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Yasawa Islands Travel
Fiji Islands
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The Yasawa Islands is a chain of 16 gorgeous sun drenched and rather barren volcanic islands with a scattering of smaller islands within its lagoons. The islands are renowned for their gorgeous beaches, tranquil lagoons, backpacker resorts and a handful of exclusive resorts and luxury overnight cruises. This is Fiji's tourism at its best - but its popularity in recent years has seen a gradual shift from a backpackers undiscovered paradise to a commercial well trodden tourist route with inflated prices. Nevertheless, the stunning coastal beauty remains and there are enough small hideaways to keep crowds to a minimum.
The closest of the Yasawa Islands lies about 40km north west from Nadi and the islands extend almost 90km in a north easterly line. The 16 main islands can roughly be divided into four groups:
Kuata & Waya Island
These are the closest islands to Nadi. Scenically, they are the most spectacular with high rocky peaks and sheer cliffs dropping into deep bays. There are some lovely beaches with budget resorts, particularly the sand spit that joins Waya and Wayasewa islands which can be traversed at low tide. Both islands have excellent walking tracks making this the choice for explorers. Uninhabited Kuata Island has a busy backpackers resort and offers excellent snorkelling and diving.
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Yasawa Islands Accommodation
Naviti Island
Naviti is the largest of the Yasawa Islands and is located across a 10km wide windy passage from Waya Island. The hilly island is covered in sparse forest with grassy ridges in many places. Naviti is also the most populated island in the group with half a dozen small fishing villages. At the southern tip of Naviti is a cluster of five small islands which offer tranquil lagoons and chance to swim with Manta Rays between May and October. There are several lovely resorts on white sandy beaches here.
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Yasawa Islands Accommodation
Tavewa, Nanuya & Nacula Island
About 10km north of Naviti is another cluster of small islands where the original Yasawa islands tourism began. Two backpackers set up on freehold Tavewa Island in the 1980s at about the same time the exclusive Turtle Island Resort opened its door on the adjacent island. Apart from Blue Lagoon Cruises which uses the beach front on the third small island in this cluster as a day destination, there was virtually no other tourism in this group until the late 1990s. That's when backpacking sky rocketed and there are now more than 20 budget beach resorts here. This is a great place to relax on the gorgeous beaches, swim in protected lagoons, meet fellow travellers or do a little fishing or scuba diving. But expect to see lots of travellers up this way - the Yasawas have been discovered.
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Yasawa Islands Accommodation
Yasawa Island
North of Nacula Island is the longest and most chiefly island in the group - Yasawa Island. Here are some of the most picturesque beaches in the South Pacific including one aptly names 6-month beach for the time it takes to rid yourself from the fine sand. Apart from one luxury resort on a splendid beach, and the two overnight cruise companies who drop their guests on Champagne Beach, few travellers make it this far north. This island is waiting to be discovered and you'll still find two of the most traditional and picturesque fishing villages in Fiji with thatch bures.
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Yasawa Islands Accommodation
Luxury Overnight Cruises
A great way to explore the group is on a 3- or 7-night luxury cruise. Blue Lagoon Cruises offer small ship cruises for 3- 4- and 7-night itineraries visiting traditional villages, remote beaches and anchoring in exquisite sheltered lagoons. This is the only region in Fiji where overnight cruises operate. Yacht charters through the group are also available through several sailing charter companies.
Flights to Yasawa Islands
The only island with an airstrip is Yasawa island in the far north of the chain. Pacific island Seaplanes fly their amphibious plane as a daily charter flight for Yasawa island Resort guests only. Turtle Airways sea plane offers private transfers to other island resorts.
Local Flights
Boats to Yasawa Islands
The 200 passenger Yasawa Flyer departs daily from Denarau stopping at Kuata / Waya (2 hours), Nanuya Balavu (2hrs 45 mins), Naviti (3hrs), Matacawalevu (3hrs 45mins) and Tavewa / Nacula (4 hrs 30mins). The 7-day travel pass costs around F$400 per person. Individual resort boats meet guests from the Yasawa Flyer and sometimes charge a few dollars extra. Local resort boats also depart Lautoka for Kuata / Waya taking just under 2 hours.
Local Cruises / Ferries
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
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