Monuriki Island (Cast Away)
Monuriki · Cast Away Island
17°45.24'S 177°10.44'E
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m to account for fair holding in sand patches among coral in 5–15m. Day anchorage primarily — set alarm before any time ashore. Exposed to NE trades — anchor can drag in trade wind chop. Snorkel to verify anchor is in sand not on coral. Wide radius given the coral environment and potential for swell.
About This Anchorage
Monuriki is the uninhabited volcanic island made famous as the filming location for the 2000 film Cast Away (starring Tom Hanks). The island rises steeply from the reef, covered in dense jungle, and is part of the Mamanuca Group. It is now a protected area within the Mamanuca Environment Society. The surrounding reef and clear water are spectacular — the snorkelling and diving around the island are among the finest in the Mamanucas. The island can be landed on by dinghy at the beach on the northeast side (in calm conditions), and visitors can walk the beach made famous in the film. The anchorage is exposed to the NE trades and best treated as a day stop. Nearby Monu Island (0.5nm away) offers better overnight shelter. The combination of iconic film location, pristine reef, and dramatic scenery makes this one of the most popular day trip destinations from Musket Cove and Malolo.
Protected From
SW · W · NW · S
Exposed To
N · NE · E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand patches
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral — anchor only in sand patches. Island is a protected nature reserve — no removal of flora or fauna. Day anchorage recommended — overnight exposed to NE trades.
Hazards
- !Exposed to NE trade wind swell — day anchorage only in trades; uncomfortable and potentially unsafe overnight
- !Coral bommies throughout the anchorage — snorkel to find sand patches before anchoring
- !Steep-to reef surrounds the island — approach carefully with chart and visual look-out
- !Dinghy landing on the beach requires calm conditions — do not attempt in swell
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit Monuriki as a day trip from Musket Cove (4nm) or Malolo Island — do not plan to overnight here in trade wind conditions
- →The northeast beach is the Cast Away filming beach — recognisable from the film
- →Snorkelling off the reef wall on the south side of the island is outstanding — bring all gear from the mothership
- →Approach from the north in light conditions with chart carefully — the reef extends well from the southern tip
- →Morning is the calmest time — afternoon trade winds increase swell in the anchorage
Facilities
No facilities. Uninhabited island. Carry all water, food, and fuel. Nearest provisions at Musket Cove (4nm SE).
Nearest provisions: Musket Cove Resort (4nm SE) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October dry season preferred. Day visits only in the trades — overnight anchorage not recommended in NE swell conditions. Best in June–August when trades are steady and skies clear.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In Fiji's coral-rich waters, anchor drag toward a bommie can hole your boat and damage the reef. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS continuously so you can enjoy the islands with confidence.
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