Introduction
Blessed with dramatic peaks and sun-drenched white sand beaches, the Yasawa Islands is the quintessential paradise that lies Northwest of the main island Viti Levu. The region is a haven for nature lovers and is definitely a mariner’s dream for an adventurous ocean escapade. The natural exotic beauty of the Islands has earned them spots on Hollywood movie sets and is a popular choice for reality shows. Reserve a patch of paradise for your clients on a single island or send them island hopping through the archipelago to standout spots like the awe-inspiring Sawa-i-Lau caves, to swim with mesmerising mantas or to discover delightful underwater coral gardens.Even if your clients are committed to one island, there are secret beaches to discover, deserted bays to snorkel and scenic lookouts where they can watch the sun slip into the sea. There are heaps of places to stay. Affordable rustic bungalows or a chic boutique resort. Wherever you decide to send your clients, the Yasawa Islands’ unspoiled beaches, painted sunsets and starry nights are guaranteed to make them swoon.
Where?
This chain of 20 islands lies in the Western District northwest of Nadi.
How to get there?
There are many ways to get to the Yasawa Islands. The most economical one is a scheduled boat service from Port Denarau aboard the jet catamaran “Yasawa Flyer” which transports travelers to the lower Yasawa islands in under two hours. Air transfers are also available by helicopter or by small-aircraft to Yasawa Island Resort. There’s also the option to charter a private boat transfers or some resorts offer their own resort-boat transfers. Both cruise operators in Fiji offer itineraries through the Yasawa Islands.
- Island Resort Connections (Catamaran Transfer), Yasawa Flyer
- Helicopter
- Private water taxi
- Cruise
- Resort Boat (Vomo, Paradise Cove)
By boat:
Island Resort Connections (Catamaran Transfer), Yasawa Flyer
South Sea Cruises operates a daily Catamaran Transfer, the Yasawa Flyer. It leaves Port Denarau Marina at 08.45 h and returns at 18.00. It has 13 stops to service all the resorts up to Nacula Island. (Yasawa Island Resort cannot be reached by the Yasawa Flyer). The modern catamarans have multiple air-conditioned lounges, outside viewing decks and fully licensed bars, meaning holiday mode kicks already in enroute! You can download the ferry schedule here.
Please note that there are NO schedulded transfers between the Mamanuca Islands and Yasawa Islands. There are options to connect with the Yasawa Flyer at one of the first pick up points such as South Sea Island. Alternately you may return to Port Denarau or consider a private water taxi.
Private water taxi
Whether for a family or bigger group a chartered water taxi is a good choice. Note though that the water taxis are tide and weather dependant, and whilst safe may be a little scary in the dark for small children. The water taxis visit some of the lower Yasawa Islands, but not all, so it is best to contact the providor before you recommend this option to your clients.
Resort Boat (Vomo , Paradise Cove)
Some resorts operate their own transfer vessel to offer full flexibility. They usually depart from Vuda Marina, which is a bit closer to the Yasawa Islands than Port Denarau Marina.
Cruise
Blue Lagoon Cruises offer different itineraries through the Yasawa Islands. 3, 4 and 7-nights itineraries are available
Via Air:
Add a touch of glamour to your vacation and arrive at your resort in style. Several companies run charter flights out of Nadi Airport, ready to whisk you away on a scenic helicopter or small aircraft.
See Island Hoppers, Joyce Aviation.
Helicopter
Some resorts have a helipad to land on and travelling by helicopter is the quickest transfer option. Apart from the “James-Bond-arrival feeling” it will give your guests also an amazing bird’s eye view of the islands Please note that luggage restrictions apply (15 kg per person) but guests can store luggage with your inbound tour operator.
Charter Flight
Charter flights can be used to arrive at a resort with its own runway, like Yasawa Island Resort. They have a daily flight chartered that can be booked through the resort.
What?
What are the Top 5 “Things To Do” in the region?
1. Visit Sawa-i-Lau Caves: No trip to the Yasawa islands is complete without a stopover at the outstanding Sawa-i-Lau caves in the northern part of the chain. Both limestone caverns are dominated by luminous saltwater swimming pools; the first lit by a natural overhead vent and the second, more secretive cave, only accessed by an underwater tunnel. Steeped in mystery and local legend, they are an extremely popular daytrip destination.
