Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in South Lake Tahoe, California. The area still has many backpacking and adventure resorts think diving with thebullsharksfrom Barefoot Kuata and swimming with Manta Rays from Manta Ray Resort. Located in the secluded Yasawa Islands, the eco-friendly Barefoot Manta Resort is ideally located for swimming, diving and snorkeling, as all bungalows are set on the beach. There are 15 words in the Fijian language for Heaven and 'Yasawa' is the first. Go beyond the Yasawa Islands on an 8-day cruise to Ovalau and Levuka Historical Port Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on an 8-day cruise from Denarau. COVID-19 Travel restrictions may apply. Over 1200 species of fish and several hundred types of flower-like corals and sponges will have you aching to discover the alien world beneath the waves. English is the official language and is widely spoken in Fiji, which is a great relief for travelers and makes it easy to get around. Service. Navutu Stars Resort. I woke up early and enjoyed the view from my balcony one last time. Additionally, it is best to plan for mostly cash use, as the internet and phone signal is not reliable, meaning that credit cards are not always a possibility. It is a perfect spot for the Fiji wedding of your dreams! Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Resort Transfers | Fiji Seaplane flights | Turtle Airways", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yasawa_Islands&oldid=1016326393, Articles needing additional references from February 2017, All articles needing additional references, Articles needing additional references from September 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 6 April 2021, at 15:49. Take 5 minutes out of your day to escape to Yasawa Island Resort & Spa and view our photo gallery. You can have an equally good time on South Sea or Bounty Island. 10. I recommend staying at a hotel on Denarau Island before you depart for the Yasawas so you can sleep off your jet lag and be refreshed for your island adventure. Budget Estimations for the Yasawa Islands: Backpacking Budget: $200 FJD per day will get you a dorm bed, island hopping pass and hostel meals. The Yasawa volcanic group consists of six main islands and numerous smaller islets. The Yasawan people live as they have done for centuries, keeping the spirit of the islands alive with their traditional and simple lifestyle. The snorkeling here is some of the best in the world, and from the beaches, you can walk out and quickly be surrounded by marine and colorful coral reefs. Dining: 4.5/5. Take an opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like ecotours. The islands are volcanic in origin and quite dramatic looking, with peaks on the islands ranging . But it is because of their remoteness that commercial development has never taken hold. Famous for its beauty, the area in the Yasawa Islands, known as the Blue Lagoon, is ringed by islands with soft rolling peaks. Yasawa Islands, Fiji Coordinates: 17.0000 S, 177.3833 E Area: 135 sqkm White-sand beaches, swaying coconut. ), BEST Travel Camera 2023 (Top Cameras For Every Budget), Best Camera Lenses for Travel Photography (2023 Buying Guide), The BEST Camping Stoves Of 2023: Round Up And Review, Pros and Cons of Cruising to the Yasawa Islands, South Pacific Cruise Packing List (Must-Have Essentials! Also, my data with T-mobile showed I had full bars but I wasnt getting anything to load on my phone. The Yasawa Islands are a chain of islands in Fiji, located off the northwest coast of Viti Levu. Everything costs double there. Thats right, there are entire resorts dedicated to an adult-only holiday in Fiji. The daily average temperature in the Yasawa Islands is 27C/80F, while the yearly average rainfall is 902mm/35.5, which is one of the driest climates in Fiji (wet season getaway, anyone?) All Rights Reserved. See the best of the Fiji Islands! Show prices. The Yasawa Islands were actually closed to tourists up until 1987. Buy water and alcohol before you get to the islands as they cost about 40% less on the mainland. By this time, everyone on the cruise feels like an old friend. March 2, 2023 1:05 pm. The best way to visit the Yasawa Islands in Fiji is onboard a small cruise ship. Tipping is also not allowed at the hotel. The flight from Nadi International Airport departs at 2 PM. Yasawa is made up of 20 volcanic islands that stretch for over 80km in Fiji's west. Location. To learn more about Fijian life in the Yasawas you can ask your resort about booking a visit to one of the villages. This guide features everything to expect on a South Pacific cruise with Holland America including activities, cuisine options, and the ship itself! Join the party! The Yasawa Flyer departs daily from Fiji (Vitu Levu) to the Yasawa Islands. All the options, all the deals, all in one place and just for you. Referred to as the very heart of the Yasawas, the majestic Sawa i lau Caves are one of the must-do activities for travellers visiting Fijis spectacular Blue Lagoon. Turtle Island Fiji is a small beachfront resort on a dreamy, 500-acre private island in Fiji. With luxury resorts not allowing guests under 16 years old, as well as backpacker resorts attracting an adventurous crowd of like-minded travellers, you can be sure that any family mood-killers will not be a problem. 