Why Sailors Avoid Fiji During Cyclone Season | Life on a Boat in Fiji
Why Sailors Avoid Fiji During Cyclone Season | Life on a Boat in Fiji
Welcome back to another episode of WE|Sail — EPISODE 337 ⚓
Seven years. Over 30,000 nautical miles. Countless destinations. And Fiji still stands out as one of the most unforgettable places we’ve ever sailed. Out here, life follows a rhythm: sail, anchor, explore, maintain the boat, edit. The pattern stays the same… but somehow, no two days ever feel alike.
This week began quietly. We were sailing north through Fiji’s breathtaking Yasawa Islands—fishing along the way, and watching thousands of flying foxes fill the sky at sunset. Moments like these remind us why we chose this life.
But then, everything shifted.
A cyclone formed roughly 300 kilometers south of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. While we weren’t directly in its path, we were still feeling the outer bands—strong winds and heavy rain feeding into the storm. We had been tracking the forecast closely for days. Based on the predicted wind direction, we anchored in what we believed was a safe, protected bay.
But we got it wrong.
Instead of coming from the north, the wind hit us hard from the west—pushing us dangerously close to shore, with very little margin for error if our anchor dragged.
The wind didn’t ease. It kept building. And the longer we stayed, the more exposed we felt.
At some point, you stop waiting—and you act.
We made the call to pull anchor and reposition… right in the middle of deteriorating conditions.
This episode captures both sides of cruising during cyclone season—the peaceful, almost meditative rhythm of life at sea, and the intense, high-stakes moments when forecasts fail and decisions have to be made fast.
This is exactly why very few boats remain in Fiji during this time of year. It takes preparation. Constant awareness. And the ability to trust your instincts—even when the data says otherwise.
After seven years of living this life, we’ve learned one thing above all else:
Expect the unexpected.
Because while the rhythm stays the same… the days never do.
⚠️ CYCLONE SEASON SAILING:
We’re currently sailing Fiji during cyclone season (November–April), a time when most cruisers have already left the region.
We stay vigilant—monitoring forecasts daily, choosing protected anchorages carefully, and always staying ready to move if conditions change.
This is advanced cruising and not recommended for beginners.
⚓ Thanks for watching!
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🌊 ABOUT WE|SAIL:
We’re Erica and Warren—full-time liveaboard sailors for the past 7 years, having sailed over 30,000 nautical miles across the globe.
We share the real, unfiltered side of sailing life—from peaceful anchor days and underwater adventures to the challenges and decisions that come with living at sea.
📍 Currently in: Fiji (exploring the Yasawa Islands)
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