Naviti Island Anchorage
Naviti · North Yasawa anchorage
17°12.12'S 177°11.70'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand in 4–12m. Sevusevu protocol mandatory before anchoring near village. Remote location — set anchor carefully with engine test. No VHF monitoring ashore — be self-sufficient.
About This Anchorage
Naviti Island is one of the larger Yasawa Islands, approximately 45nm north of Musket Cove. The island has several villages and is relatively remote — far fewer visiting yachts than the southern Mamanucas. The anchorage near the village offers good holding in sand with protection from the prevailing trades. Sevusevu protocol is absolutely mandatory — anchoring near a Fijian village without presenting kava to the chief is a serious cultural offence and can result in being asked to leave. The surrounding reef and waters around Naviti offer excellent snorkelling and diving with virtually no other yachts. Facilities are minimal — no fuel, no water available from the village, no shops. Self-sufficiency is essential this far north. The traditional village life is authentic and the welcome (after proper sevusevu) is genuinely warm. From Naviti, the Blue Lagoon area (Sawa-i-Lau) is approximately 20nm further north.
Protected From
W · SW · NW · S
Exposed To
E · NE · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring — sevusevu gift expected
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Sevusevu (kava root gift to chief) MANDATORY before anchoring near village. Ask permission from chief before doing anything on land. No removal of marine life. No anchoring on coral.
Hazards
- !Remote location — 45nm from nearest marina; be completely self-sufficient in fuel, water, food, and medical supplies
- !Reef approaches — Yasawa Islands have extensive reefs; approach only in good light and with detailed chart
- !No communications ashore — no VHF monitoring, limited mobile coverage
- !Sevusevu protocol — failure to perform sevusevu before approaching village is a serious offence; always bring kava root
Skipper's Tips
- →Buy kava root (yaqona) at the Nadi or Lautoka market before heading to the Yasawas — it is essential for sevusevu at every village
- →Allow extra time for the passage to Naviti — 45nm from Musket Cove; depart before dawn to arrive in good afternoon light for reef navigation
- →The reef on the west side of Naviti offers outstanding snorkelling — completely undisturbed coral gardens
- →The village elders will likely invite you for kava after sevusevu — this social occasion is central to Fijian culture; accept graciously
- →Keep a detailed fuel log from Musket Cove — you will not find diesel in the Yasawas; carry 2x normal range
Facilities
No facilities. Remote location. Village may offer coconuts or local produce. Carry all provisions from Port Denarau or Musket Cove.
Nearest provisions: Musket Cove Resort (45nm S) (45nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October dry season only. SE trade winds provide following winds southbound from Yasawas. Allow 3–4 days minimum for Yasawa Islands cruise from Musket Cove.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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