Overview

Sailing the Yasawa Islands is an opportunity to explore one of Fiji’s most breathtaking and unspoiled regions. Located 62 nautical miles northwest of Viti Levu, this volcanic island chain is a paradise of towering peaks, hidden coves, and pristine beaches, offering a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Unlike other parts of Fiji, the Yasawas have remained untouched by large-scale tourism, allowing them to preserve their natural beauty and traditional village life.

Sailing through this stunning archipelago reveals turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and ancient limestone caves, each offering incredible opportunities for exploration. The southern Yasawa Islands, such as Waya and Kuata, feature dramatic volcanic cliffs and lush green landscapes, while the northern islands, including Nacula and Naviti, are known for their white sand beaches, swaying coconut palms, and calm anchorages.

The Yasawas offer unforgettable experiences, from snorkeling with manta rays at Drawaqa Island to swimming in the legendary Sawa-i-Lau Caves. The famous Blue Lagoon is a must-visit, with its crystal-clear waters and idyllic scenery. Beyond their beauty, these islands are home to warm and welcoming Fijian communities, where visitors can experience traditional ceremonies, local storytelling, and the rich cultural heritage of the Yasawan people.

With a perfect mix of breathtaking landscapes, incredible marine encounters, and authentic Fijian hospitality, the Yasawa Islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime sailing adventure in the heart of the South Pacific.

Top Destinations in the Yasawa Islands

Vuda Marina & First Landing Resort

The journey begins and ends at Vuda Marina, located on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. This historic location is home to First Landing Resort, named after the legendary site where the first Fijians arrived. Before setting sail, enjoy a welcome dinner with ocean views, relax on the beach, and soak in the island’s warm hospitality. The marina provides the perfect launching point for an adventure into the Yasawas, offering a seamless transition from the mainland to the untouched beauty of Fiji’s remote islands. The voyage also concludes here, with a farewell dinner under the stars, reminiscing about the unforgettable journey.

Waya Island

As the southernmost island of the Yasawa chain, Waya Island is a stunning introduction to the region, known for its dramatic volcanic peaks, lush forests, and secluded beaches. Towering cliffs rise almost 600 metres above sea level, offering incredible hiking trails with panoramic ocean views. The island is home to traditional Fijian villages, where you can take part in a sevusevu (gift-giving ceremony), listen to traditional music, and meet the warm-hearted Yasawan people. Spend the day exploring hidden coves, paddleboarding through clear waters, or snorkeling along coral reefs alive with marine life. Waya Island provides a perfect balance of adventure and cultural immersion, making it a must-visit stop on the journey.

Drawaqa Island – Swim with Manta Rays

Drawaqa Island is famous for its manta ray feeding channel, where these graceful ocean giants gather between May and October. Snorkeling alongside them is an unforgettable experience, as they glide effortlessly through the plankton-rich waters. Beyond manta ray encounters, the island offers stunning white sand beaches, excellent snorkeling, and calm bays perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. With its pristine waters and abundant marine life, Drawaqa is one of the most exciting stops on the expedition. The surrounding reefs are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral gardens, making every moment in the water an adventure.

Naviti Island – Traditional Village Life & Stunning Reefs

Naviti is one of the largest islands in the Yasawa chain, offering a mix of untouched beaches, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. Depending on the itinerary, you’ll visit either Gunu Village or Somosomo Village, where you’ll be welcomed by the locals and experience authentic Fijian customs, storytelling, and traditional dances. The waters around Naviti are home to Narewa Point Reef, an incredible snorkeling site with bright coral formations and an abundance of marine life. The island’s lush green hills and hidden bays provide endless opportunities for exploration, whether you prefer hiking to a scenic lookout or unwinding in a quiet anchorage.

Nanuya Lailai – The Famous Blue Lagoon

Surrounded by palm-fringed shores and crystal-clear waters, Nanuya Lailai is one of the most iconic stops in the Yasawas. Located in the heart of the Blue Lagoon, this island is known for its stunning turquoise waters, soft white sand beaches, and relaxed island atmosphere. The lagoon’s calm waters make it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, with coral reefs teeming with clownfish, angelfish, and sea turtles. You’ll enjoy an island dinner at Nanuya Island Resort, dining under the stars with waves gently lapping at the shore. Whether you’re exploring the coral gardens or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery, Nanuya Lailai is the definition of paradise.

Nacula Island – Pristine Beaches & Scenic Hikes

Nacula Island is home to some of the most secluded beaches in the Yasawas, offering a peaceful retreat with vibrant coral reefs and panoramic coastal views. This island is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, with activities ranging from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to hiking scenic trails with breathtaking ocean vistas. The island’s coral gardens are alive with schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant reef formations, making it a prime spot for underwater exploration. In the evenings, watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink, creating the perfect end to a day of adventure.

