The Good Fiji Journey Itinerary: Seashores, Diving, and Island Paradise

Fiji has a world of wonders to supply guests however I used to be solely capable of go to for two.5 weeks. I might have beloved to have spent one other week or two to see extra islands however that’s simply how issues go. As I’m an avid scuba diver, a lot of my journey was centered round diving and the underwater world. For those who don’t dive, you possibly can nonetheless spend time on these locations and easily do different actions.

These are the principle highlights that Fiji has to supply from my analysis

• THe Yasawa Islands
• Mamanuca Islands
• Bull shark diving across the Beqa Lagoon
• Coral Coast on the principle island of Viti Levu
• Taveuni (the Backyard Island)
• Nice Astrolobe Reef at Kadavu island
• Seashores and resorts round Savu Savu
• Lau islands for the actually adventurous

I spent most of my time in Taveuni and the Yasawa islands. I additionally spent a number of days in Kadavu diving (trying) the Nice Astrolobe Reef. Sadly, the climate was actually unhealthy after I visited and it rained the complete time (through the dry season!) which meant diving was not attainable. Nevertheless, the pure fantastic thing about Kadavu was gorgeous and I actually wished I may have seen the reef longer than I did.

Keep away from touring a lot of Vita Levu the place Nadi and Suva are

After spending a number of weeks in Fiji, I can safely say that you just most likely don’t must spend a lot time on the principle island. Most of the itineraries I noticed had the principle island of Viti Levu of their itineraries however I don’t assume it’s essential spend a lot time right here. Even the locals that I talked to suggested that I didn’t spend a lot time on Viti Levu and exit to the encompassing islands. Viti Levu is a large island that spans 146 km broad and 106km lengthy. You’ll want a automobile to correctly do that island justice so when you don’t wish to drive, this can be a non starter.

The principle cities of Nadi and Suva are a giant skip. There’s nothing to see in these cities and there’s nothing to do. There aren’t even many first rate eating places or cafes to go to. I might spend any time in these cities if you understand somebody residing there that may present you a great time.

Whereas the coral coast has some first rate seashores just like the world well-known Natadola Seashore, I actually don’t assume it’s something that spectacular. There are merely nicer seashores in Fiji with brighter and extra stunning colours. Viti Levu is simply too large to have that Fiji island appeal and lots of the locations I noticed merely weren’t the long-lasting Fiji I used to be anticipating (private choice).

The one exception I might make for visiting Viti Levu is when you’re planning on doing the Beqa Lagoon shark dive. That is primarily based out of Pacific Harbor and one of many craziest dives that you just’ll ever do. It’s an enormous bucket record merchandise for a lot of that go to Fiji (myself included) which meant I did spend a number of days on the mainland to do that exercise. Alternatively, you may as well dive with bull sharks on the Barefoot Koata resor tin the Yasawa island chain so technically, you would keep away from Viti Levu altogether.

Keep away from Port Denarau

Port Denarau is a well-liked space for lots of the vacationers that come to Fiji. This space is positioned south of Nadi and is foremost ferry terminal to go to the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains.

Port Denarau is dwelling to all the large resort chains like Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental, Radisson, and extra. This space is clearly aimed in direction of households, older vacationers, and people who need that resort vibe. Port Denarau can be not fairly in any respect. The seashores are nonexistent and also you’ll discover nothing however resort meals. Costs of lodges are additionally exorbitantly excessive and you could find one thing 100x extra stunning and extra genuine on any of the islands close by.

Greatest time of 12 months to go to Fiji?

For those who’re considering a journey to this island paradise, you may marvel when the very best time to go to Fiji is. The excellent news is that Fiji welcomes guests year-round, however your expertise can range considerably relying on the time of 12 months you select in your journey.

Simply to notice that these are all averages and you will get all forms of climate at any time of 12 months given it’s the tropics. I visited through the dry season and had many days of rain whereas in Taveuni and different locations like Kadavu!

Excessive Season (July to September): Good Climate and Thriving Marine Life

Throughout Fiji’s excessive season, from July to September, you possibly can count on impeccable climate with heat, sunny days and nice nights. Rainfall is minimal, making it an excellent time for outside actions and seaside lounging. The dry season additionally brings wonderful underwater visibility, good for snorkeling and diving lovers. You’ll have crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Moreover, you may catch a few of Fiji’s vibrant festivals, just like the Bula Competition, which showcases Fijian tradition and traditions. Nevertheless, it’s vital to notice that the excessive season attracts a big variety of vacationers, resulting in crowded resorts and better costs for lodging and actions. Reserving prematurely is advisable, particularly as flight and lodging prices may be elevated throughout this era.

