Always 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). You can combine a flight and car; a hotel, car and flight; or a hotel and car. This page was last edited on 24 May 2019, at 06:52. On smaller and more intimate islands it would be rude to refuse. Yasawa was the smallest of all the islands I visited and also the most laid back. Caribbean Islands. Kava ceremonies are traditional and, at night time, you’ll see almost all the locals sitting in a circle drinking it. (th-ola). ), Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding), 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily), 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt), 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease free in between washes), Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products). This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. The Yasawa Islands are an archipelago of 20 ancient volcanic islands situated to the north west of the main Fijian island of Viti Levu. Some resorts have unlimited water, others require you to buy bottled water outside of meal times (typically $4-$5 a 1.5L bottle). Guests are invited to join. These fares include a pickup from your hotel in Nadi. Sleep is also affected by the nightlife of the resort. However, there are an increasing number of marine sanctuaries and even coral farming that are bringing the coral (and accompanying sea life) back. Ask the locals to take you through their plantation and show you the bananas, papaya, mangoes, breadfruit, casava and other fruits and vegetables growing for your eating pleasure. There are no major attractions on the islands besides the awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Water supplies are generally from rain (off corrugated roofs), springs or imported from the mainland. Most beds are not grungy but do vary from vary soft through to firm, as do the pillows. Kava is traditionally drunk in a welcome ceremony. Nadi Intl Airport (Nadi, Fiji) Right now, 7 airlines operate out of Nadi Intl Airport. Most resorts provide basic accommodation, include meals, and contain access to natural and cultural sites. Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site, Given the tropical waters that surround the islands, it’s no surprise Fiji is home to some incredible snorkeling and diving. The Yasawa Island Resort is located at one of the unspoiled and remote islands in Fiji. I recommend the, Giving Back: Please Check Out These Social Impact Organizations, Work from Home Gift Guide: 21 Amazing Gifts for Remote Workers, Top 5 Things to See and Do in the Yasawa Islands, Backpacking the Yasawa Islands Suggested Budgets, Yasawa Islands Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips, Yasawa Islands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources, Yasawa Islands Travel Guide: Suggested Reading, My Must Have Guides for Traveling to the Yasawa Islands, Yasawa Islands Travel Guide: Related Articles, Kava in the Blood: A Personal & Political Memoir from the Heart of Fiji, Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel, The 20 Best Tropical Islands in the World, 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants), 8 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half), 7 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy! https://wikitravel.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Yasawa_Islands&oldid=2597938, Pages linked to a data item for a disambiguation, This article or section does not match our. in the streets and markets of Nadi). Travel forums for Yasawa Islands. At some locations, a much more festive spirit is felt, and if the dorm/bures are anywhere near the main bure, sleeping may prove difficult. Popular with cruisers, yachties, divers and locals, the Yasawa Islands are also home to some exclusive retreats for those looking for a total escape. Antarctica. Kava kava is a root that has extremely calming effects when ingested (it’s a mild sedative). Food (set menu, mostly local dishes) is usually included in the price, or is a compulsory addition as part of a resort fee. Travel to Yasawa in style, arriving at Nanuya Lailai Island's pristine white sandy beaches and amazing crystal clear waters that boast some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the region. When you’re doing some village hopping, ask the locals to take you through their plantations and show you the bananas, papaya, mangoes, breadfruit, cassava, and other fruits and vegetables. Weather is perfect this time of year in Yasawa Island to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. Yasawa Islands is 50 mi from Nadi Intl Airport (Nadi, Fiji). Asia. If there are Cities and Other destinations listed, they may not all be at usable status or there may not be a valid regional structure and a "Get in" section describing all of the typical ways to get here. The catamaran calls in at the individual islands and resorts in the archipelago before returning to Denarau by 6 PM the same day. Tourists come to the Yasawa Island resorts to swim in … Search Lonely Planet. How much does it cost to stay at a hotel in Yasawa Islands? Matayalevu, Wayasewa Island, and Kuata are popular with other travelers visiting Yasawa Islands. Inside the caves, light filters through the cavernous ceilings and touches on the ancient limestone formations. She is the most popular way for travellers to get to the Yasawa Islands. Nadi Intl Airport offers nonstop flights to 8 cities. The final factor in deciding where to stay are the natural surrounds and activities, which is somewhat subjective, although the below table attempts to categorise the reef life. Many are located in small villages that share the same islands as resorts, and offer an extremely slow-paced, genuine taste of Fijian life, with villagers often approachable and happy to show glimpses of their