For boats
This is
very open bay, could be unsafe during S-SW-W-NW-N winds and swell. It is not comfortable
to anchor there, because depths drops quickly from the cost and you need to
anchor close to the shore (about 150
m). But is very worth to visit, particularly from April
to June, because of Land Diving.
Approaching
Easy to
approach from west directions, no unexpected dangers.
Anchoring
Anchor in
7-10 meters
on brown sand, there is good holding in this belt of sand. If you go too
shallow you will end up in small round boulders with little holding and deeper
drops off quickly.
We dropped
the anchor on position:
15 54.821S
and 168 11.279E (10m, 160m from the shore)
If swell
coming from S-SW-W-NW-N could be danger, but it is rare. During prevailing SW
winds this is calm and no swell place.
Dinghy landing
Just go to
the beach.
Water
If you
really need it, go to the Marie Bungalows (near the white flag on the beach)
and ask.
Facilities
No fuel, no
groceries, no WiFi, no other facilities. Several rivers where laundry can be
done or water collected (but ask first the locals).
For crews
The land
diving (Nagol) tower at Londot village is extensively used during the land
diving season ( Apr – June) each year. Luke Fargo, who owns the Marie bungalows
(next to white flag on the beach), can organise this event upon arrangement,
accompanied by refreshments, Kava tasting and a string band. It is truly an
awesome experience to watch these young men leap from the Nagol tower secured
only by a vine tied around each ankle. The whole community gets involved by
either participating, dancing or watching.
The ability to be flexible with days is a great bonus to yachts and they
are willing to put on the event with even only a couple of yachts so give Luke
a call.
The tower
can be seen from the anchorage and usually remains standing until October /
November each year before it falls.
Contact
Details: Luke Fargo (+678) 535-55-14 (he speaks English)
About 200-300 meters South (right)
from anchorage a small village is located. Go there and see how people live on
Pentecost.
At Londot
yachts are warmly welcomed by the whole community. Luke Fargo, the President of
the South Pentecost Tourism Association & owner of Londot Marie Bungalows
and Restaurant, is happy to show you around and organise tours and activities.
He and his family have a small restaurant on the beach directly in front of the
anchorage where you can share some tasty island kaekae ( truly!), try some
kava, be entertained by the local string band and chat with Luke and his
family. Luke started the Land Diving tourism business back in 1978 and is a
very switched on man who loves helping cruisers enjoy their visit to South
Pentecost.
Any other
needs? Ask Luke.
Fees
anchorage - no fees
land diving entrance fee - 80-120 USD per person