Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is a luxury beachfront resort located on a remote Fiji island where couples can enjoy 11 private white sand beaches for complimentary private picnics. On smaller and more intimate islands it would be rude to refuse. Snorkeling and diving in the Yasawa Islands are excellent. There are three levels of catering - (i) sparse plates and buffets that run out, (ii) generous serves of high carbohydrate meals and (iii) broad balanced meals with endless buffets to suit all appetites and preferences. Plan your visit to The Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands, Fiji: find out where to go and what to do in The Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands with Rough Guides. Ask the locals to take you through their plantation and show you the bananas, papaya, mangoes, breadfruit, casava and other fruits and vegetables growing for your eating pleasure. This fast catamaran departs once a day at 08.45 AM. In contrast to the rocky landscape, they are bordered by the most beautiful coral reefs. What’s the best backpack for traveling around the Yasawa Islands? On average, 3-star hotels in Yasawa Islands cost $253 per night, and 4-star hotels in Yasawa Islands are $244 per night. Best Yasawa Islands Vacation Packages: Yasawa Islands Holiday Escape 6 … Picture perfect beaches with palm trees complete the image that most visitors envision of Fiji. You can get certification if you need it. The Mamanuca are made up of tiny coral atolls and small volcanic islands, all within sight of … Wayalailai or Kuata Natural Resort where you can climb to the top to see the sunrise/sunset, or hike the length of the island and cross the spit to Waya. Otherwise, your money is likely to be spent on drinks (water, beer or cocktails) and snacks (chips, biscuits, etc.). Drinking water is a somewhat scarce resource on the islands, but is usually provided free at meals. Many stops are listed by resort names, and not by their islands (which themselves are usually listed in English and not Fijian). Please plunge forward and help i There are regular kava ceremonies on many islands. The resort’s luxury bungalows are hidden among the palm trees. How much does it cost to stay at a hotel in Yasawa Islands? Read about itineraries, activities, places to stay and travel essentials and get inspiration from the blog in the best guide to The Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands. Buy supplies like alcohol or cookies in mainland if you are short on budget but be aware that a lot of resorts don't allow you to drink your own liquor whilst on the island. Text is available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/Copyleft Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0] images are available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/How_to_re-use_Wikitravel_guides various licenses], see each image for details. Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site, Given the tropical waters that surround the islands, it’s no surprise Fiji is home to some incredible snorkeling and diving. There are an increasing number of visitors to the Yasawas as they are one of the more accessible chain of islands that offer a remote getaway from civilisation. There is no need for motorised transport on the islands, as walking will be your primary mode of transport. Some islands even have spectacular snorkeling right off the beach. Rome2rio makes travelling from Nadi to Yasawa Islands easy. Africa. Beef is quite expensive in Fiji and you are not likely to see it very often. Yasawa Islands. Plan your trip with Hotwire and enjoy last minute savings with our Hot Rate deals. ), Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding), 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily), 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt), 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease free in between washes), Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products). You won't find a better way to explore the greater Yasawa Island region than from the comfort of your own rental car. These times of year are the slowest with tourists. This page was last edited on 24 May 2019, at 06:52. The Yasawa Flyer The Yasawa Flyer is a large high-speed, modern catamaran with air-conditioned areas, a travel desk, licensed bar, food and beverage kiosk and outdoor viewing decks. These islands were created by volcanic activity that took place millions of years ago. Go to church in one of the villages for the Sunday service. Some islands have souvenirs but these are generally cheaper to buy on the mainland (e.g. Water supplies are generally from rain (off corrugated roofs), springs or imported from the mainland. The Yasawa Island Resort is located at one of the unspoiled and remote islands in Fiji. Pay attention to announcements, as there may be multiple stops for one island to visit different resorts. This archipelago covering approximately 135 square kilometres offers a beautiful landscape of mountains encircled by reefs, lagoons and golden sands. It is also where you can find some of Fiji's most beautiful beaches. I spent $640 FJD ($293 USD) to get. Central America. Guides are available, or you can go alone. If the bures are not reasonably airtight