Fiji — Viti Levu South & Beqa Lagoon

Suva Royal Yacht Club

RSYC Suva · Royal Suva Yacht Club · Suva Harbour

18°08.28'S 178°25.56'E

Depth

512m

Bottom

mud

Alarm Radius

70m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

70m

70m for good holding on mud and sand in 5–12m. Well-sheltered inner harbour. Commercial port traffic — maintain watch and set alarm. RSYC moorings available — call VHF 16. Mud bottom provides excellent holding once anchor is buried.

About This Anchorage

The Royal Suva Yacht Club (RSYC) in Suva is one of the finest yacht clubs in the South Pacific — the natural base for visiting cruisers to Fiji's capital city. Suva is the commercial, administrative, and cultural heart of Fiji — the primary customs and immigration port of entry for vessels arriving from the east (Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tonga). The RSYC has excellent facilities: mooring buoys, dinghy dock, bar and restaurant (excellent value, good food), showers, laundry, and a welcoming international cruiser community. Suva itself has the best provisioning in Fiji — Municipal Market (fresh fruit and vegetables, outstanding), Suva Flea Market, multiple supermarkets (Prouds, Morris Hedstrom), chandleries, and full marine services. The city has banks, ATMs (FJD and USD available), hospitals, and full communications. Suva receives significant rainfall (3400mm/year) — the wet side of Viti Levu — so be prepared for tropical downpours. The RSYC is the social hub for Pacific cruisers transiting through Fiji.

Protected From

N · NE · NW · E · W

Exposed To

S · SE

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free anchoring in designated area; RSYC moorings FJD 15–25/night
Permit required
Yes
Permit details
Customs clearance at Suva Port Authority (0.5nm from RSYC). Cruising permit obtained after clearance. RSYC day membership available for visiting yachts.

Restrictions: Q flag mandatory until cleared at Suva Port Authority. Customs and immigration mandatory on arrival. Commercial port speed limit 5 knots. VHF 16 for RSYC.

Hazards

  • !Heavy commercial shipping traffic in Suva Harbour — maintain watch; large vessels have right of way in the main channel
  • !Suva receives heavy rainfall — visibility can drop suddenly; keep AIS on
  • !Dinghy security in the city marina area — lock dinghy and outboard; use RSYC dinghy dock
  • !Strong currents in the harbour entrance on ebb tide — approach carefully

Skipper's Tips

  • Clear customs at Suva Port Authority on arrival — the RSYC staff can guide you through the process
  • The Suva Municipal Market is outstanding — best fresh fruit and vegetables in Fiji at very low prices
  • RSYC bar and restaurant is the social centre for Pacific cruisers — bulletin board with passage reports and crew wanted notices
  • Suva has the best marine services in Fiji — diesel mechanics, electronics, sailmakers — use this stop for any maintenance
  • Stock up thoroughly at Suva for the passage east to Tonga or Vanuatu — excellent chandlery at Marine Services Fiji

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

RSYC restaurant and bar — excellent value, popular with cruisers. Suva Municipal Market (best fresh produce in Fiji). Multiple supermarkets and chandleries in city. Full city services.

Nearest provisions: Suva Municipal Market and city supermarkets (0.5nm)

Best Months & Season

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

May–October dry season preferred (Suva is always wetter than the west — expect showers even in dry season). Primary Pacific cruising route waypoint — busy April–October.

Recommended Anchor Types

Rocna/Manson Supreme (mud penetrating)DeltaBruce/claw

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m

In Fiji's coral-rich lagoons, anchor drag is a serious risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS continuously — so you can explore Viti Levu with confidence.

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