September 2018
The first time here, we ducked into Pacific Harbour from Beqa Island to avoid some weather, and maybe buy some groceries. We found lots of conflicting information about the “marina” here. It was under construction. It was for local boats only. It was for superyachts. It had moorings. It didn’t have moorings. We didn’t know what to expect but we weren’t expecting much. We checked with them to see if they’d have room for us. They did. Off we went.
Wow, was this place WAY beyond expectations. It’s wonderful! We not only found a very nice little marina at a gracious and welcoming resort hotel, but there’s a tiny town an easy walk away with so many great eateries. The general area is surprisingly green and pretty. As we write this, we’re on our second visit.
One benefit of Pacific Harbour is that it’s in one of the coolest parts of Fiji. When it’s sweltering on the west side, it’s often cloudy, cool and comfortable here (as it is in Suva also).
Pacific Harbour has positioned itself as the “adventure capital of Fiji.” From here you can go on a shark dive at Beqa (which we did, post here), a white-water rafting trip (been there, done that, post here), or any number of other adventures.
About seven miles from here is Beqa Island which is a really terrific cruising destination and deserves to be more than the afterthought many cruisers give it, stopping only briefly on the way to the west side. A good part of that short, seven mile passage is protected from seas by surrounding reefs.
Here’s a Google map with what we’ve learned about Pacific Harbour including eateries, supplies and services. Details about the marina can be found below the map.
The Marina Details:
We used their online form to check on availability. We got an immediate response from Frank.
Here’s their email address: activities@thepearlsouthpacific.com
And Fiji phone: 773 0022
And website: thepearlsouthpacific.com/marina/
It’s a little shallow coming through the channel. We saw 10 feet one time at near high tide but that was when the current swept us off course. (There can be a pretty strong current. Another reason to enter at high tide.)
Mac met us, showed us which berth to take, and took our lines.
There’s water and power at the dock. The water is included with the berth price and the electricity is a little extra. You can use the public restroom in the lobby of the resort, but there are no showers (except a wash-off shower pole by the beach). The berth price is about $25 US per day.
There’s no fuel at the marina but there’s a gas station with diesel a short taxi ride away (or a long walk for carrying fuel jugs). Gasoline can be purchased right across the street. Aqua-Trek is a very short dinghy ride up the river and they will fill scuba tanks.
