Lautoka (Vuda Point Marina) - General Info

Where is Lautoka?

The town of Lautoka lies on the northwest coast of the main Fijian island of Viti Levu. It is in the heart of the sugar cane growing area which gives it the name of 'Sugar City'. Lautoka is a big city by Fijian standards and has many large supermarkets, hardware stores, and department stores.

Most yachts base themselves at Vuda Marina which is about 20 minutes out of town. This is a unique commercial marina complex, operating as a hub for yachts traveling throughout the South Pacific. It is conveniently located at Vuda Point, which is situated on the western end of Viti Levu between Nadi International Airport and Lautoka city.

Entrance Notes or Cautions for Lautoka:

Vuda Marina is accessible through a reef channel 25m wide, the marina entrance is marked with beacons and green leading lights and is easily arrived at by approaching the highly visible British Petroleum storage tanks from the southwest. It is not recommended that a night entry is attempted unless familiar with the approach.

Before you enter the Marina channel, contact the Marina via VHF16 and call clearly “Vuda Marina, Vuda Marina, Vuda Marina. This is vessel “xyz” and await further instruction. Fluent English spoken. Once you are advised that the channel is free of any traffic, enter the main basin and pick up the white buoy while you wait for berthing instructions.

Lautoka Wharf is about 7nm NE of the marina entrance channel.

Cruiser Highlights for Lautoka:

Lautoka has much to offer in the way of chandleries and hardware, maintenance and repair facilities, and shore services. Vuda Marina has a lively bar and restaurant that is a good place to meet other cruisers, swap stories, and enjoy live music.

Vuda Marina has a Severe Weather Preparation Plan and cyclone pits for cyclone season.

Position:

17º41.04’S, 177º23.02’E ( marina entrance channel).