Suwarrow - Docking

The caretakers have a VHF radio and you are able to call them on Ch.16, call sign "Suwarrow".

Anchorage:

The anchorage at Suwarrow is not very big. It's deep water requiring lots of scope, so when the wind shifts things can get interesting. Buoying your chain is definitely recommended.

The anchorage is sand and coral from 25 meters down to 14 meters or so if you tuck in beyond the jetty. It is sheltered from Easterly winds but would be exposed to a Westerly and it totally open to the South, with a long fetch across the lagoon.

It is not permitted to anchor elsewhere in the lagoon.

Yachts would have to see if a strong westerly was forecast as the long fetch in the lagoon can cause large waves, which break across the entrance making conditions hazardous.

As the bottom is patchy sand and coral, it is well worth snorkeling to take a look that your chain is not around a coral head before lifting anchor. Visibility is good, so a snorkeling in the water can give directions to untangle any fouling, even in the deeper parts of the anchorage.

Dinghy landing is on the north side of the rock jetty that does not extend right out to the edge of the reef, so outboards have to be lifted for the last few meters.

Yachts must take their rubbish away with them, as there is no facility for disposing of rubbish on Suwarrow.

Last updated:  September 2025