Rotuma is a volcanic island of approximately 43 sq. kilometres, located at 12 deg. S, 177 deg. E, approximately 465 kilometres north of Fiji. Although the island has been politically part of Fiji since 1881, Rotuman culture more closely resembles that of the Polynesian islands to the east, most noticeably Tonga, Samoa, Futuna and Uvea.
Because of their Polynesian appearance and distinctive language, Rotumans now constitute a recognizable minority group within the Republic of Fiji.
Approach with care to avoid the reef north of the anchorage, which is not always tenable, depending on the wind and swell direction.
Rotuma is a garden island growing their own food with enough extra to export. Perhaps this is why Rotuma has now been made a clearance port. There are no resorts here and the locals are very friendly.
A useful link is www.rotuma.net
For useful cruising notes from cruisers who have visited these islands see this noonsite report.
Position:
12° 29.25'S, 177° 07.23'E (Oinafa anchorage)
Last updated: October 2025
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2016/7 You may contact bio security via email at eratumaitavuki@baf.com and he will get hold of Customs and health for you. They prefer you to be anchored by the wharf LATITUDE: 12-29.49S LONGITUDE: 177-02.69E
and you will need to transport them to your vessel. They have no ATM or banking services so you have to bring Fiji money with you. Eramasi Tumaitavuki will contact the Chief Counsel for you to meet with the Island Chieftons (7 total chiefs) for permission to come ashore.
The VHF channel 16 only works to contact customs if you are in front of the Customs Office in Town, but anchoring is very poor there but possible, going ashore has to be done at high tide other wise the reef is too shallow to go ashore. This Island is a paradise and we enjoyed it very much, All the customs, immigration, health and bio security paper work is the same as other check ports, customs & Immigration cost 100 Fiji, Health cost 230 Fiji, bio security 85 Fiji dollars. This would be a great check-in or out for those cruising to or from the Marshall Islands.