Blue Lagoon Cruises have been credited with being amongst the founders of modern day tourism in the Fiji Islands. Read more: South Pacific Cruise Packing List (Must-Have Essentials!). ATMs that dispense local currency are easily found in major towns and cities. This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. 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. Bula You can either get a seaplane from Yasawa Island Resort to Viwa or catch the Yasawa Flyer with South Sea Cruises to Octopus Resort . Fiji is one of the most spectacular archipelagos in the world, home to a beautiful array of islands and atolls in the remotest stretches of the southern Pacific Ocean. It has a maximum altitude of 244 metres (801 feet) above sea level. Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. Cleanliness. All Rights Reserved. Thats it for our complete travel guide to the Yasawa Islands but by no means the end of our advice! Whatever you choose to do at Yasawa, you'll do it in complete seclusion. Swimming, fishing, village visits and campfire barbeques are common activities for cruises. Traditionally a backpacking region with just one luxury property for many years, theYasawashave opened up in the recent past with a number of new properties. Backpackers head to the budget, beach accommodation to spend their nights at the bars while honeymooners head to the secluded resorts. Domestic beer will cost around $10 FJD. Wanderer Cruise - 4 Night. ), 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! From a point 40 km north-west of Lautoka, the islands stretch for more than 80 km in a north-easterly direction, forming a broken ribbon of land rarely more than five km wide and generally much less. 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. This guide features everything to expect on a South Pacific cruise with Holland America including activities, cuisine options, and the ship itself! Check out video quick-clips from the current season of HGTV's Island Hunters. The island nation of Fiji consists of an archipelago of 330 islands and 500 islets. The resort's luxury bungalows are hidden among the palm trees. Captain Barber in HMSArthur visited the islands in 1794, but they were not charted until 1840, when they were surveyed and charted by a United States expedition commanded by Charles Wilkes. In the midst of the Blue Lagoon is what we consider to be the jewel of the Yasawas, Nanuya Lailai. No matter what your budget is, whether youre travelling for the food or not, your palette will certainly be educated with authentic Fijian cuisine in the Yasawas. Like the sound of those? Castaway Island Fiji. And the list goes on! You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. With luxurious adults-only retreats, family resorts, budget backpacker resorts and cultural homestays, theres a holiday in the Yasawa Islands for every type of traveller. 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. The islands are volcanic in origin and quite dramatic looking, with peaks on the islands ranging . The electrical current in Fiji is 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Island Hunters Videos Go Native! Viwa Island Resort Fiji: Viwa Is wonderfull - Veja 258 dicas e avaliaes dos hspedes, 597 fotos e encontre promoes para Viwa Island Resort Fiji, no Tripadvisor. With 333 islands nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is Where Happiness Finds You. Paying as you go can cost around 100 FJD each trip. It is a perfect spot for the Fiji wedding of your dreams! . Hi I saw this resort on an episode of Island hunters.. One of the new owners states that it is the best beach he has seen in fiji what are everyones thoughts? And if that hasnt made your mouth water enough, then check out our10 Best Foodie Experiences in the Yasawa Islands. From Nadi, the Yasawa Islands can be accessed by air from Nadi Airport or by sea via Port Denarau or Lautoka. Find out more about family travel to the Yasawas in The Guide to the Yasawa Islands for Families. Take an opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like ecotours. See Tripadvisor's Viwa, Yasawa Islands hotel deals and special prices on 30+ hotels all in one spot. The Fiji Meteorological Service states a hurricane warning remains in force for Conway Reef and open waters in the southern parts of Fiji's . Exchange your vows on the sands of a deserted beach, before a tropical sunset or under the southern stars. Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in South Lake Tahoe, California. 4. Ever since then, the Islands continue to grow in popularity among travelers. 20th December 2022 to 29th January 2023 From Nadi, where youll find Fijis international airport, you can take a Sea Plane across to the Yasawa Islands. This beautiful, limestone cave is hidden away from view and is steeped in local lore and legendary stories. The Yasawas are a popular tourist destination for backpackers and cruise ship passengers. Even if you wont use all your days (you only plan to stay for 5 days, though the smallest pass offered is 7), it still works out cheaper. Dont pay for a cab. 