Shoulder Season (October to November, April to June): Balancing Crowds and Price

Fiji’s shoulder seasons, from October to November and April to June, supply a nice compromise between climate, crowd ranges, and value. The climate stays nice, with occasional rainfall. You possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from sunny days whereas experiencing fewer crowds and decrease costs for lodging and actions.

For those who go to from October to November, you may even witness the magnificent humpback whale migration. Nevertheless, remember that some dive websites may need diminished visibility throughout these months.

Low Season (December to March): Tropical Showers and Fewer Crowds

Fiji’s off-season, spanning from December to March, is characterised by fewer vacationers and inexpensive costs. The heavy tropical showers throughout this moist season could deter some vacationers, however additionally they contribute to Fiji’s lush landscapes, that are at their greenest and most vibrant throughout these months.

Costs for lodging and actions are at their lowest throughout this era. Regardless of the occasional heavy rainfall and excessive humidity ranges, the off-season generally is a unbelievable alternative to expertise Fiji with out the crowds.

Is 2 weeks sufficient time to go to Fiji?

At first look, I didn’t assume a lot of Fiji so far as how a lot it needed to supply. I figured it was only a few islands and that I may see many of the place in per week or two at most. I even thought-about taking a flight to a different nation close by like Tuvalu to examine it off the record. The extra I researched Fiji ,the extra I spotted boy was I incorrect.

There’s a lot that Fiji has to supply and two weeks turned out to be method too little for all of the locations that Fiji had. I stuffed up 2.5 weeks no drawback and need I had extra time in the long run! Everybody has their very own journey fashion and priorities so my wants won’t be yours. I did a number of diving and completely love seashores so I made positive I had loads of time to see stunning seashores. For those who don’t want these items, then you would spend a lot much less time in Fiji.

I spent per week simply touring by three totally different islands within the Yasawa island chain. I may have simply visited one other island or two and I didn’t even get round to visiting any of the Mamanuca islands. I additionally rushed by every island with 2 nights in every island however I may have simply spent 3 or extra.

Touring round Fiji additionally takes time as you’ll always be taking small flights from island to island or ferries. These eat up into your itinerary so be sure that to issue that in earlier than!

What to know earlier than visiting Fiji?

Fiji is a simple nation to journey round. The infrastructure is nice, the individuals are tremendous pleasant, and the nation is secure. Listed here are a few of the suggestions I’ve from what I discovered throughout my journey.

Get the free vacationer sim card and prime up

Like anyplace on the planet I journey, I all the time go for a neighborhood SIM card when arriving and Fiji isn’t any totally different. One of many distinctive issues about Fiji nevertheless is that each vacationer can get hold of a free SIM card. Sure, Fiji presents you free vacationer SIM playing cards that include a number of gigs of information.

Vodafone and Digicell are the principle gamers in Fiji they usually each have shops on the Fiji Worldwide Airport in Nadi the place you possibly can choose up a free SIM card. Along with the free SIM card, they may attempt to promote you further information packages at a heavy vacationer worth. Merely say no to buying any further packages and simply do it by yourself by topping up credit score to your SIM card and shopping for information individually.

For instance, Vodafone needed one thing like 35 FJD for two weeks and 30 GB of information on the retailer in Nadi. Nevertheless, when you simply prime up your self, you will get the identical bundle for about 10-15 FJD. Prime up your self and save your self numerous cash!

Mobile service is first rate sufficient on the principle islands like Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Nevertheless, islands like Taveuni had spotty service and the Yasawa islands solely had 3G at finest.

Deliver money when visiting the islands

Money is king in Fiji. It’s because nearly all of the lodges within the nation will cost a hefty premium for utilizing a bank card. I noticed charges starting from 3-5% which negatives any rewards you may obtain from bank card rewards! I discovered myself taking cash out of the ATM always particularly as I pay no ATM charges with my financial institution.

When visiting locations just like the Yasawa islands, be sure that to carry money with you from the mainland as there are little to no ATMs on the island. You’ll discover loads of ATMs at Nadi airport or Port Denarau.

