Malolo Island

About This Anchorage

Malolo Island is the larger of the two Malolo islands — adjacent to Malolo Lailai (where Musket Cove Marina is located) and just 2nm from the marina. The island has a traditional Fijian village (Malolo Village), two resorts (Malolo Island Resort on the north shore and Likuliku Lagoon Resort on the west), and spectacular surrounding reef. The reef snorkelling around Malolo is among the best in the entire Mamanuca Group — healthy coral gardens, abundant fish life, rays, and occasional reef sharks. Sevusevu protocol is mandatory when anchoring near Malolo Village. The anchorage on the north side of the island provides good protection from the SE trades with a sand bottom. Malolo is easily reached as a half-day trip from Musket Cove and makes an excellent first anchorage for boats arriving from Port Denarau. From Malolo, the outer Mamanuca islands are accessible — Monuriki (Cast Away) is 3nm northwest.

Hazards

• !Resort speedboat traffic in the north bay — high-speed tenders operate frequently
• !Coral bommies on approaches — navigate carefully with chart
• !Open to north — northerly swell (unusual) makes anchorage uncomfortable
• !Sevusevu required at Malolo Village — always carry kava root

Skipper's Tips

• →Malolo Island is an ideal first night out from Port Denarau — just 18nm and excellent reef snorkelling
• →The reef dive on the outer wall of the Malolo reef is outstanding — some of the healthiest coral in the Mamanucas
• →Malolo Village sevusevu protocol: present kava root to the turaga ni koro (village herald) who will take you to the chief
• →Likuliku Lagoon Resort on the west shore is Fiji's first adults-only overwater bungalow resort — the approach channel is marked
• →From Malolo, it is 3nm NW to Monuriki (Cast Away Island) — an easy morning sail

Nearby Anchorages