22nd December 2023 to 7th January 2024, 20th December 2022 to 29th January 2023, COVID-19 Updates & Amended Booking Policies. ), the Yasawas are a postcard-perfect destination for budget travelers in the Pacific. One of the most spectacular spots to visit is the Blue Lagoon, which is located on Nanuya Island. Learn More. While youll be able to find plenty of places to use an ATM in Nadi and Denarau, be sure to take out plenty of cash before you head for the Yasawa Islands. I took a 4-night cruise with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji during my visit to the Yasawa Islands. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. Dont pay for a cab. Find the travel options that best suit you. Keep in mind that many of the ferries dont arrive or depart on time so never try to get somewhere in a hurry. View Post 17 Days in the South Pacific With Holland AmericaContinue, Your email address will not be published. The current management led by owners and directors Roy Halliday and Sheung Dawson, director Louise Boyd, and the resort general manager Akuila Kula are leaving to pursue other interests. Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. Once youre on the ship, sit back and relax youre in for a beautiful journey. More information on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, CALL 1300 131 669 EMAIL OUR TEAM GET A QUOTE TRAVEL SPECIALS, Fiji Holidays Fiji Travel Agents 2023. The rainfall is never usually too bad though and youll still find that the Christmas holidays are an exceptionally busy time, as Australians and New Zealanders head here on vacation. Welcome to Fiji's Yasawa Islands, and a place known as the Sawa-i-Lau Caves. I got to explore so many remote northern islands and meet local communities that I would never have been able to visit on my own. Im so grateful to have had this opportunity to connect with people from another culture and learn more about the world. 2023 Warner Bros. The islands themselves are small and can generally be traversed on foot or by boat. Yasawa Island Resort and Spa is reached via its own private airstrip, inaccessible to other travelers. While it might seem like a paradise, for much of the human history of the Yasawa Islands, life has been incredibly tough. Show prices. Theres a feeling of exclusivity in the limited number of five-star resorts due to resorts being boutique and adult-only for most of the year. And, if there is one region where you can easily do this, it is the Yasawa Islands group. Domestic beer will cost around $10 FJD. Contact Disclaimer, Sweet Ice Cream Photography on Unsplash, Information, Shops & Services in the Yasawa Islands. The group of thirty islands has three distinct zones. This makes for an incredibly stress-free vacation at Yasawa. Later in the day, we visited a local school on Yasawa Island. 2023 DIVERGENT TRAVELERS | ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOG, The Yasawa Islands are usually grouped together with the, 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, For many, joining a local Kava ceremony and trying this alcoholic and mildly sedative drink is one of the, Best Places to Dive in the Yasawa Islands, 15 Best Things to do in the Yasawa Islands, Best Time to Visit Fiji: Month by Month Breakdown, 9 Adventures You Cannot Miss in Pacific Harbour, Fiji, Fiji Honeymoon: Ultimate Romance and Adventure Guide, 10 Epic Things to Do in Taveuni, Fiji (Plus Planning Tips), 7 Reasons to Stay at the Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa in Fiji, 16 Exotic Islands That Are Worth Adding to Your Bucket List. They operate in a collection of islands called the Yasawas and Mamanuca Islands which have a variety of different resorts to stay at. Heres a quick pros and cons list if youre considering an island-hopping cruise in Fijis Yasawa Islands: Overall, cruising to the Yasawa Islands is a great way to experience this beautiful part of Fiji. All you need to know about accommodation, places to stay and holidaying in the the Yasawa Islands, Fiji. If you want to avoid the rainy season, avoid the months of November through April. Prices start around $300 FJD and go up. The lush coral gardens that line the reef shelves around the islands offer the perfect living conditions for a variety of reef sharks. Our Cook Islands travel guide is packed with tips on which islands to visit, where to stay, what to pack, a sample itinerary and more! A scattering of islands with sandy shores and rugged volcanic peaks awaits in the Yasawa Group. Now, its a popular tourist destination, yet still remains delightfully undeveloped. All of the boats and small ships that travel to the Yasawas leave from Port Denarau, which is a 25-30 minute drive from Nadi airport. The largest island is Nacula Island, which is where the majority of the population lives. Prices range from FJ$100 to FJ$160 one way. Looking for an all-inclusive getaway, a resort of romance or something secluded and private? To book an Island hopping "Bula Pass", standard one way or return trip to or between Fiji's Yasawa or Mamanuca islands, simply use our search box (for mobile users: "book tickets") - fill in your preferred