Natadola Bay
Natadola Beach · Natadola anchorage
18°06.48'S 177°23.34'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 behind the reef. Good SE trade protection from the reef. In westerly conditions (unusual) anchorage is exposed — head east. Snorkel to confirm anchor in sand. Tidal range 0.8–1.2m.
About This Anchorage
Natadola Bay on the southwest coast of Viti Levu has the finest beach on the main island — a sweeping crescent of white sand with the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa providing a backdrop. The anchorage behind the fringing reef gives good protection from the SE trades with excellent sand holding. The beach is one of the most beautiful in Fiji and largely uncrowded compared to the Mamanuca resort islands. Natadola is on the southwest coast — quieter and less visited by charter boats than the Mamanucas 20nm north. The local village (Natadola Village) requires sevusevu protocol. The beach is accessible to the public. Swimming and snorkelling off the fringing reef are excellent. Horses are available for beach riding from the local village — a distinctive Natadola activity. From here, it is a short sail northeast to Port Denarau or south toward the Beqa Lagoon area.
Protected From
E · SE · S · NE
Exposed To
W · NW · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in sand
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring on coral. Sevusevu mandatory at Natadola Village. Resort beach — accessible to public. Approach in good light.
Hazards
- !Reef approach — navigate carefully in good light; fringing reef extends across the bay entrance
- !Exposed to west — unusual westerly conditions make anchorage untenable; head north or east
- !Tidal range 0.8–1.2m — depth check at low water
- !Resort boat traffic on the beach
Skipper's Tips
- →Natadola beach is arguably the finest on the main island of Viti Levu — worth the sail from Port Denarau
- →Horse riding on the beach is unique to Natadola — arranged through the local village
- →The reef snorkelling off the fringing reef is good — healthy coral with minimal boat traffic
- →Sevusevu at Natadola Village provides access to the horse riding and local guided activities
- →Best as a day stop on passage between Port Denarau and the Beqa Lagoon area
Facilities
Intercontinental Resort (resort guests). No facilities for visiting yachts. Nearest provisioning Port Denarau (22nm N) or Sigatoka town (10nm E).
Nearest provisions: Sigatoka town (10nm E) (10nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October preferred. Good day stop on the west Viti Levu coast. One of the few natural beach anchorages accessible from Port Denarau.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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