Yasawa Island Group, Fiji discovery cruise / 200nm / 20 Jul - 2 Aug 2024
13 days / cat 3 expedition cruise / Event #2419 / TE KAIHŌPARA: last 3 CREW positions available
Overview
Cruise through the majestic Yasawa Islands for 13 days with Ocean Sailing Expeditions. The Yasawa islands lay northwest of the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji and stretches 62nm into the South Pacific Ocean. Their remoteness, white sand beaches, clear blue lagoons and unique terrain, makes this remote, rugged and authentic group of 20 ancient islands, one of the most stunning regions of Fiji. Fortunately because of this remoteness to the mainland, commercial development has never taken hold.
Formed several million years ago by volcanoes, the southernmost islands of Kuata and Waya Lailai have dramatic elevations, incredible rock formations and summits at almost 600 metres above sea level. The pristine beaches and dramatic landscape provide a beautiful environment in which to relax or enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Passage plan
Crew registration
Secure your place on the crew with deposit options from 20%.
SHARED CABIN: AUD$8,750 (PER BERTH)
PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$23,625 (INCLUDES 3 BERTHS)
13 days
Expedition Description
Vuda Marina
Vuda Marina is the gateway to Fiji’s spectacular western waters, positioned as a central hub for yachts entering from abroad. With its deep-rooted maritime history and state-of-the-art facilities, it provides an ideal starting point for exploring the nearby Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. The marina is not just a place to berth; it's a place where sailors can experience the warm hospitality of the Fijian people, enjoy local cuisine, and prepare for the journey ahead. Its proximity to Nadi International Airport makes it an accessible choice for international sailors. Vuda Marina is a vibrant community that offers repairs, provisions, and entertainment, making it an essential stopover in the Fijian archipelago.
Kuala
Kuala, known for its traditional Fijian lifestyle, offers visitors a glimpse into the authentic and enduring customs of the Pacific islands. This small but vibrant community is known for its craft markets and warm, welcoming locals who share their culture through music, dance, and craftmaking. Kuala’s sheltered waters provide a calm anchorage for yachts, making it an appealing stop for sailors seeking a cultural exchange. The village is also a point of interest for those looking to learn about Fiji’s environmental conservation efforts, as it sits close to several marine protected areas.
Wayasewa
Wayasewa, often known as Waya Lailai, is an enchanting destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Renowned for its rugged landscapes, the island offers spectacular hiking opportunities that lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Pacific. The waters around Wayasewa are crystal clear, ideal for snorkelling and witnessing vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The local village is a heartwarming place where visitors can engage in traditional Fijian ceremonies and understand the community’s way of life. Wayasewa embodies the adventurous spirit of Fiji, making it a thrilling stop for sailors exploring the Yasawas.
Naukacuvu Island
Naukacuvu Island is a hidden gem within the Yasawa Islands, known for its stunning white sand beaches and excellent diving spots. It is quieter than some of its more tourist-centric neighbours, offering a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the busier islands. The surrounding reefs are teeming with marine life, providing some of the best underwater experiences in Fiji. Naukacuvu is also appreciated for its luxurious yet understated resorts, where sailors can enjoy modern comforts in an idyllic setting. This island offers a mix of relaxation and marine exploration, ideal for those seeking serenity at sea.
Nanuya Balavu Island
Nanuya Balavu Island, part of the Yasawa Group, is famous for its role in the movie "The Blue Lagoon," which showcased its spectacular natural beauty to the world. Today, it remains a favourite destination for sailors due to its iconic blue waters and excellent conditions for water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing. The island's local population is small, providing a quaint and intimate experience. Visitors can enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and explore the island’s palm-fringed beaches and secluded coves. Nanuya Balavu is perfect for those looking to blend cinematic history with a true island paradise experience.
Drawaqa Island
Drawaqa Island presents a unique natural phenomenon with its seasonal manta ray migrations, making it a must-visit location for marine wildlife enthusiasts. Between May and October, the waters around Drawaqa become a playground for these gentle giants, offering an unforgettable snorkelling and diving experience. The island itself is small and relatively undeveloped, providing a rustic and authentic feel to your visit. Local guides are available to lead tours to see the manta rays, ensuring respectful and sustainable interaction with the wildlife. Drawaqa is a standout destination for those interested in marine biology and the natural wonders of Fiji.
