Desirable Fiji

Fiji's innovative Blue Lane for yachts and superyachts means there are myriad adventures to be had.

23 September 2021

The world’s borders might be closed to most travellers, but yachts and superyachts don’t have to put their adventures on hold.

Fiji’s innovative Blue Lane System counts time at sea towards a mandated quarantine period. So, once you clear customs and your quarantine balance at Port Denarau Marina or Savusavu Bay, you’re free to island-hop the archipelago to your heart’s content.

Situated in the middle of the world’s most desirable sailing region, Fiji’s 333 islands are a cruisers playground. Whether you island-hop between dramatic volcanic peaks or anchor off serene sand cays, the remoteness, diversity of islands and things to do will give you plenty to feed your wanderlust. Here are a few other reasons why you should set your course for Fiji pronto.

Blessed with stunning coral reefs, incredible marine diversity and inviting, warm water, there’s no doubt Fiji is a scuba divers paradise. The maze of reefs that weave through the archipelago includes some of the longest barrier reefs in the world – the Great Sea Reef (Vanua Levu) and the Great Astrolabe Reef (Kadavu).

Watersports Heaven. Images courtesy of by Fiji.travel

Watersports heaven. Images courtesy of by Fiji.travel

Watersports Heaven. Images courtesy of by Fiji.travel

Solo diver, colourful soft coral wall. Images courtesy of by Fiji.travel

Scuba diving. Images courtesy of by Fiji.travel

But Fiji is best known – at least to underwater photographers – for stunning seascapes, often draped in brightly coloured Dendronephthya soft coral that has earned Fiji the name ‘Soft Coral Capital’. Throw in dramatic topography, epic speciality (shark) dives, a well-established dive industry and heaps of places to stay; it’s extremely easy to say yes to a dive holiday here.

Cloudbreak – the legendary lefthander coveted by serious surfers all over the world is just one of the many reasons why Fiji is a bucket list surf destination. But that’s just one in a long list of charms for watermen. Surfers flock to the cluster of world-class waves in the southern Mamanuca islands as well as other breaks off the Sigatoka River mouth, Natadola Beach, the Beqa Lagoon, and Suva.

When winter winds kick in around July-September, kiting blows up off popular spots in Rakiraki, Taveuni, Yasawa Islands and Malolo Island. And if conditions are too small or still, there’s always a perfect spot to foil, SUP, or fish.

Wherever you go in Fiji, you’re never too far from the support you need. Marinas are located in a handful of regions offering all the comforts and convenience of a safe berth and the chance to restock, refuel and regale fellow sailors with your adventures.

Friendly yacht agents can answer or organise your every whim, and there are excellent suppliers on standby to repair or provision the next leg of your journey.

Friendly locals and fascinating culture. Images courtesy of by Fiji.travel

Aerial shots of yachts at Beachcomber. (Credit: Fiji.travel).

Musket Cove Marina’s annual Regatta is a calendar fixture for yachts sailing the South Pacific in September. With its’ sail by day, party by night’ mantra, the week-long event is packed with fun activities for both serious racers and laid-back leisure sailors. The main event is a race around Malolo Island, but there’s also hobie and SUP races, kids’ activities, and lots of time to swap stories at the beach bar. With world-class surfing, kiting, and diving spots at your doorstep, there’s plenty to keep you from straying too far from Malolo Island for the week.

Brimming with smiles and an ever-welcoming ‘Bula!’, Fijians are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet.

Visitors are always warmly welcomed to explore the islands, the exotic traditions, and mouth-watering cuisine. Savour the kava drinking ceremony, tuck into a fiery Indo-Fijian curry or witness the fierce firewalkers perform an age-old tradition. Fiji is full of surprises, and there is always something new to discover.

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