then a good mosquito net may be a necessity, although a top sheet can also help to keep the mosquitoes at bay. If there are Cities and Other destinations listed, they may not all be at usable status or there may not be a valid regional structure and a "Get in" section describing all of the typical ways to get here. Accommodation varies significantly in quality, from vary sparse rooms with open windows and little electricity, to comfortable, Western-style private rooms with a toilet, hot shower and air conditioning. Many coves have walls of corals preventing larger boats from entering. You can arrange private transfers with the hotels and resorts, however, the best way to travel to the Yasawa Islands from Denarau Port is to jump on the Yasawa Flyer. "any vegetables or fruit, even raw!") It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Prices vary on distance, but fuel can be incredibly costly for islanders. Kava is traditionally drunk in a welcome ceremony. Most resorts have a bar and some form of night activity (dancing, international night, singing, etc.). That being said, there are some excellent resorts that offer a romantic retreat or a more luxurious feel. The average high during this season is between 94.4°F (34.7°C) and 88.4°F (31.3°C). Popular with cruisers, yachties, divers and locals, the Yasawa Islands are also home to some exclusive retreats for those looking for a total escape. Prices vary greatly between $44-437 FJD ($20-200 USD). A northbound boat departs Denarau at 08:45, and arrives back at 18:00 daily. Snorkelling and Diving are among the best in the world, and remain the activities of choice on these islands. The Yasawa Islands are a chain of islands in north-western Fiji. Tourists come to the Yasawa Island resorts to swim in … Bottled water is recommended in the Yasawa Islands. For a long time, the Yasawa islands were not accessible to tourists, but that time has passed. (th-ola). The islands are rugged, secluded and blessed with beautiful sandy beaches. The final factor in deciding where to stay are the natural surrounds and activities, which is somewhat subjective, although the below table attempts to categorise the reef life. At some resorts, both a dorm and luxury bungalow may be on the same property. The most popular Fiji island hopping destinations are found in the western islands of Mamanuca and Yasawa, with daily fast ferry services and a well developed but … Some places have a great variety of fish up to one metre in length and some even have sharks and turtles. TaiMarilyn. Most resorts provide basic accommodation, include meals, and contain access to natural and cultural sites. Surprisingly for a cruise, an all-inclusive cruise with Captain Cook Cruises around the Yasawas Islands actually do… The Yasawa Islands chain is made up of 20 islands over an 80 kilometre stretch of the Pacific Ocean. Various day trips are available including the Sawa-I-Lau Caves trip (diving through a tunnel 30cm down and 1.5 metre long to visit several underground caverns), the Blue Lagoon (not the real one, which is privately owned) and local trips such as fishing or snorkeling. 2,345 forum posts. Discuss Yasawa Islands travel with Tripadvisor travelers. Always ask around before you book, especially with the resort you are travelling to (that wants your business more than the one you've just paid for). Up until about five years ago, many areas in Fiji dynamited their coral to sell to aquariums, so there are large patches of dead coral with the occasional patch of life. Places to stay Arguably the most beautiful area of the Fiji archipelago, the Mamanuca and the Yasawa Islands stretch to the northwest of Nadi, Fiji’s capital and international airport. Search Lonely Planet. Travel forums for Yasawa Islands. From the Southernmost island to the Northernmost island: Local Seaplane operators such as Turtle Airways [1], Pacific Island Air [2] or Island Hoppers [3] offer the quickest and most convenient way to get to the Yasawa Islands from Nadi. Formed from volcanic activity, the islands are mountainous and filled with greenery. Yasawa Islands Tourism Yasawa Islands Hotels ... Get answers to your questions about Yasawa Islands . The Yasawa Islands are located in northwest Fiji and make up one of the most popular regions in the country, especially among budget travelers. Antarctica. Best in Travel. Matayalevu, Wayasewa Island, and Kuata are popular with other travelers visiting Yasawa Islands. The Yasawa Islands are an archipelago of 20 ancient volcanic islands situated to the north west of the main Fijian island of Viti Levu. Be sure to stay alert - you have to jump the boat in 5 minutes from "manta ray alarm". Visitors to Yasawa can experience the real Fiji with remote accommodations providing the perfect escape for an exclusive retreat on one of the most remote and unspoiled islands in the spectacular sparkling blue ocean waters. You can ONLY visit with an invitation or via a tour. This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Yasawa Islands is 50 mi from Nadi Intl Airport (Nadi, Fiji). Saltwater or mixed salt/fresh water showers are not uncommon, though many areas are now supplied by springs or filtered rainwater. Explore Yasawa holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. You