There aren’t any scooters right here

Fiji has no scooters in the complete nation. Having traveled a lot of Indonesia for instance, I really like having my very own scooter to get round. Nobody makes use of scooters, regardless that it could make full sense for the inhabitants as most can’t afford vehicles. The one method to get across the island is by automobile, taxi, or bus. This makes it restrictive to see larger islands since renting a automobile is kind of costly.

Fiji is just not an affordable place to journey

Fiji is just not a funds journey vacation spot. As it’s positioned in the course of the Pacific and imports nearly the whole lot, you possibly can count on issues to easily value extra. Costs are usually not as excessive as visiting typical European hotspots however don’t count on funds costs like in Bali and different components of Southeast Asia.

Lodging is the most costly a part of Fiji by far as there aren’t many choices for cheaper journey as a lot of the tourism in Fiji is catered to excessive worth factors. I might funds one thing like 200 FJD a day for funds journey and 500 FJD for a nicer expertise.

Pack reef secure sunscreen

Ensure that to top off on reef secure sunscreen when you plan to dive or snorkel. Fiji has a really delicate ecosystem that has withstood the take a look at of time up so far. Let’s do our greatest to guard the marine lifetime of Fiji!

Replenish on provides as a result of there’s not many locations in Fiji to purchase stuff

Ensure you top off on toileties and every other issues vital to you. For those who lose one thing like a contact lens case, you’ll be onerous pressed to seek out it in Fiji. There are massive grocery shops on the principle island however as quickly as you allow the mainland, there aren’t many locations to purchase issues.

Full Fiji two week itinerary

Lastly, onto my Fiji itinerary! For those who’re questioning whether or not it’s best to do a mainland Fiji journey or an island Fiji journey, hopefully my earlier sections have already answered the query. I might extremely advocate island hopping and utterly avoiding the principle islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

The journey begins in Nadi the place your worldwide flight will take you. There’s nothing to see or do in Nadi so this time is finest spent taking a bus or taxi to Paciicc Harbour for the well-known Beqa Lagoon Shark dive. There isn’t a lot to discover round Pacific harbor until you fancy a go to to the Fiji water plant!

From Pacific harbor, I went to the Backyard island of Taveuni which is a fully gorgeous and inexperienced island. It’s dwelling to the Rainbow Reef which is positioned within the Sumotomo strait between Taveuni and Vanua Levu island. The diving right here is among the many finest on the planet and I can safely say this as I’ve dived in so many various locations. It’s rated as probably the most stunning corals on the planet and I must agree! From Taveuni, it was time to fly again in direction of Nadi and spend at the least per week touring by the Yasawa islands. I took the Yasawa flyer and spent per week visiting three totally different islands. I want I had extra time on this a part of the nation however I must put it aside for subsequent time!

Map of my Fiji Itinerary

Day 1-3: Arriving in Nadi

Each flight to Fiji will arrive in Nadi so that is the place you’ll begin out your journey. Like I’ve already talked about, I might advocate staying in Nadi for no days in any respect. There’s nothing to do within the city and nothing to see. Nevertheless, I perceive not everybody will wish to go straight to a different place particularly when you’ve had a protracted flight.

Subsequently, I might advocate taking a day journey to the Cloud 9 restaurant and bar out in the course of the ocean! This bar is world well-known and throughout Instagram as a literal restaurant in the course of the ocean. You possibly can seize a ferry over from the mainland for a set value the place it can take you to the restaurant. You possibly can spend as a lot time as you need right here together with snorkeling, solar lounging, and have nice drinks with unbeatable views.

Lastly, be sure that to go to the world well-known Natadola Seashore which has been persistently ranked as one of many prime seashores on the planet. This lengthy sandy seaside is 1 hour from Nadi and is ideal for a half day. To be sincere, whereas I feel it’s stunning, I feel there are nicer seashores in Fiji.

Day 3-5: Beqa Lagoon Shark Dive

The following a part of the itinerary is to go to the world well-known bull sharks on the Beqa Lagoon. From Nadi, you’ll head straight to Pacific Harbor which is the city in entrance of the Beqa Lagoon. I stayed right here for 2 nights as I needed a full day with out speeding to benefit from the shark dive. Nevertheless, if I had extra time, I might have stayed one other evening or two so I may do yet another day of shark diving because it was so wonderful.

