Yasawa Islands
Discover Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands are a group of islands in north-western Fiji. Approximately 30 resorts are spread through the 12 major islands in the group. Most resorts provide basic accommodation and meals with access to natural and cultural sites. South Sea Cruises (a.ka. Awesome Adventures Fiji) operate the Yasawa Flyer ferry as the primary transport to and through the Yasawa Islands from Nadi (Port Denarau). Departing at 8.45AM daily the route stops at all major Yasawa island resorts until reaching the Blue Lagoon at around 1PM before making its way back, returning to Port Denarau at approx. 5.45PM. SSC/Awesome Adventures have an office in the airport as well as in downtown Nadi and at their base in Port Denarau where you can book. They will help you plan your itinerary - which islands to stop off at, for how long, and where to stay.
What to Experience in Yasawa Islands
Taste of Yasawa Islands...
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. If you like fish, please be sure to let the locals (especially the chef) know - they often think people prefer chicken. Beef is quite expensive in Fiji and you are not likely to see it very often. 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. 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. "must be cooked completely separate from any meat, fish, chicken, oyster sauce, seasoning, etc."). It is often valuable to say what you can eat (e.g. "any vegetables or fruit, even raw!") to give them a sense of what they can do. Most people are reasonably happy with the food provided at resorts, although healthier eaters may miss a balance of non-starchy veggies. Most resorts provide drinking water at meals, but sell water ($4-$5 for a 1.5 litre bottle) at other times. Water supplies are generally from rain (off corrugated roofs), springs or imported from the mainland.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsSouth Sea Cruises (a.ka. Awesome Adventures Fiji) operate the Yasawa Flyer ferry as the primary transport to and through the Yasawa Islands from Nadi (Port Denarau). Departing at 8.45AM daily the route stops at all major Yasawa island resorts until reaching the Blue Lagoon at around 1PM before making its way back, returning to Port Denarau at approx. 5.45PM. SSC/Awesome Adventures have an office in the airport as well as in downtown Nadi and at their base in Port Denarau where you can book. They will help you plan your itinerary - which islands to stop off at, for how long, and where to stay. There is also Tavewa Seabus transporting passengers from Lautoka to Yasawa Islands at 7.30AM daily to the northern Yasawa Islands. The trip takes approximately 3 hours, making it a good option if you want to reach the islands before noon. You can compare and book the Yasawa Flyer or Seabus services online through Fiji-bookings....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
If you came by the Yasawa Flyer then it will pick you up on its daily run and take you to your next island. If you have a 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 or 21-day 'Bula Pass', this is included in your fare, otherwise, it can cost between $45 and $70 to go from one island to the next. A local water taxi can provide a far cheaper means to transfer between islands, especially for shorter trips when the weather is reasonably clear. Some resorts will pick you up from your current resort for free, otherwise rates tend to range from $5-15. It always pays to 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). Like all prices in Fiji, these charges are often negotiable, especially if you are travelling in a group (since most charges are per head, you can bargain for a group discount).
Where to Stay
Most islands have some kind of budget resort, where you sleep in a dorm or bure (thatched hut). Food (set menu, mostly local dishes) is usually included in the price or is a compulsory addition (no local alternatives exist). Some islands have considerably more upmarket hotels. Accommodation varies significantly in quality, from vary sparse rooms with open through to comfortable, Western-style private rooms with a toilet, hot shower and secure doors and windows (Nalova Bay). If the bures are not reasonably airtight then a good mosquito net is a real necessity, although a top sheet can also help to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Most beds are not grungy, but do vary from vary soft through to firm. Sleep is also affected by the nightlife of the resort. Most resorts have a main bure with a bar and some form of night activity (dancing, international night, singing, etc.) Usually this concludes at a reasonable hour and people continue to talk quietly and drink until they go to bed.
Money & Budget
Some islands have souvenirs but these are generally cheaper to buy on the mainland (e.g. in the streets and markets of Nadi). The key souvenir you may like to buy is a local sulu for that resort. Otherwise, your money is likely to be spent on drinks (water, beer or cocktails) and snacks (chips, biscuits, etc.). 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. If you like fish, please be sure to let the locals (especially the chef) know - they often think people prefer chicken. Beef is quite expensive in Fiji and you are not likely to see it very often.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Yasawa Islands
a pool in a tropical area
A bird flying high up in the sky
An aerial view of the ocean and land
A tree in the middle of a desert at sunset
A view of the ocean from the top of a hill
Manta Ray
An aerial view of an island in the middle of the ocean
A flock of birds flying through a blue sky
A bird's eye view of a valley with a lake in the distance
An aerial view of a beach and trees
a pool in a tropical area
A bird flying high up in the sky
An aerial view of the ocean and land