands
The islands just northwest of Viti Levu make up one of the most spectacular island regions in the country. Some 30 resorts are spread through the 12 major islands. The Yasawa Islands cater to those who prefer tropical serenity and access to Fijian culture, adventure and nature.
In season, visitors can swim alongside manta rays and snorkelling and kayaking are year-round watersports. Moor at a different island every day to swim, fish, visit villages and meet the locals over a Lovo (earth oven meal), or just relax on your own secluded beach or cove. The Sawa-i-lau underwater caves are a must-see: you will be guided by friendly Fijians to explore the secrets within the ancient limestone formations. Those up for more excitement can swim into a magnificent cavern through an underwater tunnel.
Lau Islands
Strewn along Fiji’s eastern border, Lau’s exquisite islands are only visited by a lucky few.Besides the exclusive VatuvaraResort, the region has largely resisted tourism’s lure but has become a very popular cruising destination for passing yachts.With no banks, bars or bistros in sight, it’s as remote as it gets in Fiji.
Savusavu is an excellent place to stock up on supplies before sailing Lau. Visit the local market to purchase Kava (a root of the Piper methysticum plant) while you are there. You will need to present an ‘i-sevusevu’ (traditional protocol presenting a gift to request permission to visit) to any remote villages whose territory you cross.
Kadavu Island
Kadavu Island, in Fiji’s south, is best known for the Great Astrolabe Reef, which runs along its southern shore and arcs north-east past Ono Island up to Buliya Island, which is famous for manta ray snorkelling.
The Great Astrolabe Reef is a breeding ground for big fish like tuna, marlin, giant trevally, and sharks. The environment makes for adventurous drift diving, with sites like Naiqoro Passage where you can experience big fish action against a background of colourful soft coral walls.