Naviti Island
Naviti Island stands out as a cultural heartland in the Yasawa Islands, offering a blend of historical sites and community life. The island is larger than many others in the group and features a variety of landscapes, including rolling hills and dense vegetation. Naviti’s villages maintain traditional Fijian customs, and visitors are often welcomed with a kava ceremony and can participate in local festivities. For sailors, Naviti’s broad bays provide safe anchorages, and its shores offer golden beaches perfect for relaxation after a day of cultural exploration.
Yangeta Island
Yangeta Island, a lesser-known treasure in the Yasawa Islands, offers seclusion and pristine natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the more frequented tourist paths. This small, untouched island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs that are teeming with marine life, offering exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities. The tranquil beaches and crystal-clear waters provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection. For sailors, Yangeta’s quiet coves and unspoiled landscapes offer a peaceful anchorage away from the bustling crowds, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquillity and beauty of Fiji’s natural environment.
Matacawalevu
Matacawalevu, with its rolling hills and lush vegetation, is a stunning example of Fiji’s dramatic island geography. This sizeable island in the Yasawa group is renowned for its fertile soils and rich cultural heritage, hosting several traditional villages where visitors can experience authentic Fijian hospitality. Sailing to Matacawalevu provides an opportunity to explore its diverse ecosystems, from dense tropical forests to expansive sandy beaches. The island’s protected waters are ideal for kayaking and sailing, offering a serene environment to enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty. The friendly locals and the island’s vibrant culture make Matacawalevu a compelling stop for those interested in learning about traditional Fijian ways of life.
Nanuya Lailai Island
Nanuya Lailai Island is one of the gems of the Yasawa Islands, renowned for its stunning scenery and the setting of the famous film "The Blue Lagoon." This idyllic island boasts some of the clearest waters and whitest sandy beaches in the region, making it a paradise for beach lovers and snorkellers alike. The island's lagoon offers safe, sheltered waters perfect for swimming and water sports, while the surrounding coral reefs provide spectacular sites for diving and marine exploration. For sailors, Nanuya Lailai’s well-equipped anchorage points and the welcoming nature of its small resort community make it a favourite stopover. The island's blend of breathtaking natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere ensures a memorable stay for all who visit.
Tavewa Island
Tavewa Island is a vibrant and colourful island in the Yasawa group, known for its friendly inhabitants and striking coral reefs. This small island offers a unique cultural experience, with its local crafts, particularly shell jewellery and traditional Fijian art, being popular among visitors. The coral gardens surrounding Tavewa are a highlight for underwater adventurers, featuring a multitude of fish species and marine flora. Sailors will find the island’s circular shape and the surrounding deep blue waters ideal for days spent sailing or simply relaxing on the deck. Tavewa's combination of cultural richness and natural beauty makes it a captivating destination for those sailing through the Yasawas.
Nacula Island
Nacula Island stands out as one of the northernmost islands in the Yasawa chain and is famed for its striking landscapes and authentic Fijian culture. The island is home to some of the most welcoming villages in Fiji, where visitors can partake in traditional life, from kava ceremonies to Fijian feasts. Its beaches are among the most beautiful in Fiji, offering powdery white sands framed by crystal-clear waters. Nacula is also a hub for hiking, with trails leading to panoramic views of the surrounding islands. For those arriving by yacht, Nacula’s ample anchorages and the warmth of its people provide a hospitable welcome and a chance to engage deeply with Fijian traditions.
Sawa-i-Lau Caves
The Sawa-i-Lau Caves in the northern Yasawas are a natural and cultural marvel, steeped in Fijian mythology and folklore. These limestone caves are accessible only by water, making them an exclusive adventure for those sailing the region. Known for their dramatic rock formations and sacred pools, the caves offer a unique spelunking experience. Local legend holds that the caves are the resting place of a god, and the mystical atmosphere is palpable as you swim through the clear, blue waters of the inner sanctums. Visiting the Sawa-i-Lau Caves provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of Fiji’s most revered and enchanting sites.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD
Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.
Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.
Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Weather impact
With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.
Extra reading
OCEAN SAILING PODCAST
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Fiji and various stopover ports, accommodation onboard, Fiji Cruising Permits, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal flotation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
Private Cabins
There are 2 and 3 berth options available in singles and doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is the 2-berth rate, less a 10% discount.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear.
Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
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