Fiji Travel Vision
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Yasawa Travel Guide
Stunning rock formations bays and caves
some of the best beaches in Fiji
Excellent diving and snorkelling off the beach
Main destination for cruises, several luxury resorts
Backpackers' paradise with numerous budget beach resorts
Traditional fishing villages
Introduction
It wasn't long ago that a special licence was needed to visit this stunning but remote group of islands. The group stretches in a long thin chain from Waya Island in the south, which offers excellent budget accommodation integrated as a part of the local village, to Yasawa Island, 80km to the north, which boasts an exquisite luxury resort. There is rarely a few miles between each island and at some points it is even possible to wade to the neighbouring island at low tide.
The only islands outside of the chain are Vomo Island, situated slightly to the east of the group towards the Mamanuca Group and Viwa, Fiji's most westerly island. Vomo Island has a good beach circling most of the island with a huge outcrop of rock sealing the southern tip. The Sheraton Resort there is quite luxurious.
Of the larger islands in the group, Waya and Waya lailai are the most popular with backpackers and both have good beaches and excellent walks to rocky peaks which have fantastic views over the Group. It is possible to walk between the two islands at low tide. About half way up the group are three freehold islands. Tavewa Island has a few retreats with beachside bures, dorms and camping. In contrast, Turtle island lodge on Nanuya Island is perhaps one of the more expensive resorts in the world, and justifiably so. Neighbouring Nanuya Lailai Island has a small backpacker resort and is also used by Blue Lagoon Cruises who use the sandy beach and coconut groves as a stopover whilst plying the region in their plush vessels. The lagoon off Nanuya Lailai has the best snorkelling in the Yasawas. The northernmost island in the group is Yasawa. The island has numerous excellent beaches, many of which are seldom visited by tourists. The only accommodation is at the exclusive Yasawa Island Resort but tourists can visit Yasawa Island through Blue Lagoon Cruises or Captain Cook Cruises. Off the southern tip of Yasawa are limestone caves on Sawa-i-Lau which are popular for its swimming pools.
Otherwise, the islands are home to local Fijians whose fishing villages are themselves in idyllic settings. Some of the locals work for the resorts, others collect and sell seashells to passing cruise ships, fish the lagoons and generally live off the land. Houses are still made from woven reeds and palm leaves; there is no electricity, few schools and little in the way of material goods. Communities are close and strong with touch rugby and yaqona drinking very much a part of the lifestyle.
Accommodation in the Yasawa Group
Several of the resorts and backpacker hideaways offer trips to the fascinating limestone caves at Sawa-i-Lau. The small island off the southern tip of Yasawa Island has several cave chambers with deep pools for swimming. Alternatively, Coral Air seaplane has a day tour to the caves departing from Nadi or the Coral Coast.
Tour Operators
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Getting There
Flying to the Yasawa Group
There's a grass airstrip on Yasawa Island but the Sunflower Airlines flight is contracted by the resort and is only available to guests. There are sea-plane and helicopter transfers available to Turtle Island and Vomo.
Local Airlines
Catamarans / Boats to Yasawa Group
South Sea Cruises have a fast catamaran to Waya, Naviti and Tavewa islands from Denarau and Lautoka (both about 10mins by road from Nadi Airport). Four departures a week, taking between 1 - 3 hours. Less reliable fishing boats operate between Lautoka and all the budget resorts. It's quite easy to hire local fishing boats throughouit the islands and most resorts run their own tours. Alternatively, two companies offer luxury 3 and 7 day cruises along the islands anchoring in secluded bays and enjoying the many beaches.
Airlines / Travel Operators
Luxury Cruise Companies
No public transport on islands and few roads
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