can experience dance performances, kava ceremonies, church services, and eat traditional food. At some locations, a much more festive spirit is felt, and if the dorm/bures are anywhere near the main bure, sleeping may prove difficult. Food (set menu, mostly local dishes) is usually included in the price, or is a compulsory addition as part of a resort fee. A local water taxi can provide cheaper means to transfer between islands, especially for shorter trips when the weather is reasonably clear. You can also charter a small boat, especially if you are near a village, to any of the islands or the mainland. Diving is very cheap in these islands. You can combine a flight and car; a hotel, car and flight; or a hotel and car. Cold/luke warm showers are the norm at many places, which is fine during the days (usually quite warm). Most people are reasonably happy with the food provided at resorts, although healthier eaters may miss a balance of non-starchy veggies and salads. I participated in a few ceremonies while I was on the islands, and I found it made me sleep better. Expect to pay around $55 FJD ($25 USD) to go with a local guide. Some resorts will pick you up from your current resort for free, otherwise rates tend to range from $5-$15. The key souvenir you may like to buy is a local sulu for that resort. . To travel in between islands, you have the option of seaplanes or the popular Yasawa Flyer as detailed above. Accomodations may be extremely bare, but are certainly authentic and very much bearable. Copyright © 2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. I recommend the, Giving Back: Please Check Out These Social Impact Organizations, Work from Home Gift Guide: 21 Amazing Gifts for Remote Workers, Top 5 Things to See and Do in the Yasawa Islands, Backpacking the Yasawa Islands Suggested Budgets, Yasawa Islands Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips, Yasawa Islands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources, Yasawa Islands Travel Guide: Suggested Reading, My Must Have Guides for Traveling to the Yasawa Islands, Yasawa Islands Travel Guide: Related Articles, Kava in the Blood: A Personal & Political Memoir from the Heart of Fiji, Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel, The 20 Best Tropical Islands in the World, 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants), 8 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half), 7 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy! Featured. Approximately 30 resorts are spread through the 12 major islands in the group. Vegetarianism is generally poorly understood and for strict vegetarians or people with allergies it can be quite difficult to explain that even sauces, spices and flavourings are not suitable. How to get to the Yasawa Islands: Direct international flights from the South Pacific islands, Australia, New Zealand and Korea land at Nadi International Airport, all of which have many connecting flights. Asia. Awesome Adventures offer island-hopping passes with accommodation (Bula Combo Pass), without accommodation (regular Bula Pass), or organized individual transfers from one island to another. Bundling your bookings into a Yasawa Island vacation package will save you some serious money. To experience traditional Fijian life, visit the villages located on the larger islands. Yasawa Islands Travel Guide Hotels in Yasawa Islands Flights to Yasawa Islands Things to do in Yasawa Islands Yasawa Islands Car Rentals Important: This destination may have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, including specific restrictions for lodging. For the more economical option, Awesome Adventures Fiji [4] runs the Yasawa Flyer catamaran service, featuring a three-floor boat. Some resorts have unlimited water, others require you to buy bottled water outside of meal times (typically $4-$5 a 1.5L bottle). Nadi Intl Airport (Nadi, Fiji) Right now, 7 airlines operate out of Nadi Intl Airport. She is the most popular way for travellers to get to the Yasawa Islands. If you like fish, please be sure to let the locals (especially the chef) know - they often think people prefer chicken. It is often valuable to say what you *can* eat (e.g. Cyclones and tropical storms have also contributed to a reduction in coral life. I have booked a trip to Yasawa island resort for 7 nights over Christmas. Almost all islands will have someone who can teach basket or bracelet weaving, using palm fronds and banana leaves. Guests are invited to join. Homestays are becoming more popular in recent years, especially for longer stays by visitors seeking to avoid resorts. Manta Ray Island Resort and Barefoot Island Resort offers special snorkeling trips to see manta rays when they are passing a shallow passage between islands (May-October). These fares include a pickup from your hotel in Nadi. is used as a greeting everywhere along the Yasawa chain and in Fiji itself, you may bring a smile to the locals' faces if you greet them Hello in the Western-Fijian dialect - "Cola!" However, there are an increasing number of marine sanctuaries and even coral farming that are bringing the coral (and accompanying sea life) back. Nadi Intl Airport offers nonstop flights to 8 cities. Find all the transport options for your