Suwarrow - General Info
Where is Suwarrow?
Suwarrow (also called Suvorov, Suvarou, or Suvarov) is an island in the northern group of the Cook Islands in the south Pacific Ocean. It is about 1,300 kilometres (810 mi) south of the equator and 930 kilometres (580 mi) north-northwest of the capital island of Rarotonga..
Suwarrow was for many years the home of a New Zealand hermit, Tom Neale, who wrote of his life in a book “An Island to Oneself”. Today, caretakers live on the atoll for most of the year, their solitude disturbed only by visiting yachts! The caretakers acts as immigration, biosecurity and customs officers for visiting vessels and ensure that everyone complies with the National Park rules and regulations.
The caretakers live on the Island from May to November (the Suwarrow National Park officially opens on 01 June) and a Cook island flag is flown from the flagpole on the jetty when the caretakers are there, and taken down each day at sunset.
A cyclone shelter (two story building) was built to safeguard the Officers during their stay on Suwarrow. The foundation houses a big water catchment tank that takes water off the large steel roof. The first floor is open and serves as the living area and the officers office.
Supplies for the caretakers, such as fresh veggies, eggs, fruit and fishing lures would be greatly appreciated. Just sharing a few meals on the beach over some beers, or joining in a musical session, would also be enjoyed, however, there is a time restriction of 7pm unless permission is granted by the Park Ranger.
Entrance Notes and Cautions for Suwarrow:
The pass is wide and lines up with Entrance Island on the other side of the lagoon. From 13º14.5S 163º06.0W a course of 178ºT will take you through most of the pass. The depth goes down to 5 meters then increases just before reaching South Reef, situated in the center of the inner end of the pass. This can be seen just below the surface if the light is good and waves will break on it if there is a swell. It is possible to turn to starboard once clear of the Anchorage Island Reef, and pass between it and South Reef. Or turn to port leaving South Reef to starboard and go around it, before turning towards the anchorage.
Anchoring is only permitted at Anchorage Island. The Park Rangers has a designated anchorage point. Other islet are off-limits to all vessels.
August 2014 saw a 47ft Amel beached on the reef when their anchor chain broke – a reminder of how exposed this anchorage can be in bad weather.
Position:
13° 14’28″S, 163° 06’01″W
Last updated: July 2024
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Related to following destinations: Cook Islands, Northern Group (Cook Islands), Suwarrow
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We asked as requested customs in advance with the form for permession to enter Suwarrow and it was denied without a reason. Two weeks earlier a friend of us sailed directy to Suwarrow and had no problems to clear in and out with the park ranger without the pre-permission of cutoms.
Thank you for this feedback, however, Suwarrow Island is NOT a nominated Customs Port of Entry and authorization to go there MUST be obtained from the Controller of Customs in advance. Failure to arrive without authorization is a criminal offense punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding $100. Customs officers may also elect to detain/seize your craft pending prosecution. As far as Noonsite is aware the rules have not changed, however, we are seeking an official response from the Controller of Customs.
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/