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. I stayed at The Radisson Blu Resort Fiji and absolutely loved everything about it. As bold as it may seem to say, the Yasawa Islands are everything you want from a holiday to Fiji. 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. Island hopping in Fiji is one of the most epic trips you can make in the South Pacific. The relatively remote location off the coast by Nadi makes the Yasawa Islands a favorite getaway for both backpackers and honeymooners. COVID-19 Travel restrictions may apply. Check out our 10 Budget Accommodations in the Yasawa Islands, as well as 10 Budget Homestays in the Yasawa Islands. Take the good with the bad. You canlearnmore about us here. The last day of the cruise was definitely bittersweet. 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 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. It is split into 9 separate geographic island groups. You will be limited to what is offered by the property you are staying at. Nanuku Resort Fiji Travel Review. Awesome Adventures - Yasawa Flyer The Awesome Adventures ferry, also known as the Yasawa Flyer, runs up and down the Yasawa Islands from Port Denarau once a day. If you plan to do multiple islands, youll spend even more money. Beat the hot weather with cooling water activities like fishing, snorkeling, non-motorized water sports, motorized water sports, diving and wind surfing. 9 languages. Once youre on the ship, sit back and relax youre in for a beautiful journey. Changing locations isnt easy and requires arranging private transport, so youll want to plan your trip with good research ahead of time. Welcome to Paradise Cove Resort, the best place to stay in Fiji. Looking for a place to stay with exquisite food and plenty of food-orientated experiences? The Yasawas are also home to some of Fijis most exclusive resorts. For more ideas and information on each activity, check out the10 Adults-Only Activities in the Yasawa Islands. The clear waters make for excellent snorkeling and diving, and there are many caves and reefs to explore. The best time to visit the Yasawa Islands is December through February. This is not always my experience on cruises, so it was a welcome surprise. See the best of the Fiji Islands! Ocean-based activities are our most popular, from a gentle dip in the clear blue waters to something more adventurous like scuba diving. Later in the day, we visited a local school on Yasawa Island. Kids as young as 8 are able to safely discover . More information about Navutu Stars Resort. The area still has many backpacking and adventure resorts think diving with thebullsharksfrom Barefoot Kuata and swimming with Manta Rays from Manta Ray Resort. All you need to know about accommodation, places to stay and holidaying in the the Yasawa Islands, Fiji. Food is a central part of the Fijian traditions and customs, which reflects in the activities and dining experiences available in the Yasawa Islands resorts. 21 Best Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands, The Guide to the Yasawa Islands on a Budget, 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands, 10 Budget Accommodations in the Yasawa Islands, 10 Budget Homestays in the Yasawa Islands, 10 Best Luxury Experiences in the Yasawa Islands, The Guide to the Yasawa Islands for Families, 10 Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands with Kids, The Adults-Only Guide to the Yasawa Islands, adults-only cruise around the Yasawa Islands, 10 Adults-Only Activities in the Yasawa Islands, 10 Best Foodie Experiences in the Yasawa Islands, 10 Accommodations in the Yasawa Islands for Foodies, Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Yasawa Islands, 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands for Couples, 10 Wedding & Honeymoon Resorts in the Yasawa Islands, The Travel Guide to the Yasawa Islands for Families, The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to the Yasawa Islands, Do a Fijian craft or cooking lesson, such as at the. Yasawa Island Resort and Spa is reached via its own private airstrip, inaccessible to other travelers. Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because its not worth the risk! Alternatively, a ferry runs between Lautoka (a short drive from Nadi) and several islands and resorts in the Yasawas. Bring supplies from the mainland, and bring enough cash to pay for your accommodation and for meals every day. The group of thirty islands has three distinct zones. Lets not beat around the bush; here are the most commonly asked questions travellers have about visiting the Yasawa Islands. Going to Fiji for my mums 80th next April over a year ago Answer 7 answers Private rooms with shared bathrooms range from $175 FJD to $200 FJD. Show prices. A sophisticated home blending design with todays top tech in Naples, FL. Hop on and off for as long as you like and discover the whole region. It is possible to charter fishing trips from almost every resort in the Yasawa Islands and trips can be catered based on your needs. Many showers are also a mix of fresh and salt water since fresh water here is scarce. The other is to cruise the islands. 