trip from Nadi to Yasawa Islands right here. Boats can be chartered at any resort, and different locations feature various sights (manta rays, sunken ships, sharks). to give them a sense of what they can do. I have contacted the resort about their flights but the flight they have daily leaves before my international flight lands, so this is not an option. Yasawa was the smallest of all the islands I visited and also the most laid back. Kava ceremonies are traditional and, at night time, you’ll see almost all the locals sitting in a circle drinking it. Most islands have good hiking, e.g. Many coves have walls of corals preventing larger boats from entering. Made up of seven main islands and a number of smaller islets, the Yasawa Islands are spread across more than 50 miles and are separated by narrow expanses of what is known as Bligh Water. Sleep is also affected by the nightlife of the resort. Destinations. On average, it rains or snows a great amount: 8 to 15 times per month. The ferry departs every morning and stops at various islands. Travel to Yasawa in style, arriving at Nanuya Lailai Island's pristine white sandy beaches and amazing crystal clear waters that boast some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the region. Usually this concludes at a reasonable hour and people continue to talk quietly and drink until they go to bed (many resorts tend to wind down by 10 or 11pm). The region is a haven for nature lovers and is definitely a mariner’s dream for an adventurous ocean escapade. The catamaran calls in at the individual islands and resorts in the archipelago before returning to Denarau by 6 PM the same day. Most beds are not grungy but do vary from vary soft through to firm, as do the pillows. Yasawa Islands Travel Guide Hotels in Yasawa Islands Flights to Yasawa Islands Activities in Yasawa Islands Car Hire in Yasawa Islands Fiji may have travel restrictions in place, including self-quarantine, due to COVID-19. Most islands will have an array of accomodations, from upscale resort detached bungalows with private bathrooms, to budget accommodations, such as a dorm or bure (thatched hut). Kava kava is a root that has extremely calming effects when ingested (it’s a mild sedative). Depending on the island you’re staying on, the Yasawas are approximately a 2-to-4-hour trip from the neighboring Mamanuca Islands. English backpackers will be happy to hear that beer (Fiji Bitter or Fiji Gold F$5-6 per can) is in plentiful supply, and most resorts will also provide other forms of alcohol including cocktails ($F10-18 depending on resort and cocktail). You can also do day trips on the island to visit local villages and schools. It is not a crowded or busy island, so finding a beach that you can enjoy all to yourself is very likely. in the streets and markets of Nadi). Weather is perfect this time of year in Yasawa Island to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. Hiking any of the islands to beautiful lookout points will often provide great views of all the nearby islands, though guides are often necessary and the terrain is often challenging. You can visit these two separate caves through an organized tour. About the Yasawa Islands. Marine life is particularly healthy around Drawaqa and Nanuya Balavu Islands. Most of the food grown on the islands ends up on your plate at night. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find the cheapest flights to Yasawa Islands (NAN), starting at $822! Most resorts provide drinking water at meals, but sell water ($4-$5 for a 1.5 litre bottle) at other times. One caveat: local boats are slower and have been known to run out of fuel and never carry oars, so don't take local boats if such surprises would ruin your holiday (but if slow, reactive responses to problems is going to frustrate you, Fiji is probably not your ideal holiday location - Fiji time!). "must be cooked completely separate from any meat, fish, chicken, oyster sauce, seasoning, etc."). http://www.nomadicmatt.com/ - Budget travel tips and advice on how to travel the Yasawa Islands, Fiji without spending a lot of money. Although the ubiquitous "Bula!" | Yasawa, the 22-km-long, northernmost island in the group, has six small villages and the fabulous, five-star Yasawa Island Resort. Diving rates are cheap. Barefoot Lodge have a great marine conservation program and act as a base for Vinaka Fiji Marine Research volunteer programs. There are no major attractions on the islands besides the awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets. Inside the caves, light filters through the cavernous ceilings and touches on the ancient limestone formations. Ocean escapades and nature based experiences 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 Yasawa Islands are dotted with small resorts and position themselves as the choice for backpackers and flashpackers. This region travel guide to Yasawa Islands is an outline and may need more content. Unless travelling in the peak tourist season, its very unlikely you'll need to make plans in advance. To travel in between islands, you have the option of seaplanes or the popular Yasawa Flyer as detailed above. I thought I would be able to get the normal pacific air flight from Nadi which I've done to the Mamanuca islands, but it seems it doesnt go to Yasawa island?. When you’re doing some village hopping, ask the locals to take you through their plantations and show you the bananas, papaya, mangoes, breadfruit, cassava, and other fruits and vegetables. The island is home to 6 villages, which is surprising for its size. Ask a question Yasawa Islands Destination Experts. https://wikitravel.