We've been exploring the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands for a few weeks now. Here are some highlights from our destinations....

First, some maps to get you oriented:



The Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, off the west coast of the large island of Viti Levu, Fiji.



The Mamanucas that we visited.

Wadigi Island 17 45.196'S, 177 08.717'E

The first place we went after leaving Musket Cove's crowded anchorage was Wadigi Island, just around the corner. This anchorage is good during settled weather, and when the wind is coming from the north, both conditions that were in evidence. Though we were concerned about the nasty-looking rocks that poked up above the water about 200 yards to the north of us, we took consolation in the fact that they were in fact well upwind of us and dropped SCOOTS' anchor in 75 feet of water. It took us a couple of tries to get the anchor to set - the bottom was apparently rocky - but we finally got it hooked and settled down to enjoy our new surroundings.



Wadigi Island is home to an exclusive resort, where you can stay for about $1300 US per person per night. Yes you read that right. You can read more about it here: www.wadigi.com.



Wadigi Island.

Just after sunset, the wind switched around to the SE at about 20 knots, and swung SCOOTS' stern toward those nasty-looking rocks. Though we were still a hundred or so yards away, we weren't interested in spending a night knowing they were right behind us, should the anchor drag. So, we pulled up SCOOTS' anchor and moved. Though our new spot was farther from the rocks, it was closer to some submerged coral. The anchor held fine, but we didn't have a particularly restful night. In the morning, the low tide revealed a row of jagged coral about twenty-five yards behind us. Yikes.