Fiji : Profile

Facts

Fiji is an archipelago of over 300 islands, from coral atolls to large volcanic islands. About 100 are inhabited, while many of the rest are used as fishing bases and planting grounds. The International Dateline runs through Fiji, although most of the islands are just west of 180°.
Fiji has all the ingredients of a perfect cruising destination - beautiful islands, secluded anchorages and welcoming people. This picture of perfection is somewhat marred by a menacing array of coral reefs that almost encircle the entire archipelago. The majority of visiting yachts arrive from the east, which is where the reefs have claimed most victims. Part of the problem is that it is forbidden to stop at any of the eastern islands before clearing in and a careful watch is kept on yacht movement by the Fijian authorities. The location of the few ports of entry complicates the task of cruise planning, especially for those hoping to visit the eastern Lau group to windward of all ports of entry. The most convenient ports for those intending to cruise eastern Fiji are Levuka on the island of Ovalau, or Savusavu on Vanua Levu.
Suva has the best range of repair facilities in the Central Pacific, most of which are concentrated in the vicinity of the Royal Suva Yacht Club.
The traditional way of life is still thriving in the islands and the unthinking attitude in the past of a few visiting sailors has caused offence and animosity, which led to a strict control of cruising permits. Local etiquette should be observed and one is expected to pay a courtesy visit to the chief or headman of the island or village bearing a gift of yagona (kava). A good supply should be taken on board from Suva market. The normal gift is about half a kilogramme of kava root. Dress is conservative, and is is not appropriate for women to wear swimwear, trousers or shorts when visiting a village or house. Everyone should be covered from shoulder to knee and neither hats nor sunglasses should be worn in the village. Bags and cameras shold be carried in the hand, not slung over a shoulder. Fishing rights are strictly allocated to the various villages and permission should be obtained before attempting to catch any, and then only take sufficient for your immediate needs. Gifts of alcohol will be considered discourteous, as its consumption is discouraged.
Traditions are not so strong in the western islands, some of which have been developed as tourist resorts, such as the charming Mamanuca islands, which are a short hop from Nadi airport, convenient for crew changes.
Further west is the Yasawa Group, one of the most popular cruising grounds due to scenic anchorages and clear waters. Pickmere's Yasawa chartlets are essential for cruising the Yasawa group and are available in Lautoka.
Two new marinas, Port Denarau and Vuda Point, have opened on Viti Levu's west coast, both being close to Nadi international airport.
The opening of two marinas in Savusavu, Copra Shed Marina and Waitui, have made it a popular base from which to explore the eastern part of the archipelago.
Rotuma and several smaller islands lying approximately 200 miles NNW of Fiji, form a distinctive group and although administratively linked to Fiji, ethnologically they are very different as Rotumans are Polynesians. The administrative centre is at Ahau, but as Rotuma is not an official port of entry, access to it is only allowed with prior permission from the authorities in Suva.

Fiji has a mild tropical climate. From May to November the SE trades blow, making it cooler and drier, while the summer months from November to April are wet and humid. Viti Levu and Vanua Levu can have a lot of rain and Suva is renowned for sudden but short torrential downpours. Cyclones occur during the period November to April. There are very few hurricane holes in Fiji and these quickly fill up with local boats.

Fiji Meteorological Service
http://www.met.gov.fj/