dates and passengers then chose from the live results that appear. Navini Island Resort. As well as popular Fiji water activities such as snorkelling and kayaking, the Yasawas are great for sailing. The dining was excellent at Yasawa. The clear waters make for excellent snorkeling and diving, and there are many caves and reefs to explore. Castaway Island Fiji. Just 18 luxury bungalows are hidden among luscious tropical greenery, each only a few steps from a pristine, silky white-sand beach. Going to Fiji for my mums 80th next April over a year ago Answer 7 answers Prices will also vary depending on the season, so you can add around 20% to those prices if you are visiting during the peak months of June, July and August. Im also a member of other affiliate programs. You cant visit the Yasawa Islands and not go snorkeling in the still, perfectly clear waters that surround the archipelago. Effective 14 February 2023, international travellers arriving into Fiji by air or sea will no longer be required to provide proof of . Expect adult prices to be around FJ$110-FJ$150 one way and child FJ$50-$90 one way. Connected by a fast daily catamaran service from Nadi, the islands are easy to hop between and have developed into a popular backpacker trail. The best time for diving is between May and October when the water visibility is at its best and when you can find large numbers of Manta Rays in the water. Just 18 luxury bungalows are hidden among the palms, each just a few steps from a pristine white beach. Our search engine pulls results from all of the major booking places, including Expedia, Hotels, Booking and more. Fiji Islands Documentary 112,298 views Jul 15, 2018 706 Dislike Share Save Viktor Hejna 1.06K subscribers Fiji Islands Documentary - Documentary about Fiji Islands or 7 islands in 17. Hop-on-hop-off passes start at around FJ$300 for five days. Para conocer el estado actual de los viajes, por favor, consulta la . Some quick facts: Where is Fiji? NZ+6435885045|AUST+61731886108| USA(888)9774891| UK+441172051731 Today they have a modern fleet and offer the best way to be introduced to the Islands of Fiji, the culture and the people whilst enjoying the luxury of an air-conditioned motor yacht. You will be limited to what is offered by the property you are staying at. Trips are offered to snorkel with the Manta Rays from the resort on the island and can be booked as day trips from surrounding islands. Invite the choir from nearby Bukama Village, choose traditional decorations and tropical flowers or summon a guard of Fijian warriors. Check it out in our10 Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands with Kids. This offers the perfect opportunity to hop in the water with them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Ordinary Traveler! After breakfast, I said goodbye to my new friends and headed to the pool deck. The islands are steeped in mystery and legend. Embrace the island life and relax! 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. We say about, because a few new ones keep popping up. More information about Turtle Island Resort, More information about Yasawa Island Resort, More information about Navutu Stars Resort, More information on Blue Lagoon Cruises Fiji, More information on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, Fiji defines luxury and romance and we know the best resorts for that romantic escape or honeymoon youve been dreaming of, Discover the Fiji Islands with Captain Cook Cruises 30% off, Fijis Open from December 1st What you need to Know, Its Safe to Travel. The southern Yasawas are ruggedly magnificent, while the northern islands frame the famous Blue Lagoon where, as the name suggests, the water is the most inviting shades of blue you will ever see! The crew sang their traditional Fijian song and I couldnt help but feel emotional. Now is the Time to Book, Where to Next? On the second day, we started with a swim and snorkel in an idyllic bay at Brothers Island. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Privacy Policy. The Top Experiences in the Yasawas It's a tropical paradise, blessed with warm weather all year round, white sand beaches, untouched jungles and tall mountain peaks. Again, they would remain isolated until as late as the 1980s, when tourism began to be welcomed by the locals looking for new economic connections with the wider world. The islands were later visited by Christian missionaries who arrived in 1835. Of course, there is always some leeway for personal interests and spending habits, but this budget information should provide a good baseline for your planning. So make your special time away together truly special with these 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands for Couples. 2023-02-15. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. The Yasawa Islands are located in the Western Division of Fiji, off the northwest side of Fijis main islands, Viti Levu. Dont leave home without: Lonely Planet Fiji (Travel Guide). The best and most convenient way to do it is with Awesome Adventures. The cruise also included meals and entertainment onboard. Welcome/Bula! Their remote locale, white sand beaches, clear blue lagoons and varied terrains make the Yasawas one of the most attractive destinations in Fiji. Viwa Island Resort Fiji, Viwa : Consultez les 258 avis de voyageurs, 721 photos, et les meilleures offres pour Viwa Island Resort Fiji, class n1 sur 1 htel Viwa et not 5 sur 5 sur Tripadvisor. Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is an exclusive retreat on one of the most remote and unspoiled islands of Fiji. Because these islands are remote, you will not have a large variety, if any, for dining. 2017 Yasawa Island Resort. The waters around the Yasawa Islands are remarkably still, especially in the dry season. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}1655S 17720E / 16.917S 177.333E / -16.917; 177.333. Port Denerau is a quick 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport. They are planning to travel the world after three and half years of managing the . Fiji is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Yasawa Islands Explorer Yasawa Islands Sightseeing Cruise. These typically offer a nicer property with private rooms and private bathrooms. the reef is amazing!!! If youre lucky, you might even get to swim with some Manta Rays. The Fiji Meteorological Service states a hurricane warning remains in force for Conway Reef and open waters in the southern parts of Fiji's . B u l a! Yasawa Island Resort and Spa is an intimate and unique tropical escape voted as Top 100 Best Resorts in the World by Australian Traveller Magazine. The cavernous cave can only be reached by boat, and inside you can find gleaming turquoise water and hidden, underwater tunnels connecting smaller caves. The cruise takes in the majestic Yasawa Islands and spends time at the strikingly beautiful Modriki and Sacred Islands. Located off the coast of Fijis mainland, the Yasawa Islands are a small archipelago made up of tall, rocky peaks surrounded by pristine white sands and turquoise-blue lagoons. I needed the extra snacks since we were active so much of the time. A scattering of islands with sandy shores and rugged volcanic peaks awaits in the Yasawa Group. The Yasawas are also home to some of Fijis most exclusive resorts. Summer is also the wet season, and from November through to March you can expect daily rainfall and if youre unlucky, the odd tropical cyclone too. The island nation of Fiji consists of an archipelago of 330 islands and 500 islets. A family holiday in the Yasawa Islands is much more about spending time together than apart in the kids clubs (although there are some kids clubs available). If you are planning your elopement or destination wedding in Fiji, let us eliminate the stress and help you plan you perfect day. The main island, Viti Levu, is beautiful and offers a lot of things to do, but to get the full Fijian experience, you really need to venture out to the smaller islands. For more inspiration, check out our10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a38bfd85866b9387e046536620b7bd1d" );document.getElementById("d2f8ec4791").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. Yasawa, also called Assawa and Ysava, is the northernmost large island of the Yasawa Group, an archipelago in Fiji 's Western Division. Swimming, fishing, village visits and campfire barbeques are common activities for cruises. | Privacy and Disclaimer, Website by RAM Northern Beaches Web Design and SEO. This article about a geographical location in Fiji is a stub. Dry Season is April through to October when temperatures are just a little cooler and theres no rainfall. June, July and August can be incredibly busy, as again, Australians and New Zealanders head here for some winter sun. For the latest ferry schedules and route maps, scroll down or click here.. Fiji is one of the best places in the world to . And check out more practical tips in the Information, Shops & Services in the Yasawa Islands, as well asIs There Mobile Phone Reception in the Yasawas Islands? There are three ways to enjoy the islands one at the budget level or at the other extreme of two luxury properties. The remote Yasawa Island group consists of a chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands, some with dramatic summits just short of 600 metres. The ship was modern and comfortable, and the staff was knowledgeable and extremely friendly. With fabulous places to stay and romantic activities to strengthen your bond, a romantic getaway to the Yasawa Islands should be on every couples bucket list! For those who do not have time but have money, another connection to consider is the seaplane that connects Viti Levu with the Yasawa in a few tens of minutes. Paying as you go can cost around 100 FJD each trip. I had an amazing time on my Captain Cook Cruise! The Yasawa Islands are located in the northwest of Fiji, and getting there is pretty easy from the international airport. Today, it is possible to see these performances in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji. A sophisticated home blending design with todays top tech in Naples, FL. Being made up of 20 different islands, it is possible to find a variety of beaches, both popular and lesser known, if you spend some time exploring. Below are some of our favorite dive sites in the Yasawa Islands: One of the main reasons to visit the Yasawa Islands is for the beaches. Throughout the Yasawa