Fiji - the island nation having its moment in the superyacht sun 

De Lisle III

Fiji - the island nation having its moment in the superyacht sun 

De Lisle III

Journeys

Fiji - the island nation having its moment in the superyacht sun 

With its new annual rendezvous and a scattering of new marina developments, Fiji is the superyacht destination that keeps on giving. 

By Dominique Afacan | 9 October 2024

For superyachts seeking off-the-beaten-path island paradise, Fiji has long been the go-to destination. From its multitude of tropical islands and deserted beaches to its fascinating local culture and world-class diving, surfing and fishing, it’s the gift of the South Pacific that just keeps on giving. Now, with the arrival of the inaugural Superyacht Rendezvous, the expansion of Port Denarau Marina and a collective thirst for remote travel, its star is set to keep on rising. 

Linda Berry, who hosted the first ever South Pacific Superyacht Rendezvous in August via her philanthropic organisation The Superyacht Gathering, was thrilled with the inaugural event. “It achieved exactly what I set out to do. The crew of both superyachts showed off superb sailing skills and a real sense of camaraderie throughout the event, and I know that our participants are going home with fond memories, new friends, and a tantalising taste of sailing in the South Pacific.” 

The two superyachts Crazy Horse and Kawil raced out amongst the Mamanuca Islands, joined by guests from across Oceania and further afield. On both days, the race committee – led by the Fiji Yachting Association – managed the racing from on board a traditional Fijian canoe boat known as a Drua. “The captain, Setareki Ledua, remains one of the nation’s last traditional navigators and the sight of this vessel on the racecourse reminded participants that they were truly in the South Pacific,” adds Linda. 

Fiji - the island nation having its moment in the superyacht sun 

Kawil racing in the Mamanucas

Fiji - the island nation having its moment in the superyacht sun 

Kawil racing in the Mamanucas

Steering off the beaten path and into island paradise

Beyond the race itself, which is expected to grow for its second edition in 2025, Fiji as a destination has seen an increase in visiting yachts in recent years. “There are plenty of well-known superyachts who have been in Fiji this year and last and the numbers are steadily increasing and I believe will continue to do so,” says Linda. “Many superyacht owners and charter guests want something other than the traditional destinations of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.”

Captain Dan Farrell, who has travelled regularly to Fiji on board De Lisle III agrees. “I came across the South Pacific on a large superyacht in 2010 and the amount of improvement and where the industry is since then is incredible. I’ve been in Fiji for five winter seasons now and there is always a good mix of vessels from Australia and New Zealand as well as large superyachts cruising from East to West via Tahiti and Tonga.”

Fiji - the island nation having its moment in the superyacht sun 

Linda Berry

Fiji - the island nation having its moment in the superyacht sun 

Linda Berry

Farrell credits new marina developments such as Nawi Island Marina with encouraging more visitors. The marina sits in Savusavu Harbour and features 21 berths suitable for superyachts up to 85m. As well as all the usual luxury amenities, including a yacht club and swimming pool, the marina also features a boatyard with extensive service facilities.

It’s a similar story over on Port Denarau Marina, which is starting their expansion for superyachts at the end of the cruising season. The marina is just 20 minutes from the international airport making pick up and drop off of owners, crew and guests as easy as could be. “Having both these marinas in Fiji will see a huge upswing in the superyachts coming and staying longer, which is good,” says Berry.

Fiji - the island nation having its moment in the superyacht sun 
Fiji - the island nation having its moment in the superyacht sun 

Set your watch to ‘Fiji time’ and make time to see it all

And why not stay longer, when there is so much to see and do? “Fiji has it all!” says Captain Dan. “You could easily do three or four trips there and not see everything.” His favourite place to head on a trip is an atoll called Fulanga. “It’s a tight pass to get into, through a channel in the reef but once inside, it’s heaven on earth. Crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, amazing wall diving, really good fishing and the friendliest locals who welcome you into their village and show you their way of life. It ticks every box.”

Linda, meanwhile, loves her adopted hometown of Savusavu. “I live just on the outskirts surrounded by blue lagoons, waterfalls and a little town that is the hub of the area of 5500 people. The area is filled with expat yachties who sailed in, dropped their hooks and never left,” she says. 

“Fiji is not for the ‘look at me’ crowd,” continues Linda. “There are no high-end designer stores, no boardwalks to parade. Fiji is for the superyacht owners who want to experience adventure, culture, and purpose. It’s for people who love to dive, surf, fish, paddle, sail – and to do all of this in warm, clear tropical water surrounded by stunning sealife, sandy beaches and palm trees.” What’s not to like? 

Sign up for updates




    Do you work in the superyacht industry? YesNo
    I would like to receive updates from Superyacht Life