Fiji private boat charters – what to do and where to go
With over 322 islands to explore in a vast 18,376 square kilometres of Pacific Ocean, a privately chartered sailing boat or motor yacht is one of the most refreshing ways to explore the amazing Fiji archipelago.
Cruising the Fiji Islands suits even the most anxious of sailors. The water is calm, winds are light and the scenery breathtakingly beautiful. From the water you bear witness to Fiji’s remarkable geography which ranges from volcanic islands with rugged limestone cliffs and lush, uninhabited terrain, to small sand keys where the water is the most amazing aqua blue you’ll ever see.
There are many charter options available including sailing yachts, catamarans, motor yachts and power boats and all come with an experienced, professional crew. And rest assured, these vessels aren’t your typical run about. Most carry all your dive and snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and even jet and water skis. At the luxury end they come complete with swimming pool, jacuzzi, cinema, gymnasium, even a helipad.
When embarking on a chartered cruise adventure, you can rest assured all your expectations will be met. We can tailor the experience to your wishes and desires with an itinerary created just for you and your fellow travelers. The toughest questions you’ll need to answer are “where do you want to go today?” and “what would you like for breakfast?”. Doesn’t sound too bad!
Even for those who have visited Fiji many times before, sailing these islands gives even the most seasoned traveler a new passion and excitement for this beautiful island group.
Whether you choose to compliment your resort stay with a chartered cruise, or spend your entire holiday sailing the high seas (albeit in a rather sedate fashion), a yacht is your pass to explore areas of Fiji way off the heavily worn tourist track. Anchorage is typically good throughout the archipelago giving you access to deserted beaches and local villages where you’ll experience the essence of Fijian culture and customs. Should you tire of the seafaring life, you can typically anchor close to the many resorts dotted throughout the region and treat yourself to a delicious meal.
Popular Fiji sailing and cruise options:
- The Yaswawa and Mamanuca Islands
- Kadavu & Beqa
- The Lomaiviti Group
- The Lau Group
Cruising the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands
The Yaswawa and Mamanuca Islands are the closest cruising grounds to Nadi International Airport. Twenty minutes from the airport is Port Denarau, the launching place for many yacht charter companies. Within a couple of hours sailing from Denarau you’re amongst the Yasawa / Mamanuca chain of islands. This pristine area extends for over 80 nautical miles and is perfect for novice sailors who may not be comfortable sailing long distances in open water and you’ll frequently come across other yachts. The area is dotted with coral reefs and underwater caves making it perfect for snorkeling and diving. You can anchor safely and explore untouched beaches with the whitest of sand. If you tire of the seafaring life, stop into one of the boutique island resorts that dot the region and replenish with a gourmet meal or hearty lovo feast.
Cruising Kadavu & Beqa
This region, closest to Fiji’s main island of Vitu Levu, is known as Fiji’s adventure playground. Offering some of Fiji’s best diving, surf breaks and game fishing, adrenaline junkies are never bored sailing this region. Diving offers the chance to swim with a variety of shark and large pelagic species, schooling barracudas, turtles and manta rays. Visit the village of Dravuni (be sure to take a gift for the village chief) before heading north to explore deserted islands, hike to inland waterfalls and get well and truly off the traditional tourist route. There are numerous resorts throughout the area where you can anchor safely to replenish supplies, or enjoy a few hours of island life.
Cruising the Lomaiviti Group
Comprising the islands of Namena, Koro, Makogai, Wakaya and Gau, this region is a mecca for experienced divers. The large volcanic island of Koro is the seventh largest island in Fiji. Famed for its traditional turtle calling ceremony is the village of Nacamaki. A caller from the village stands high on the cliff and summons all turtles in the region to the surface. This is one of only two places in Fiji where this occurs. A visit to the island of Ovalau is a must where you’ll find the old capital of Levuka where buildings stand in a time warp just as they were 100 years ago. The Namenalala Marine Reserve, on the fringe of Bligh Waters, is Fiji’s most pristine reef ecosystem (a fee is payable to land here). The island is home to a booby nesting colony, fruit bats, lesser frigates and long-tail tropic birds and Hawkesbill turtle nesting sites.
Cruising the Lau Group
This remote group of islands on Fiji’s east may be one of the world’s best cruising destinations. The Lao Group is still devoid of any tourism. It is probably for the more sea hardy as there is more sailing between islands than the other regions and it can get quite bumpy, but it is certainly worth it. The pay-off is isolated reefs and islands devoid of tourist resorts. This is virgin Fiji at its best!
The people living in this remote area live a simple, subsistence based lifestyle. Visitors to the region should be mindful of the unique fragility of this untouched area.
Needless to say, the fishing and diving throughout the Lau Group is excellent.
Speak to a Fiji travel specialist
Planning a Fiji holiday?
Fiji is the most perfect place on earth. The islands and their waters are pure and pristine, just as they were generations ago. The sands are white, the waters warm and the tropical rainforest is lush and shady. Fiji offers everything from total relaxation to fun adventure. The Fijian people are welcoming and friendly, and they encourage you to enjoy their island home. They are family oriented and find joy in helping you celebrate your time in Fiji. Throughout the Fiji Islands, you will find a friendliness experienced nowhere else in the world.
No-one knows these extraordinary islands as we do! We are specialist Fiji travel agents and can organise every aspect of your island escape. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, tropical wedding, romantic escape or honeymoon, adults-only getaway, group holiday with friends and family, island cruise or corporate retreat, we can help. Be sure to check out our Fiji package deals and travel discounts.
Our team understands that sometimes an ‘off-the-shelf’ holiday package isn’t good enough. Perhaps you want a Fiji holiday that’s unique and personalised and that is exactly what makes us different. We believe that every holiday should be special and dedicate ourselves to creating Fiji holidays that will create long-lasting memories.
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