Islands, it is very common to find only one property per island, so once you make your commitment to where to stay, youre going to be working out of that location as a base for your visit. It is a perfect spot for the Fiji wedding of your dreams! There are 15 words in the Fijian language meaning Heaven and 'Yasawa' is the first. Heres everything you need to know to plan your trip! Yasawa Island is among the most remote and untouched isles of Fiji, yet still only a 35-minute flight from the international airport at Nadi. There are two ferry operators to the Yasawa Islands, Awesome Adventures, which is run by South Sea Cruises, and the Tavewa Seabus. If you after a remote tropical island getaway, visit the Yasawas. Once there, you can partake in kava ceremonies, witness church services, eat traditional food and see dance performances. The population was 1,120 in 1983. We were able to snorkel with baby sharks in crystal-clear water right off the beach, and there was also a volleyball court, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Plus, check outthe 10 Wedding Venues in the Yasawa Islands and7 Wedding Packages in the Yasawa Islands. a very cool place to stay - the staff is extremely nice and welcoming. ), Best Carry-On Luggage Of 2023 (For Every Budget), The Ultimate Packing List for Campers (Must-Have Essentials! The cruise includes all the amenities of a larger cruise liner such as buffets and 3-course meals, massage services, use of snorkeling equipment, cocktail bar, jacuzzi, gym and swimming pool. The Yasawa Islands are still very traditional and you will quite easily find local Kava ceremonies occurring across the archipelago during your stay. Ocean-based activities are our most popular, from a gentle dip in the clear blue waters to something more adventurous like scuba diving. [1] Helicopter charters are also available or one can take the Yasawa Flyer, a catamaran. These islands sit in the South Pacific Ocean and are officially part of Melanesia. Each cruises of varying length offers a rare insight into remote villages and glorious beaches and a glimpse of Fiji of older times with deceptions of local cultures and history. With 333 islands nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is Where Happiness Finds You. I'm Christy Woodrow and I started this adventure travel blog in 2010 to provide trip ideas and helpful travel tips for people with limited vacation time. The ancient limestone formations, carved by constant wave action, are hidden within an attractive little island in the northern Yasawas. You can also participate in activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. The Yasawas are a popular tourist destination for backpackers and cruise ship passengers. The most common way to travel the Yasawa Islands is aboard the Yasawa flyer ferry, booking a multi-day cruise, or booking a one-day cruise. Blue Lagoon Cruise offers access to areas not available to other travelers. An important tip for the first day, make sure to charge all of your electronics before you board the ship. Discover the untouched South Pacific and explore the spectacular Sacred Islands, Yasawa Islands and Blue Lagoon region on. Edge Resorts Fiji Limited yesterday announced its acquisition of Yasawa Island Resort & Spa. With a cruise, you can see multiple islands in one trip, and stop to explore each one at your own pace. 1st July to 18th July 2023 The Yasawa Islands are a picturesque chain of islands in Fiji, full of small resorts and postcard-perfect beaches. Depending on which island you visit, the trip can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours on the ferry. Island-hopping is a fun and exciting way to explore the Fiji Islands. 1,364 reviews. Today the local Fijians of the Yasawa Islands rely primarily on tourism for their main income, as well as basic fishing and farming. Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. Check out this list of trendy beach products, inspired by HGTV's Island Hunters. March 4, 2023 4:36 pm. The Yasawa Flyer catamaran provides daily service to Tavewa from Port Denerau on the mainland, a scenic 5-hour journey through the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. The only safe passage for shipping is between Yasawa Island (the second largest in the archipelago, about 22 kilometres (14mi) long and less than a kilometer wide) and Round Island, 22 kilometers to the north-east. The Yasawas are a chain of 20 sun-drenched islands stretching northeasterly from the top of the Mamanucas 90 km / 54 miles out into Bligh Water. I highly recommend the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island groups due to their beauty, proximity, and accessibility from Viti Levu. The Yasawas are known for their dramatic peaks and pristine beaches. You can buy you a boat pass when you get to the pier. Encuentra los precios, horarios e informacin importante para elegir el mejor viaje. Elope or reserve the entire resort for your friends and loved ones. This luxurious all-inclusive getaway also happens to be one of the most romantic resorts in the region. The stunning chain of about 20 volcanic islands is dotted along the west coast of Fiji. The Mamanucas are generally busier however and more developed as they are closer to the mainland.