Savusavu - Docking

Anchorages

A short distance from the bay, yachts can anchor off Jean Michel Cousteau Resort, a convenient little spot where one can snorkel and do night diving off the point, and close enough to run back for shelter from cyclones. Also, a little further on and also within reach of a safe return, are the islands of Lomaiviti which includes the world-renowned dive sites of Namena Reef.

Moorings:

Nakama Creek is deep water and there are lots of moorings in the bay which are owned by the various marinas - Copra Shed, Waitui and Savusavu Marina - and several cruising associations.  There are about 50 - 60 moorings for rent.

The creek is an internationally recognized cyclone hole, however, moorings have been known to fail. Be sure to double-check the strength of your mooring before leaving your boat unattended.

It is recommended to call up the marina you want to go to when you arrive and they can advise whether to pick up a mooring or proceed to the dock.

Moorings are all colored according to the owners - make sure you pay your mooring fees to the correct owner! Waitui Marina has orange Helix moorings, Copra Shed's moorings are white and Savusavu Marina has 20 cyclone moorings.  (Note:  It has been confirmed that Curly who owned and operated moorings here has died but as of May 2023 it was not known who has taken over his moorings).

Waitui and Savusavu are not considered real marinas - rather they are a jetty with moorings available.

The Savusavu Marina is located to the east of the mooring field. Access through the reefs to Savusavu Marina’s mooring field is a challenge for first-timers. It is advisable to call Savusavu Marina on VHF 16 for their boatman escort.

Marinas:

When entering the creek, the first marina on the right is Waitui Marina; the next marina on the right is Copra Shed with the new Nawi Island Marina opposite; Savusavu Marina is located at the end of Nakama Creek.

A 40 meter [130 feet] channel has been dug into the creek for entry to the new resort and marina on Nawi Island on the opposite shore, which has floating docks and will have full facilities with a pool (currently restaurant, bar, laundry and toilets finished).

All marina hours are from 0800/0830 to 1700. It is recommended that you contact the marinas in advance by e-mail to find out availability prior to arrival.

Note: For alongside berthing, cruisers have reported a problem here with rats and invasive birds, so it is advisable to take the necessary precautions.

Copra Shed is med-mooring style with a bar, some shops, laundry, bathroom facilities.

Derelict boats:

If planning on leaving your boat here during cyclone season, be aware that there are a number of abandoned boats here which are not maintained or looked after and may pose a problem in bad weather conditions if they break free.

Speed limits:

Be aware that there are resident sailors living on their boats in the harbor and cruisers need to be aware that there is a 5-knot speed limit and it is a no-wake zone.

Dinghy Docks

All yachts are welcome to use the Copra Shed Marina dinghy pontoon as a means of access to the business premises within the Copra Shed building. Those who are not on a Copra Shed mooring and who wish to use the dinghy pontoon solely as a means of getting into town or to do personal errands outside of the Copra Shed building are required to pay a fee of $1.00 per day.

Waitui and Savusavu Marina do not charge for the use of their dinghy docks.

Security

For information on yacht security here, see this blog post: "Anti-Crime is a Continuous Effort."

In response to recent incidents in involving yachts in 2023, the Nawi Island Marina has updated their security information for visitors.

Last updated:  November 2023