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. I woke up early and enjoyed the view from my balcony one last time. This is a list of islands of Fiji. 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. 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. If youre like me and tend to eat smaller meals often, be sure to bring snacks with you. Just 18 luxury bungalows are hidden among luscious tropical greenery, each only a few steps from a pristine, silky white-sand beach. Whats more, the island group receives a much drier climate than the rest of Fiji, making it an idyllic destination year-round. Exchange your vows on the sands of a deserted beach, before a tropical sunset or under the southern stars. I had an amazing time on my Captain Cook Cruise! Yasawa Island Located in Yasawa Island, Yasawa Island Resort - All Inclusive is in a rural area and on a private beach. a very cool place to stay - the staff is extremely nice and welcoming. Long Beach Resort, Vuake: Veja 43 avaliaes, 35 fotos e timas promoes para Long Beach Resort, classificado como n 1 de 1 hotel em Vuake e com pontuao 3,5 de 5 no Tripadvisor. Guests must transfer during daylight hours and allow 2 hours between connections. The archipelago is known for its fine white sand beaches and bright turquoise waters. They are planning to travel the world after three and half years of managing the . What are the must-dos? So better to think of this as an unplugged trip. 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. There is often an interpreter and storyteller present as well. See the 5 Ways to Get to the Yasawa Islands for more information. I took a 4-night cruise with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji during my visit to the Yasawa Islands. Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is an exclusive retreat on one of the most remote and unspoiled islands of Fiji. Conversely, if you are only going to one or two islands, it is cheaper to simply buy a return ticket. Service. 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. Island-hopping is a fun and exciting way to explore the Fiji Islands. There are 20 volcanic islands that make up the group, each one offering incredibly diving ( I actually learned to dive here ), snorkeling, and hiking. The flight from Yasawa Island to Nadi International Airport departs at 2:50 PM. The culture couldn't be more authentic here with villages on almost every island, while some of Fiji's most iconic marine activities, such as swimming with manta rays and sharks, can also be found here. Our top recommendations for where to stay in the Yasawa Islands: Read reviews and check prices with our Hotel Search Engine, that gives you the best hotel deals found on the web. The cavernous cave can only be reached by boat, and inside you can find gleaming turquoise water and hidden, underwater tunnels connecting smaller caves. Due to its freehold real-estate status, three budget resorts have been operating on Tavewa island since the early 1980s. Only Hunters and Snipers at Base Level 99 and Job Level 50 are eligible to apply for the Ranger test. Idyllically located on the island of Mbukama, Yasawa is discretely hidden among the palms on a stretch of pristine white beach, facing west towards the setting sun. An abundance of dive resorts and operators offer guests PADI or SSI affiliated dive operators are scattered throughout Fiji's top dive regions. You can have an equally good time on South Sea or Bounty Island. February, March and April can be a good time, as can September, October and November. It's a tropical paradise, blessed with warm weather all year round, white sand beaches, untouched jungles and tall mountain peaks. | Privacy and Disclaimer, Website by RAM Northern Beaches Web Design and SEO. The cruise also included meals and entertainment onboard. Set on one of Fiji's most remote islands and surrounded by 11 beaches, Yasawa Island Resort offers stunning ocean views, a restaurant and day spa. All meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included. The Yasawa Group is an archipelago of about 20 volcanic islands in the Western Division of Fiji, with an approximate total area of 135 square kilometres (52 sq mi). White sandy beach, fabulous snorkeling, amazing diving only minutes away. Time from Nadi By Sea 2 hours Top Things To Do By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and terms of use within it which includes sponsored posts and affiliate links. Mid-Range Budget: $550 FJD per day will include a private room, meal package, some drinks, a couple for day tours and an island hopping pass. You will learn about the ingredients that are used in the islands, how they are sourced, how they are prepped and how the meals come together. It is a perfect spot for the Fiji wedding of your dreams! 