Dere Bay, Koro Island Yachting information Anchorage information:
Koro Island is located in the Koro Sea between the main islands of Viti Levu and
Vanua Levu.
Dere Bay is overlooked by Koro Seaview Estates, a freehold residential subdivision.
The area is also called Waisali Village. About 40 homes have been built and owners
enjoy the serenity, stunning views and intact nature of this unique island. When
entering Dere Bay by boat you will see a large overwater thatched bure with a landing
pontoon where you can berth your inflatable. Anchoring is only allowed using our
moorings.
Moorings: Several moorings are available for visiting yachts but are privately owned
by Koro Seaview Estates. Permission must be obtained to use them. Contact TUKINI,
the manager on VHF 16 or on his phone 7807805. The usual time limit is 3 days.
There is no cost to use the moorings; use is at your own risk. Yachties are advised to
vacate the bay during storms and seek shelter at Savusavu.
All tide shore access is available using the long jetty extending from the east, and the
beach is the public access to the resorts.
Things to do ashore:
There are 2 resorts – the one at the end of the jetty is only used for big functions but
Koro Beach Resort is open during working hours. Meals and drinks can be purchased
here, and there is a lovely open-air bure to sit by the water. Wireless Internet access is
available for a small daily fee. You can get to Koro Beach Resort by turning right at
the end of the jetty and following the coast. (Using binoculars from your boat, you
can see the pink house). It would be appreciated if you would make your presence
known at the resort if you intend to stay awhile.
Waisali Village overlooks Dere Bay, it is an ex-pat village with over 40 homes, some
permanently occupied - you are welcome to walk around but please respect owner's
privacy and properties.
Koro Seaview Estates is a residential development and has land and homes on the
island for Sale. For more information please contact Joe Soecker at
[email protected] or call him at (679) 9928111. He can arrange property tours
for you. Maps and info are available at Koro Beach Resort. Ask for an information
package.
Local villages – there are 3 villages within walking distance of Dere Bay – the first
village, Nabasovi is about 40 minute walk from the jetty, Tavua is a further 5 minutes
and Navaga another 5 minutes. If you intend to walk to the village, please be
respectful of dress code. Ladies – cover your shoulders and knees. No hats or
sunglasses when greeting people.
Waterfalls and Mantana Beach – ask Koro Beach for further information.
The Joglo House – visit a beautifully reconstructed 300 year old home that was
shipped to Koro Island from Java – the home can be toured with the caretaker,
Waisake M-F 2-4 in the afternoon. www.thejoglohouse.com
Turtle calling is still performed at Nacamaki Village on the north coast.
Provisions available
Nabasovi Village has 2 shops that sell basic goods such as flour, sugar, yeast, baking
powder, drinks, onions, potatoes, garlic. Please respect the local dress code when
entering the village.
Waisali Village has a shop that only sells kaivalagi goods: tins such as tomatoes,
champignons, soya sauce, tofu, lasagne, chocolate, cheese, frozen chicken, chicken
sausages and much more. It opens Saturday 0900 – 1200 and Wednesday 0900 –
1600.
Water available
Ask at Koro Beach Resort
Snorkeling/Diving
Excellent! Many landowners have bought here because of the diving! Easy-to-get-to
spots are at the Sand Island and Black Rock. For further information re diving and/or
equipment ask at Koro Beach Resort.
Diving
Koro Beach offers diving – please contact Tukini for details. VHF 16.
Other Anchorages
The anchorage on the north of the island is marked on charts. We have never
anchored there but have been told by other yachts that it can be rolly during extended
trades. For extended stay, I believe it would be prudent to go ashore and do your
Sevusevu at Nabasovi or Nacamaki village.
Medical help
Ask at Koro Beach Resort for directions to the nearest medical station (about 20
minutes away on foot) at Nabasovi village.
Please note: Respect the environment and the local residents. Waisali/Koro Seaview
Estates is a private development with private roads. We try to keep Dere Bay as
pollution free as possible. Police on the island does enforce customs and immigration
duty and may ask for your papers, as well as prosecute offenses.
Boat owners are asked to abstain from the following, and will be held responsible
for:
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Discharging toilets, bilges, kitchen water or fuel into the bay
Throwing, disposing of and leaving garbage in the bay or bringing it
ashore. Please be considerate. We are a small island.
Doing repairs on vessels that cause pollution of the bay
Anchoring in the bay without using the moorings – do not drag your anchor
around in the bay, you are destroying the coral
Taking fruit from private property around the development
Trespassing on lots/houses without being invited by residents
Excessive noise or disruption of existing communities on the island.
Unsupervised children – they should be with an adult at all times
If you need assistance or items for your boat, please contact Tukini, the manager. Do
not ask staff members. Tukini will help whenever possible. VHF 16.
No responsibility accepted for the above this is a guide, any skipper using it is
responsible for their own navigation.
For additional info on Koro Island, use the following resources:
Contact Joe Soecker at (679)9928111 – [email protected]
Koro Island – www.koroisland.com – Koro land and Homes for sale
Owners Community – www.koroisland.org or www.facebook.com/koroislandfiji