Ono-i-Lau Atoll
Ono-i-Lau · Ono i Lau · Far South Lau
20°39.54'S 178°42.90'W
Depth
8–25m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m for good holding on sand in 8–25m inside the atoll lagoon. Well-protected once inside. Wide radius to account for coral bommies and the depth of the anchorage. Set anchor firmly with engine test — if dragging at 200nm from help, you are in a serious situation. Snorkel to confirm sand position.
About This Anchorage
Ono-i-Lau is the most southerly atoll in the Lau Group — a remote coral atoll 200nm from Savusavu and one of the most isolated sailing destinations in all of Fiji. The atoll consists of three small islands within a coral reef enclosure, with a lagoon of extraordinary clarity and colour. The island community of approximately 400 people (Tovu and Tuvana-i-Ra villages) has minimal contact with the outside world — supply ships arrive infrequently. The reef and lagoon are among the most pristine in the Pacific — the fish life is extraordinary and the coral undisturbed. Entry into the lagoon requires very careful navigation through the western passage with good light. The Lau Provincial Council permit is mandatory. Ono-i-Lau is often a waypoint for sailing vessels on passage from Fiji to Tonga or to New Zealand — it lies approximately on the great circle route south. The community is deeply traditional and sevusevu protocol must be observed with exceptional care. This is genuine exploration — perhaps 10–15 yachts visit per year.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E · W · S
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring — sevusevu mandatory; contributions to village may be appropriate
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Lau Provincial Council permit required. Standard Fiji cruising permit required. Obtain both well before departure from Savusavu.
Restrictions: Lau Provincial Council permit REQUIRED. Sevusevu at both Tovu and Tuvana-i-Ra villages. No anchoring on coral. Lagoon entry via western passage in good daylight only. No removal of marine life.
Hazards
- !Extreme remoteness — 200nm from Savusavu; no rescue capability; self-rescue only
- !Lagoon entry — western passage navigation in good daylight only; current at the entrance; poorly charted
- !Deep lagoon with coral bommies throughout — snorkel to find sand before anchoring
- !Offshore passage 200nm — ship-quality storm preparation required; SSB radio mandatory
- !Lau permit mandatory — detention risk without it
Skipper's Tips
- →Ono-i-Lau is reserved for experienced offshore sailors with proven boats — not a destination for first-time Pacific cruisers
- →Join the Pacific Puddle Jump fleet (April–May departure) if possible — buddy boats make the Lau Group passage safer
- →The western lagoon entrance is best taken at local noon when sun angle is highest for reef visibility
- →Trade goods (fishing line, hooks, reading glasses, solar lights) are highly valued by the community — bring generous quantities
- →The lagoon snorkelling and diving is truly world-class — some of the most pristine reef in the Pacific
Facilities
No facilities whatsoever. Community may provide coconuts, fresh fish, or local produce in exchange for trade goods. Carry enough provisions for 2–3 weeks beyond expected passage time.
Nearest provisions: Savusavu (200nm NW) (200nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August only. Often used as a waypoint on the Fiji-to-Tonga passage or the Fiji-to-New Zealand pre-cyclone-season departure route. Requires complete offshore passage preparation.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
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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