This is the principal seaport of the island, and perhaps the only one possessing the privileges of a port of entry.
Its inner, or Junk harbor, has a depth of water of from two to three fathoms, and though small, is sufficiently large to accommodate with ease, the fifteen or twenty moderate-sized junks which are usually found moored in it. These are mostly Japanese, with a few Chinese and some small coasting craft, which seem to carry on a sluggish trade with the neighboring islands.
The outer harbor is protected to the eastward and southward by the main land, while in other directions it is surrounded by merely a chain of coral reefs, which answer as a tolerable breakwater against a swell from the northward or westward, but affords of course, no shelter from the wind. The holding ground is so good, however, that a well-found ship could ride out here almost any gale in safety.
The clearest approach to Napa from the westward, is by passing to the northward of the Amakarima islands and sighting Agenhu island, whence steer a S. E. course for the harbor, passing on either side of Reef islands, being careful, however, not to approach them too near on the western and southern sides, as the reefs below water in these directions, are said to be more extensive than is shown by the charts.
After clearing Reef islands, bring Wood Hill to bear S. S. E., when stand down for it, until getting upon the line of bearing for South channel. This will carry you well clear of Blossom reef, yet not so far off but that the White Tomb and clump of trees or bushes to the southward of Tumai Head can be easily distinguished. An E. N. E. ½ E., or E. N. E. course will now take you in clear of all dangers, and give a good anchorage on or near the seven-fathom bank, about half a mile to the northward and westward of False Capstan Head. This channel being perfectly straight, is more desirable for a stranger entering the harbor, than Oar channel, which, though wider, has the disadvantage of its being necessary for a vessel to alter her course some four or five points, just when she is in the midst of reefs, which are nearly all below the surface of the water.
TO ENTER BY OAR CHANNEL.
Bring the centre of the island in Junk harbor (known by the deep verdure of its vegetation), to fill the gap between the forts at the entrance of Junk harbor and steer a S. E. ½ E. course, until Capstan Head bears east, when haul up to E. N. E. and anchor as before directed.
THE NORTH CHANNEL
Is very much contracted by a range of detached rocks making out from the reef on the west side, and should not under ordinary circumstances be attempted by a stranger; as at high water the reefs are almost entirely covered, and it is difficult to judge of your exact position, unless familiar with the various localities and landmarks. To enter by this (North) channel, bring a remarkable notch in the southern range of hills, in line with a small hillock just to the eastward of False Capstan Head and stand in on this range S. by E. ½ E. until Tumai Head bears E. ½ N., when open a little to the southward, so as to give the reef to the eastward a berth, and select your anchorage.
There is a black spar-buoy anchored on Blossom reef half way between its eastern and western extremities, a red spar-buoy on the point of reef to the W. N. W’d of Abbey point, and a white spar-buoy on the southeast extremity of Oar reef. Flags of corresponding colors are attached to all these buoys, and they afford good guides for the South and Oar channels. There are two large stakes on the reefs to the eastward and westward of North channel, planted there by the natives, this being the channel mostly used by junks trading to the northward.