life. Text is available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/Copyleft Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0] images are available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/How_to_re-use_Wikitravel_guides various licenses], see each image for details. Ask a question Yasawa Islands Destination Experts. Some places have a great variety of fish up to one metre in length and some even have sharks and turtles. Pay attention to announcements, as there may be multiple stops for one island to visit different resorts. . The Yasawa Islands are dotted with small resorts and position themselves as the choice for backpackers and flashpackers. There are an increasing number of visitors to the Yasawas as they are one of the more accessible chain of islands that offer a remote getaway from civilisation. The most popular Fiji island hopping destinations are found in the western islands of Mamanuca and Yasawa, with daily fast ferry services and a well developed but … Please plunge forward and help i It is not a crowded or busy island, so finding a beach that you can enjoy all to yourself is very likely. Boats can be chartered at any resort, and different locations feature various sights (manta rays, sunken ships, sharks). Expect to pay around $55 FJD ($25 USD) to go with a local guide. In contrast to the rocky landscape, they are bordered by the most beautiful coral reefs. Diving rates are cheap. Search. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Most resorts have a bar and some form of night activity (dancing, international night, singing, etc.). To travel in between islands, you have the option of seaplanes or the popular Yasawa Flyer as detailed above. The Mamanuca are made up of tiny coral atolls and small volcanic islands, all within sight of … Approximately 30 resorts are spread through the 12 major islands in the group. Wayalailai or Kuata Natural Resort where you can climb to the top to see the sunrise/sunset, or hike the length of the island and cross the spit to Waya. To travel in between islands, you have the option of seaplanes or the popular Yasawa Flyer as detailed above. You can also do day trips on the island to visit local villages and schools. Various day trips are available including the Sawa-I-Lau Caves trip (diving through a tunnel 30cm down and 1.5 metre long to visit several underground caverns), the Blue Lagoon (not the real one, which is privately owned) and local trips such as fishing or snorkeling. I have booked a trip to Yasawa island resort for 7 nights over Christmas. Some islands have souvenirs but these are generally cheaper to buy on the mainland (e.g. Picture perfect beaches with palm trees complete the image that most visitors envision of Fiji. You can get certification if you need it. Bundling your bookings into a Yasawa Island vacation package will save you some serious money. Some islands even have spectacular snorkeling right off the beach. A local water taxi can provide cheaper means to transfer between islands, especially for shorter trips when the weather is reasonably clear. A small boat owned by a resort will meet you at the Yasawa Flyer / seaplane and take you to shore for free. I thought I would be able to get the normal pacific air flight from Nadi which I've done to the Mamanuca islands, but it seems it doesnt go to Yasawa island?. Ocean escapades and nature based experiences Blessed with dramatic peaks and sun-drenched white sand beaches, the Yasawa Islands is the quintessential paradise that lies Northwest of the main island Viti Levu. Places to stay Arguably the most beautiful area of the Fiji archipelago, the Mamanuca and the Yasawa Islands stretch to the northwest of Nadi, Fiji’s capital and international airport. Guides are available, or you can go alone. That being said, there are some excellent resorts that offer a romantic retreat or a more luxurious feel. You can also charter a small boat, especially if you are near a village, to any of the islands or the mainland. This region travel guide to Yasawa Islands is an outline and may need more content. 2,345 forum posts. The average high during this season is between 94.4°F (34.7°C) and 88.4°F (31.3°C). From the Southernmost island to the Northernmost island: Local Seaplane operators such as Turtle Airways [1], Pacific Island Air [2] or Island Hoppers [3] offer the quickest and most convenient way to get to the Yasawa Islands from Nadi. Hiking any of the islands to beautiful lookout points will often provide great views of all the nearby islands, though guides are often necessary and the terrain is often challenging. Most resorts provide drinking water at meals, but sell water ($4-$5 for a 1.5 litre bottle) at other times. One caveat: local boats are slower and have been known to run out of fuel and never carry oars, so don't take local boats if such surprises would ruin your holiday (but if slow, reactive responses to problems is going to frustrate you, Fiji is probably not your ideal holiday location - Fiji time!). At some resorts, both a dorm and luxury bungalow may be on the same property. If you like fish, please be sure to let the locals (especially the chef) know - they often think people prefer chicken. to give them a sense of what they can do. Almost all islands will have someone who can teach basket or bracelet weaving, using palm fronds and banana leaves. A small boat owned by a resort will meet you at the Yasawa Flyer / seaplane and take you to shore for free. Depending on the island you’re staying on, the Yasawas are approximately a 2-to-4-hour trip from the neighboring Mamanuca Islands. Prices vary on distance, but fuel can be incredibly costly for islanders. 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. There is no need for motorised transport on the islands, as walking will be your primary mode of transport.