I might not spend extra time than that nevertheless as there actually isn’t a lot to do in Pacific Harbor. Whereas the seaside is lengthy and sandy, it’s not as stunning as seashores within the different islands of the nation.

Nadi to Pacific Harbor

From Nadi, you may have a number of methods to get to Pacific Harbor:

• Taxi: The quickest method is by taxi. THis will take round 2.5 hours and value round 200-230 FJD.
• Bus: There are a number of bus corporations that do the route from Nadi to Pacific Harbor. Pacific Transport has a number of each day departures from Nadi to Suva with Pacific Harbor alongside the best way. The price is 10-12 FJD and it’ll take 3 hours.

In case you are quick on time and solely have at some point for the shark dive, you would take a taxi round 5:30am and make it in time for the morning briefing on the dive store. Sadly, no buses will depart early sufficient from Nadi so that you can make the dives.

Is shark diving in Fiji secure?

One of many first belongings you’re most likely asking your self is the protection of those shark dives. As a diver, we already know that sharks are usually not the blood thirsty beasts the media likes to painting them to be so I’ll skip that half altogether.

As for this particular dive in Fiji, I need to say that I discovered the complete operation to be very reliable. Beqa Journey Divers, in addition to the opposite two dive outlets in Pacific Harbor, actually know what they’re doing. They’ve executed these dives for many years now a number of occasions per week. The divemasters and instructors right here observe a strict security protocol and don’t fiddle.

They let you know issues like sit nonetheless whereas watching the present, don’t lengthen your arm to take a photograph as sharks see this as an indication you’re feeding them, swim slowly, and many others. There are additionally at the least one shark handler per 5 divers. These handlers carry metallic rods which might be used to softly poke sharks that get too near the group. These guys had been all the time behind the group monitoring the sharks exercise.

I didn’t really feel unsafe at any level and was not scared no matter these shark handlers however I do know they positively helped the much less adrenaline looking for people inside the group!

What sort of sharks do you see whereas diving in Fiji

There are a complete of seven species of sharks that may be seen on the well-known shark dive on the Beqa Lagoon. These species embody:

1. Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas): Bull sharks are sometimes the principle attraction of the Beqa Lagoon shark dive on account of their presence within the space. They’re recognized for his or her adaptability to each saltwater and freshwater environments.
2. Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier): Tiger sharks are one other species generally encountered through the dive. They’re simply recognizable by their distinctive markings and are recognized for his or her curious and inquisitive conduct.
3. Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum): Nurse sharks are additionally seen within the space. They’re typically slow-moving and docile, making them secure to look at up shut.
4. Silvertip Shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus): Silvertip sharks are recognized for his or her distinctive silver-tipped dorsal fins. They’re generally discovered within the Pacific Ocean and are recognized to frequent deeper waters.
5. Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris): Lemon sharks are sometimes present in heat coastal waters. They’ve a yellowish hue, which supplies them their title.
6. Gray Reef Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos): Gray reef sharks are sometimes seen within the neighborhood. They’re generally discovered round coral reefs and are recognized for his or her slender our bodies and gray coloring.
7. Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus): Blacktip reef sharks are named for the black recommendations on their dorsal fins. They’re generally present in shallow waters round coral reefs.

Tiger sharks are the large canine of the ocean and they don’t seem to be frequent guests to the Beqa Lagoon. They’re bigger than the bull sharks and the bull sharks all make area when one does present up. Sadly, there was no tiger shark sightings on my dive. Tigers are all purely primarily based on probability so when you get fortunate, you’ll see considered one of these magnificent sharks!

Simply be sure you don’t find yourself just like the diver from Malaysia who had his head within the mouth of a tiger shark on this very dive spot!

Day 6-10: Taveuni and the Rainbow Reef

From Pacific Harbor, it’s time to go to Taveuni island which was one of many highlights of my journey. Affectionately often called the Backyard island by the locals for its extremely arable land the place something you plant grows, this island is the dicing mecca of Fiji.

It’s dwelling to the world well-known Rainbow reef which lives as much as its title for its immense variety and colours. The corals are among the many finest I’ve ever seen and to nonetheless have the sort of ecosystem in at this time’s world is one thing particular. The Rainbow Reef can be dwelling to the Nice White Wall dive which is rated as a prime 10 dive on the planet. Extra particulars on that later.

