Savusavu
The name Savusavu comes from the indigenous Fijian village of the same name. The area’s been inhabited by Fijians long before European contact. Early European involvement – Traders were attracted by natural resources such as sand‑wood, beche‑de‑mer (sea cucumbers), and copra (coconut product). These were among the first exports from the region
Plantation era: By mid‑to‑late 19th century (1860s+), settlers (often coming from Australia, NZ, other European sources) established coconut plantations around Savusavu. Many mixed heritage families formed. Freehold land ownership (unusual for Fiji in general) became common in the Savusavu area, because of plantations being established.
The town and infrastructure started with The Copra Shed — built originally in ~1917 as a trading depot for copra. It’s become a central landmark. In 1969, Savusavu was proclaimed a town
Savusavu Bay is volcanic in origin; there are hot springs (notably Nakama Hot Springs) which have been used historically for cooking, bathing; steam emerges along the foreshore, etc. In the late 1800s there were periods where some springs spouted geyser‑height columns (12‑18 m) for short durations.
Recent development: The tourism sector has grown significantly; resorts, boutique villas, and expat freehold land buyers. The Nawi Island Marina is part of that newer high‑end infrastructure push. There are also improved services, restaurants, shops etc. catering to cruising boats.
Nawi Island
Nawi Island – Nawi Island Marina sits in Nakama Creek in Savusavu Bay, between islands Nawi, Korovesa, and Nawi Lailai. It is very close to Savusavu town and Savusavu Airport — about 10 minutes from the airstrip.
The Nawi Marina built to cyclonic standards to withstand up to Category 5 cyclone boasts 132 marina berths with 21 dedicated to super yachts up to 85m in length! Power, water, waste, fuel and gas all on hand with 24-hour security and high-speed internet. With a boatyard nearby at Balaga Bay with dry-dock/haul-out facilities and a large travel-lift for up to 75 tonnes.
The piece de resitance being the sensational beach club, pool, cabanas, spa, mulitple dining options, grocery store for provisioning, currency exchange and more…this is a great place to base your cruising boat! Savusavu is an official Port of Entry – Customer, Immigration, Quarantine, Biosecurity are all handled in Savusavu (town) via the marina.
These are excellent bays / islands / anchorages combining beauty, seclusion, marine life & safety by Nawi Island.
Namena Marine Reserve – Superb reef diving, soft corals
Viani Bay – Great stop for diving/snorkelling, beaches and some resort infrastructure.
Rabi Island – Very remote, calm, beautiful, cultural and nice for overnight anchorages.
Ringgold Isles – Archipelago, good for exploring reef systems with very little visitation.
Vanua Balavu – Eastern Lau group, remote, picturesque bays, lagoon options
Sau Bay – Another option for secluded anchorage
Fulaga – Very remote, authentic Fiji, lagoon-type anchorages, very few boats with lots of privacy
Gau Island – Great for reefs, local villages, less developed and more pristine.
- Savusavu Bay / Nakama Creek — protected, good holding, several moorings. Many yachts choose this as home base in the region.
- Copra Shed / Waitui / Savusavu Marina — not so much raw anchorages, but good moorings & docks inside the bay with amenities. Ideal for provisioning or rest.
- Viani Bay (already mentioned) good stop en route between northern islands or traveling along the Hibiscus Coast.
- Buca Bay on Vanua Levu mainland — decent anchorage in bad weather; good holding; good access to shore and villages.
Navigation & Safety Tips
- Nautical charts in Fiji have areas with outdated info, reefs shifting, and un-marked hazards. Use local waypoints, verify depths. Nawi Island & its partners provide tested tracks & waypoints.
- Cyclone season: plan routes / anchorages knowing shelter options; marinas like Nawi are built for cyclones; remote bays may have varying protection. Ideally cruise between late April – October
