Mana Island Anchorage

About This Anchorage

Mana Island is the largest resort island in the Mamanuca Group and a popular stop on the route between Port Denarau and the Yasawa Islands. The island hosts the Mana Island Resort and Spa, but the anchorage is accessible to visiting yachts. The surrounding reef is spectacular — the area around Mana Island is known as one of the best diving locations in the Mamanucas, with healthy coral gardens, abundant reef fish, and frequent sightings of reef sharks, rays, and turtles. The sandy beach on the south side (Away from the resort) is often deserted. From Mana Island, the passage north toward the Yasawa Islands begins in earnest — Waya Island is the first major Yasawa island 20nm north. The island has a resident village (Solevu village) — sevusevu protocol required if visiting the village.

Hazards

• !Reef approach — extensive reef surrounds Mana Island; use chart carefully and approach in good light
• !Coral bommies in the anchorage area — snorkel to verify anchor position
• !Resort tender traffic in the south bay area
• !Tidal range 0.8–1.2m — check depths at low water
• !Sevusevu required at Solevu village — bring kava root before approaching the village

Skipper's Tips

• →Mana Island is the natural last provisioning waypoint before heading north to the Yasawa Islands — carry maximum fuel and water
• →The dive site on the north side of Mana (Supermarket Dive) is one of the best in the Mamanucas — rich coral gardens and fish life
• →Solevu village is the local Fijian community — perform sevusevu protocol correctly and you will be warmly welcomed
• →The route from Mana north to Waya Island (20nm) is an open water passage — depart before 07:00 to arrive before afternoon trades build
• →Evening anchorage on the south side gives stunning sunset views toward the open Pacific

Nearby Anchorages