How you can get to Taveuni and the Rainbow Reef

The easiest way to get to Taveuni is by flight. For 99% of vacationers, that is going to be the best way you come right here as a result of the ferry takes a complete day from Suva. There are a number of each day flights to Taveuni from Suva and Nadi. These flights are all operated on Fiji Hyperlink which is a part of Fiji Airways.

These island hopper planes are the popular method to get round Fiji and I completely beloved taking them as they supplied stunning views of the Fijian islands.

The place is the Sumosomo strait?

The Sumosomo straight is positioned between Fiji’s second largest island of Vanua Levu and its 3^rd largest island of Taveuni. Channels are all the time a great place to start out on the lookout for stunning underwater life because the channel currents typically usher in ample quantities of vitamins and plankton that the corals/fish thrive on. The Sumosomo strait is dwelling to the Rainbow Reef which really lives as much as its title in each essence of the phrase.

The underwater world right here is so colourful that I noticed colours that I had by no means witnessed earlier than. As you’d count on with the South Pacific, there are numerous species of fish, extremely wholesome corals, and pristine situations all abound. I might examine the Rainbow reef to different prime diving spots like Raja Ampat, Komodo, and Sipadan.

The Rainbow reef can be dwelling to the extremely well-known Nice White Wall dive which is an absolute should if you’re diving within the space. Extra info on that in later sections of this put up. Whereas the Rainbow reef isn’t recognized for its large stuff, you may be fortunate and see the occasional manta ray and quite a few shark oceanic shark species.

We had been fortunate sufficient to see a humpback whale on the floor! A mom and calf had been casually swimming by the channel! Unfortunatelyj, we weren’t fortunate sufficient to snorkel with them because the whales swam off into the space. If that had been to have occurred, I may need nicely simply referred to as it a profession in diving!

Diving within the Rainbow Reef

Now on to the good things, the precise diving of the Rainbow Reef. Like I’ve already talked about quite a few occasions on this put up, the diving on this a part of Fiji is among the many finest on the planet. Each dive that I did had various things to supply. Large colleges of fish, extremely vibrant corals, moray eels, sea snakes, backyard eels, varied nudibranch species, reef sharks, and extra had been on supply.

The currents that swept by Rainbow Reef introduced with them a wealth of vitamins that nourished the marine life. This abundance was evident within the well being and variety of the reef inhabitants. The visibility was typically distinctive, permitting me to absorb the intricate particulars of the coral formations and the colourful marine life that referred to as this reef dwelling.

As I descended beneath the waves, the underwater world unfurled earlier than my eyes. Comfortable and onerous corals painted the panorama in a mesmerizing palette – pinks, purples, reds, and oranges – protecting each nook and cranny. The corals had crafted intricate buildings resembling underwater gardens, making it really feel like I used to be exploring an enchanted realm.

Navigating by the crystal-clear waters, I encountered a bustling neighborhood of marine creatures. Faculties of anthias and butterflyfish painted the scene with their vibrant hues. Barracudas and trevallies cruised by with an air of authority, whereas the occasional reef shark glided gracefully within the distance, a reminder of the ocean’s wild magnificence.

Whereas I don’t bear in mind the title of each dive website I visited, the one which did stick out to me was the cabbage patch. This was an attractive dive that noticed us float throughout an enormous backyard of flower corals. This was by far the most important congregation of those coral species I’ve seen and made for some nice photographs.

Ultimately, photographs and movies are crucial issues so this may hopefully do a greater job of reflecting the great thing about Fiji diving than my writing!

Nice White Wall Dive

he Nice White Wall in Fiji stands as some of the well-known and iconic dive websites, famend for its distinctive and charming options that draw divers from around the globe to expertise its underwater grandeur. Surely, one of many foremost attracts for folks diving within the Rainbow reef is the possibility to go to the Nice White Wall. This dive website has been rated as one of many prime 10 dive websites on the planet and it’s not tough to see why.

At the beginning, the title itself piques curiosity. Opposite to what one may assume, the title “Nice White Wall” doesn’t seek advice from sharks; moderately, it’s derived from the gorgeous white colour of the delicate coral that covers the underwater cliffs. This intriguing distinction in opposition to the deep blue of the ocean creates a hanging visible influence that is still etched within the reminiscence of divers lucky sufficient to discover this website.