2. Swim with Manta Rays: Between the months of May and October, majestic manta rays gather in a small, shallow channel off Drawaqa island to feed. The neighbouring resorts run two Manta snorkel trips daily at that time for guestes to experience this ever majestic experience. Notoriously mysterious, there are only a few places in the world where you can swim with these gentle giants so make sure you add it to your holiday hitlist. As a globally vulnerable species, mantas are protected under Fijian law and their activity in the channel is regulated and studied by the Manta Trust.
3. Snorkel with reef sharks: The marine life and coral reefs in the Yasawa Islands are superb. So, tell your clients to up the adrenaline and to get ready to take the plunge into the sea. We even have dedicated shark snorkelling tours where visitors have the option to snorkel with reef sharks in calm, clear waters. Before you take part in a reef shark snorkel adventure, a guide will answer any questions you may have about swimming with these beautiful sea creatures. The Yasawa Island group operates professional shark tours, in particular, Barefoot Kuata Resort. After a short scenic boat ride, you will be directed to the best vantage point to see the sharks by your snorkel guide. This is usually a sandy bottomed circular area between several stunning coral reef walls where the water is not very deep. This makes viewing the action below seamless as you gently float above. As confidence builds around these creatures, many snorkelers end up free diving with up to 20 white or black tipped reef sharks. The adrenalin kicks in quick but is instantly calmed once the mutual respect is experienced by the visitors and the inquisitive residents of the deep blue.
4. Cruising the islands: Cruising is the best way to really explore the entire Yasawa Island group. Small cruise ships running 4-7 days itineraries ply their way through this spectacular chain, dropping anchor off a new island every day. You’ll spend magical mornings snorkelling colourful coral reefs, sunbathing on deserted beaches or dining under the stars. Short on time? Just hop aboard a day cruise to islands where you can snorkel and you may be in luck to snorkel with mantas. Or do it in style and plot your own course with a yacht charter out of Port Denarau.
5. Go Hiking: Getting beyond your beach bure is a one of the best ways to spend your days in the Yasawa Islands. There are deserted beaches to discover, scenic lookouts to swoon over and romantic sunset summits to conquer. The rocky peak at Waya Lailai in the southern Yasawa Islands is particularly picturesque but anywhere along the island chain will give you spectacular view of the region’s natural beauty.
Did you know?
- Did you know that there are 15 words in Fijian for the word "heaven" and Yasawa is the first one?
- Did you know Barefoot Manta Island Resort, Kokomo Island and Wakaya island Resort are all supporters of the Manta Trust in Fiji?
- Did you know that the Hollywood movie “The Blue Lagoon” with Brooke Shields was filmed in the Blue Lagoon in Fiji?
- Did you know there are four Adults-only resorts in the Yasawa Islands? Waya Island Resort, Navutu Stars, Turtle Island, Yasawa Island Resort.
Why?
Some 30 resorts are spread through the 12 major islands. The Yasawa Islands cater to those who prefer tropical serenity and access to Fijian culture, adventure and nature. Visiting the Yasawa region is an experience like no other. The region is known for its breath-taking, dreamy islands that are perfect for ocean escapades. The quality of accommodation deviates dramatically: a bure could be anything from a hut that you could blow down with a hair dryer to an upmarket villa with an outdoor shower.
What are the Top 5 selling points for this region?
- The Yasawa Islands offer plenty of stunning white sandy beaches, blue lagoons and a variety of terrains.
- Amazing scenery. The land is mostly hilly; four of the larger islands have summits close to 600m above sea level.
- Great corals and marine life. In season (May – Sep), visitors can swim alongside manta rays and reef sharks; snorkeling and kayaking are year-round watersports
- Serene experience, as only non-motorized watersports. The Yasawa chain of islands is composed of 20 or so sparsely populated islands. There are no roads, cars, banks or shops and most of the locals live in small, isolated villages, surviving on agriculture and tourism for their livelihoods
- Uncrowded. Resorts are mostly smaller boutique brands. With remote locations and traditional cultures, the Yasawas offer many opportunities to visit local villages as well as schools and even volunteer opportunities.
Who?
- Backpacker/Youth
- Couples
- Divers
- Family (lesser extent, more families with teenage or older kids)
- Nature
- Snorkeling
- Weddings
- Cruise