Sawa-i-Lau Caves – Fiji’s Hidden Wonder

Known as "the heart of the Yasawas," the Sawa-i-Lau Caves are a natural wonder carved by centuries of ocean waves. Steeped in Fijian mythology, the caves are said to be the resting place of the ten-headed god, Ulutini. Swimming through the cool, clear waters inside these limestone caverns is an exhilarating experience, with sunlight filtering through cracks in the rock, creating a magical glow. For the adventurous, there’s the option to explore a hidden second chamber, accessible by a short underwater swim. Visiting these caves is one of the most unique and memorable experiences in the Yasawas.

Popular Activities in the Yasawa Islands

Adventure ashore

The Yasawa Islands offer incredible land-based adventures, from hiking rugged volcanic peaks to exploring hidden caves and untouched beaches. Trek to panoramic viewpoints on Waya, Nacula, and Naviti Islands, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking ocean vistas. For those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, the Yasawas have plenty of remote trails, rock formations, and secluded bays waiting to be discovered. See examples. 

Coastal exploring

Sailing through the Yasawas means access to hidden coves, deserted beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Drop anchor and explore uninhabited islands, discovering sea caves, natural rock pools, and vibrant reefs. Whether by boat, paddleboard, or kayak, there’s always a new stretch of coastline to uncover. See examples. 

Cultural excursions

Many Yasawa Islands are home to traditional Fijian villages, where visitors are warmly welcomed into local communities. Experience the sevusevu (gift-giving ceremony), hear traditional Fijian songs, and witness the meke dance performances. Learning about the Yasawan way of life, from fishing traditions to weaving crafts, provides a meaningful connection to the region. See examples. 

Fishing

Fiji’s waters are rich with tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and trevally, making the Yasawas an excellent location for fishing enthusiasts. Try deep-sea trolling, handline fishing, or reef fishing right from the yacht. Whether you’re hoping to land a big catch or enjoy a freshly caught meal, the fishing opportunities here are outstanding. See examples.

Historic places

The Sawa-i-Lau Caves are one of the most historic and legendary sites in Fiji, believed to be the resting place of the ten-headed god, Ulutini. Beyond the caves, the Yasawa Islands have a rich history of ancient Fijian settlements, traditional navigation routes, and colonial influences. Visiting villages provides insight into centuries-old customs, stories, and local legends that have been passed down through generations. See examples.

Kayaking

With its calm lagoons and clear waters, the Yasawas are a kayaker’s paradise. Paddle along turquoise shorelines, past towering cliffs, and into hidden coves. The tranquil conditions make it easy to glide across the water, taking in the stunning island scenery at a relaxed pace. See examples.

Snorkelling

The Yasawas are home to some of the best snorkeling in Fiji, with thriving coral reefs, colorful fish, and crystal-clear waters. Whether exploring the Blue Lagoon, Narewa Point Reef, or Drawaqa Island, snorkelers can encounter parrotfish, sea turtles, manta rays, and vibrant coral gardens. The visibility is often excellent, making for an incredible underwater experience. See examples.

Stand-up paddle boarding

For those who enjoy paddleboarding, the Yasawas provide endless sheltered bays and gentle lagoons to explore. Paddle over shallow coral reefs, weave between small islands, or simply enjoy a peaceful glide over the turquoise water. The calm conditions in places like the Blue Lagoon make stand-up paddle boarding a relaxing and scenic activity. See examples. 

Swimming

With its warm tropical waters and pristine beaches, the Yasawas are perfect for swimming. Whether you’re floating in the crystal-clear Blue Lagoon, diving into the refreshing pools of the Sawa-i-Lau Caves, or enjoying a sunset swim in a secluded bay, the water is always inviting. A true highlight of the Yasawas is the opportunity to swim with manta rays at Drawaqa Island. Between May and October, these graceful creatures gather in the plankton-rich waters, offering a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling and swimming experience as they glide effortlessly past. Every stop on the journey offers an incredible swimming experience, often with coral reefs, fish, and marine life right below the surface. See examples.

Wildlife watching

From pods of dolphins playing in the yacht’s wake to migrating humpback whales breaching offshore, the Yasawas are teeming with marine life. Swim with manta rays at Drawaqa Island, spot sea turtles grazing along coral reefs, and watch exotic seabirds soaring over the islands. Every day brings a new opportunity to witness Fiji’s incredible biodiversity in its natural habitat. See examples.

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