1. Dining: 4.5/5. All rights reserved. Dotted with palm trees and surrounded by a coral lagoon, the island is truly one of Fijis gems. A free shuttle is provided to and from the airport as well as your hotel or hostel. To learn more about Fijian life in the Yasawas you can ask your resort about booking a visit to one of the villages. Beach. If you are traveling with friends, its usually cheaper to rent a double than it is for each of you to buy a dorm bed. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fijis must-dos and hidden gems. The Yasawas are known for their dramatic peaks and pristine beaches. Is There Mobile Phone Reception in the Yasawas Islands? This fast catamaran departs once a day at 08.45 AM. . Hop-on-hop-off passes start at around FJ$300 for five days. Im also a member of other affiliate programs. It can be challenging to travel between islands, so a cruise is a sure way to see everything and make the most of your time on the island. Ver todas. 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. Now, its a popular tourist destination, yet still remains delightfully undeveloped. 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. Embrace the island life and relax! You dont need to book it before you arrive in Fiji. Resort prices are often double that of the hostels and budget hotels. You can also participate in activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. There are 15 words in the Fijian language for Heaven and 'Yasawa' is the first. Navini Island Resort. The surrounding waters are alive with colourful fish and coral. Aside from our top recommendations listed alongside this complete travel guide to the Yasawa Islands (or at the bottom, if youre reading this on mobile), weve compiled the best accommodations and resorts based on price, suitability for families or couples, as well as more premium offerings. The sacred Sawa i lau Caves are also known as the resting place of the ten-headed ancient Fijian god, Ulutini. Season 5 Highlights 12 Videos View Post 17 Days in the South Pacific With Holland AmericaContinue, Your email address will not be published. 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. Food & Drink: Its important to research your food options when you are looking for accommodation in the Yasawa Islands. [1] Helicopter charters are also available or one can take the Yasawa Flyer, a catamaran. And, if there is one region where you can easily do this, it is the Yasawa Islands group. The ship was modern and comfortable, and the staff was knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The archipelago, which stretches in a north-easterly direction for more than 80 kilometres (50mi) from a point 40 kilometres (25mi) north-west of Lautoka, is volcanic in origin and very mountainous, with peaks ranging from 250 to 600 metres (820 to 1,969ft) in height. Get more advice in The Adults-Only Guide to the Yasawa Islands. Every day he would swim into this hidden grotto with food for the girl until eventually they both escaped to the safety of another island and to be together forever. The ancient limestone formations, carved by constant wave action, are hidden within an attractive little island in the northern Yasawas. There are 15 words in the Fijian language meaning Heaven and 'Yasawa' is the first. WiFi is spotty so do your research before you board. This all-inclusive island resort perfectly intertwines luxury escape with family friendly features. It was a wonderful trip and Im so glad I was able to experience it! Each island in the archipelago is stunning and completely unique. The islands are breathtakingly beautiful, the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the activities are a lot of fun. European contact was made in 1789 by Captain William Bligh. You can also book a multi-day cruise and explore the islands for 4 nights. No matter how you choose to spend your days, we'd like to make them as relaxing as possible. This is what makes Fiji island hopping so special. Welcome to Turtle Island, a 500-acre private island retreat located in Fiji's Yasawa Islands. Get up early to avoid the heat and trek up to the viewpoints for incredible views over the neighboring islands. 10. It is possible to visit the Yasawa Islands on a backpacker budget, with high end luxury and everything in between. High-End Resorts: If you value the finer things in life or are looking for a resort-type experience, then you can find it in Fiji. You neednt decide until you get here. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides. Check them out in our7 Adult-Only Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Ordinary Traveler! Dont leave home without: Lonely Planet Fiji (Travel Guide). They want to find a private island to escape the freezing Wisconsin winters. The Yasawa Islands are located in the northwest of Fiji, and getting there is pretty easy from the international airport. The islands were largely ignored by the wider world until World War II, when the United States military used them as communications outposts. Navutu /star is a small Boutique Resort spreading along three bays in the Yasawa Islands, where it is possible to experience authentic Fiji in a comfortable, private and inspiring atmosphere.