Bon Voyage Vava’u – Welcome Fiji
We Have Arrived!
After bidding a fond bon voyage to Midpoint (Riviera 72 SMY) as she departed ahead of us for Fiji, we made the most of our remaining time in the stunning Vava’u group. Over the past few weeks, this island paradise had become our temporary home, we’d settled into a rhythm, got to know some of the wonderful locals, and truly embraced the cruising lifestyle. The only thing we would’ve changed is a little less wind!
As the days passed, Vava’u came alive with the arrival of majestic humpback whales. Sightings became a regular delight, and we were often treated to breathtaking displays of breaching whales, an utterly surreal and humbling experience every time we moved the boat.
Our final crew members and guests soon arrived, ready to join us on the next leg of the journey and assist with the crossing from Vava’u to Savusavu. With last-minute preparations complete, all safety checks meticulously done, and excitement running high, our convoy of three Riviera vessels set off on a spectacular Saturday morning.
The lineup:
- Flagship – Riviera 58 Sports Motor Yacht (our lead boat)
- Wave Rider – Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht
- Merite – Riviera 72 Sports Motors Yacht
The passage from Vava’u, Tonga to Savusavu, Fiji spans approximately 440 nautical miles, including 280 nm of open ocean. Lures were out whenever possible. Upon reaching the pristine Lau Group – located east of Viti Levu – we continued to fish as we made our way toward our final destination. Although we couldn’t stop before clearing customs, the crystal-clear waters and untouched beauty of the islands were a tantalising preview of what was to come.
As we entered Fijian waters, Flagship was the first to get lucky, hooking a black marlin and then a blue marlin! Having James on board made all the difference with his passion on deck making the release of both marlin smooth and stress free for Captain Dean and angler Suzie. An incredible team effort and a truly unforgettable moment. After a lifetime spent helping others achieve their dreams, having caught thousands of marlin for clients and friends, Dean is now relishing the opportunity to share his passion and expertise with his own family. For him, it’s not just about the thrill of the catch, but about creating unforgettable, bucket-list memories together. A special chapter in a life built on the water, now made even more meaningful by sharing it with those he loves most.
Meanwhile, excitement was running just as high on Wave Rider, where chaos (the good kind!) broke out as five yellowfin tuna struck at once. After a bit of fast footwork and some skillful angling, they successfully landed three out of the five, a fantastic outcome that ensured we had fresh table fish for all. Merite also had a brief hookup, but unfortunately couldn’t get the fish to stick, next time!
Arrival into Savusavu was seamless. We were warmly welcomed and guided to the customs berth within the exceptional Nawi Island Marina, a world-class, purpose-built luxury marina offering every amenity imaginable, all delivered with Fiji’s signature nothings a problem attitude. The facility boasts 132 berths, including 21 for superyachts, and is cyclone-ready with a Category 5 design standard. With its yacht club, beach club, pool, dining options, boutique accommodation and day spa, it’s a dream base for any cruising vessel.
Customs clearance was quick and friendly, and we spent the following days exploring the local town, re-provisioning, and soaking in the marina life while we waited for our island cruising permits (which take around 3–4 days to be issued). It was great to join Midpoint again and make the most of their local knowledge and tips that they had learnt since their arrival.
One highlight during this time was a shared Riviera family dinner on the dock, featuring freshly caught yellowfin tuna from the passage, beautiful local salads from the market, and a perfect NZ Scotch fillet. A great celebration with great company!
Once our permits arrived, Flagship headed off for a quick five-day mini expedition to give our guests a taste of the region, and scout a few new fishing spots. The other boats remained in Savusavu, awaiting the return of more guests and family.
During our short adventure, we were blessed with sensational weather. One stand out experience was getting my sister Trace her first blue marlin and another was meeting William, a warm-hearted fisherman from Yanuca Island. We invited him aboard for a day of fishing, targeting species suitable for the table and a mission to send William home with enough to feed his village. The result was certainly a day to remember, we landed yellowfin, wahoo, Spanish mackerel (waloo), mahi-mahi, dogtooth tuna, and even a few barracuda (which, while typically released, William was keen to keep).
This trip has truly been a dream-come-true bucket list adventure for all of us. The camaraderie, the fishing, the breathtaking destinations, it’s hard to put into words just how special it has been.
Dean shares his thoughts: “It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch the teams on all boats rise to new challenges, particularly when navigating around coral reefs, which can be both intricate and intimidating. The majority of the charting in the Lau Group dates back to Captain Cook’s era and really can’t be relied on for accurate navigation, which, as you can imagine, creates a few challenges. Modern technology certainly helps, but in a remote region like this, extra caution is essential. That said, the crews have been fantastic. Their growing confidence and teamwork in these conditions has been impressive, turning what could’ve been a daunting task into a shared learning experience, and a real point of pride.”
Vinaka vaka levu
Dean & Suzie
