Suwarrow - Docking
The caretakers have a VHF radio and you are able to call them on Ch.16, call sign “Suwarrow”.
Anchorage:
The anchorage at Suwarrow is not very big. It’s deep water requiring lots of scope, so when the wind shifts things can get interesting. Buoying your chain is definitely recommended.
The anchorage is sand and coral from 25 meters down to 14 meters or so if you tuck in beyond the jetty. It is sheltered from Easterly winds but would be exposed to a Westerly and it totally open to the South, with a long fetch across the lagoon.
It is not permitted to anchor elsewhere in the lagoon.
Yachts would have to see if a strong westerly was forecast as the long fetch in the lagoon can cause large waves, which break across the entrance making conditions hazardous.
As the bottom is patchy sand and coral, it is well worth snorkeling to take a look that your chain is not around a coral head before lifting anchor. Visibility is good, so a snorkeling in the water can give directions to untangle any fouling, even in the deeper parts of the anchorage.
Dinghy landing is on the north side of the rock jetty that does not extend right out to the edge of the reef, so outboards have to be lifted for the last few meters.
Yachts must take their rubbish away with them, as there is no facility for disposing of rubbish on Suwarrow.
Last updated: July 2021
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
Next Section: Profile: Yacht Clubs
Related to following destinations: Cook Islands, Northern Group (Cook Islands), Suwarrow
Port Navigation
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Cook Islands
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com
The correct link for the customs form for permission to visit Suwarrow is http://www.mfem.gov.ck/images/Form_27_-_Cook_Island_Border_Agencies_application_for_marine_craft_to_arrive_at_or_depart_from_a_place_outside_of_a_designated_Customs_Port.pdf
Please note that we undertook a rat eradication exercise on Suwarrow 2 years ago, with help from the Critical Ecosystem Protection Fund and the European Union. We ask all yachts to be very vigilant that they do not bring any rats or mice to Suwarrow.
This is a very important bird breeding ground for the Pacific Islands, and we need to keep it rat-free. We also ask that boats are sprayed for other invasives, such as fire ants, or anything else that could destroy our paradise!
If you have any suggestions about how to spread this message out to all yachts that visit Suwarrow, please let us know at info@tiscookislands.org (Te Ipukarea Society, Birdlife International partner in the Cook Islands)
Lisa was in Suwarrow in August 2014 – her blog has some useful info: http://lisadorenfest.com/2014/09/17/suwarrow/