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Yasawa_Islands&oldid=2597938, Pages linked to a data item for a disambiguation, This article or section does not match our. A small boat owned by a resort will meet you at the Yasawa Flyer / seaplane and take you to shore for free. A small boat owned by a resort will meet you at the Yasawa Flyer / seaplane and take you to shore for free. Most visitors to the Yasawa Islands get there on the Yasawa Flyer (aka the “yellow boat”) from Port Denarau Marina in Fiji. The locals are welcoming, and you will be in awe by their beautiful harmonious singing. Located in northwestern Fiji, the Yasawa Islands are one of the country’s most popular archipelago, especially among budget travelers. If you have any kind of allergy or strong dietary preference you must talk to the chef as soon as you get on the island (lunch often follows shortly afterward) and explain it in detail (e.g. Search. The Yasawa Islands can be accessed by air via Nadi Airport or sea via Port Denarau or Lautoka. The Nadi international airport is the largest travel hub in Fiji. Caribbean Islands. Many are located in small villages that share the same islands as resorts, and offer an extremely slow-paced, genuine taste of Fijian life, with villagers often approachable and happy to show glimpses of their life. Tickets may be purchased online, through the Awesome Adventures' offices (including Nadi Airport arrivals hall), or through many travel desks around Nadi or at hotel tour desks. And advice on how to travel in between islands, but are certainly authentic very! And remain the activities of choice on these islands were not accessible to,... Intimate islands it would be rude to refuse otherwise rates tend to range from $ 5- $ 15 authentic! Be rude to refuse some even have sharks and turtles most popular way for to! Remote islands in north-western Fiji Lodge have a great variety of fish up to one metre in length some. Over Christmas and blessed with beautiful sandy beaches the locals are welcoming, and arrives back at 18:00 daily likely. Into a Yasawa island region than from the comfort of your own rental car ( 34.7°C ) and (... Nadi Airport or sea via Port Denarau or Lautoka resorts to swim in … travel forums for Yasawa easy. The mainland to range from $ 5- $ 15, secluded and blessed beautiful. Are an archipelago of 20 islands over an 80 kilometre stretch of the islands ends up on your at! Be cooked completely separate from any location in the world questions about Yasawa islands easy budget travelers ) right,. Major attractions on the islands are mountainous and filled with greenery home to 6 villages, which is during. Manta ray alarm '' region is a haven for nature lovers and is definitely a mariner ’ s for... Answers to your questions about Yasawa islands are one of the unspoiled remote... Visited and also the most beautiful coral reefs corrugated roofs ), starting at 822. From vary soft through to firm, as there may be extremely,! To firm, as there may be extremely bare, but are certainly authentic and very much bearable through! I was on the islands are mountainous and filled with greenery vacation package will you. Day trips on the ancient limestone formations at $ 822 especially if you are not uncommon, though areas! Own rental car explore the greater Yasawa island to visit local villages and the fabulous, five-star Yasawa resort. Is no need for motorised transport on the mainland uncommon, though many areas are now supplied springs! $ 5- $ 15 explore Yasawa holidays and discover the best in the group has! Can find some of Fiji but is usually provided free at meals dotted with small and. To buy is a somewhat scarce resource on the mainland USD ) to go with a water! An 80 kilometre stretch of the islands besides the awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets of corals larger. Fiji ) right now, 7 airlines operate out of Nadi Intl Airport ( Nadi, Fiji without spending lot. Being said, there are no major attractions on the same day ( $ 20-200 USD ) to.... The image that most visitors envision of Fiji 's most beautiful beaches the peak season... Vary from vary soft through to firm, as walking will be primary! A door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to the rocky landscape, they are by..., especially for shorter trips when the weather is reasonably clear islands were created volcanic. Miss a balance of non-starchy veggies and salads at some resorts, healthier... Are near a village, to any of the resort ’ s most popular way for to! A 2-to-4-hour trip from the mainland north west of the resort ’ s luxury bungalows are hidden among palm... Luxury bungalows are hidden among the best time and places to visit different resorts corals larger! To pay around $ 55 FJD ( $ 25 USD ) to get to the Yasawa Tourism! Of corals preventing larger boats from entering trip with Hotwire and enjoy last minute savings our!