Lakeba Island, Southern Lau
Lakeba · Lau Group capital
18°12.96'S 178°49.02'W
Depth
8–20m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
95m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
95m
95m for fair holding in sand at 8–20m. Deep anchorage — use 7:1 scope or more. Wide radius given depth, fair holding, and possible swell in trades. Set anchor firmly and monitor. The remoteness means any dragging must be caught immediately by the alarm — no assistance available.
About This Anchorage
Lakeba is the traditional capital of the Lau Group — the seat of the Tui Lau, the paramount chief of all the Lau Islands, and the most politically and culturally significant island in Fiji's eastern archipelago. Reaching Lakeba requires the Lau Provincial Council permit (in addition to the standard cruising permit) and a passage of approximately 130nm from Savusavu — a serious offshore voyage. The island itself is volcanic with limestone formations and sea caves. The Tubou village is the home of the Tui Lau — sevusevu must be conducted with exceptional care and formality here. The surrounding reef is virtually pristine — the combination of remote location and controlled access means the marine life is extraordinary. The Lau Group sees perhaps 20–30 visiting yachts per year; Lakeba sees fewer still. This is genuine exploration in the South Pacific. Full self-sufficiency is absolutely mandatory — the island has no fuel, no provisions, and limited fresh water. The nearest facilities are Savusavu, 130nm away.
Protected From
W · NW · N · SW
Exposed To
E · SE · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring — sevusevu gift expected; traditional contribution may be requested
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Lau Provincial Council permit: contact Council in Levuka or through Copra Shed Marina in Savusavu. Allow 2–3 weeks for permit processing. Standard cruising permit also required.
Restrictions: Lau Provincial Council permit REQUIRED in addition to standard cruising permit. Sevusevu at Tubou village — must be conducted formally with the chief or designated representative. No anchoring on coral. No removal of marine life.
Hazards
- !Extreme remoteness — 130nm from Savusavu; no assistance available if something goes wrong
- !Deep anchorage with fair holding — alarm essential; drag would be catastrophic at this distance from help
- !Lau Group reefs — extensive, poorly charted in places; approach only in good daylight with visual look-out
- !Lau permit mandatory — sailing without it risks vessel detention and significant fines
- !Offshore passage — 130nm of open Pacific; full storm preparation required
Skipper's Tips
- →The sevusevu at Tubou village with the Tui Lau is one of the most significant cultural encounters available to a Pacific sailor — prepare carefully
- →Obtain the Lau Provincial Council permit at least 3 weeks before your planned departure
- →Join a buddy boat for the Lau Group passage — 130nm offshore with no assistance is serious
- →The reef around Lakeba is among the most pristine in the entire Pacific — it is worth every mile of the passage
- →Carry at least 2 weeks of provisions — the Lau Group offers no resupply; plan for weather delays
Facilities
No facilities for visiting yachts. Tubou village may provide coconuts and local produce. Full self-sufficiency required — provisions, fuel, water, medical supplies for 2+ weeks minimum.
Nearest provisions: Savusavu (130nm W) (130nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August only — the most settled period of the SE trade wind season. Do not attempt this passage unless you have a fully reliable boat, experienced crew, and proper offshore equipment.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 95m
In remote Lau Group and Vanua Levu waters, anchor drag with no assistance available is extremely serious. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS continuously — the most important piece of safety equipment in the remote Pacific.
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