The principle attract of the Nice White Wall lies within the sheer magnificence and variety of its delicate corals. The coral formations listed here are a testomony to nature’s artistry, exhibiting an astonishing array of shades, from immaculate white to delicate shades of pink and lavender. This vibrant show of colour is a results of the nutrient-rich currents that stream by the realm, nourishing the corals and contributing to their vibrant hues.

It’s essential to time the Nice White Wall Dive

The Nice White Wall can solely be dived twice a month and needs to be timed completely to the tides and moon cycles. The energy of the currents at these occasions permit these stunning white corals to bloom and open utterly and also you’re left with an enormous wall of gorgeous white corals.

The important thing issue that dictates the timing of dives on the Nice White Wall is the part of the moon. Particularly, the location is finest explored through the interval surrounding the total moon. That is because of the phenomenon often called “muck diving,” which happens because of the lunar cycle’s affect on the corals’ reproductive behaviors.

Throughout the nights main as much as the total moon, the corals launch their eggs and sperm into the water. This synchronized mass spawning occasion is a marvel of nature, contributing to the copy and genetic variety of the coral inhabitants. Nevertheless, it additionally creates distinctive diving situations. The launched eggs and sperm appeal to a large number of marine life, together with filter-feeding organisms and nocturnal predators which might be drawn to the abundance of meals.

Diving throughout this era presents a uncommon alternative to witness the underwater ecosystem in a state of heightened exercise. The coral reefs come alive with a flurry of motion as creatures seize the chance to feed and reproduce. This occasion additionally offers a unprecedented probability to look at marine life interactions that aren’t sometimes seen throughout different occasions of the month.

The precise timing of the dives is fastidiously deliberate across the lunar cycle. Divers typically must coordinate their journeys to align with the total moon part. This provides a component of planning and pleasure, as divers eagerly anticipate the possibility to witness this pure spectacle.

Day 11-17: Yasawa island hopping

For the ultimate a part of this itinerary, we went to the Yasawa island chain which is legendary for its unimaginable seashores and surroundings. From Taveuni, you’ll must fly again to Nadi and take a ferry or helicopter to the Yasawas.

Sadly, the earliest flights from Taveuni to Nadi solely arrive in Nadi round 10am. That is too late for the Yasawa Flyer (the ferry) because it solely leaves as soon as a day from Denarau at 9am. Subsequently, we had no alternative (woe to us!) however to take a helicopter to the primary island within the Yasawas. The helicopter, as you possibly can count on, presents completely gorgeous views of the archipelago and reef system.

The powerful half in regards to the Yasawas is deciding which islands you’ll keep on with the restricted time you may have. My Yasawa islands put up goes into element in regards to the varied resorts/islands which might be obtainable and the way I made a decision which locations to remain.

Taking The Yasawa Flyer

The Yasawa flyer is the principle type of transportation inside the Yasawa islands. For those who’re planning to go to a number of islands, it’s nearly assured you’ll purchase a ticket or two on this ferry sooner or later throughout your journey. I boarded this boat on three separate events as I stayed in three totally different resorts.

The Yasawa flyer is operated by South Sea Cruises which even have boats to different island chains just like the Mamanuca. The ferry terminal is in Port Denarau which is about 20 minutes south of Nadi. As a part of the ticket worth, they may really choose you up and drop you off out of your resort within the Denarau space or in Nadi.

How the Yasawa Flyer works

The Yasawa flyer is a ferry that runs as soon as each day visiting all the islands inside the Yasawa island chain. It begins at Port Denarau, 10 minutes south of Nadi like each different ferry on this space. It departs Port Denarau round 9am on daily basis and makes its method up the Yasawa island chain stopping at each resort alongside the best way.

As you possibly can see on the map, it makes fairly a number of stops as there are many resorts on this archipelago. The cease furthest north is the Blue Lagoon, Coconut Resort, and Nanuya Island Resort which the boat reaches round 1:30pm. After it finishes this cease, it returns southward to Port Denarau and arrives again in Nadi at 6:00pm.

Subsequently, it visits each resort Within the Yasawas twice a day, as soon as within the morning, and as soon as within the afternoon.

Nanuya Island Resort

The primary cease on my Yasawa island hopping journey was the Nanuya Island Resort. I got here right here by helicopter from Nadi since I needed the helicopter expertise and I didn’t wish to waste a day in Nadi since I arrived in Nadi after 9am when the Yasawa flyer departs.

The resort itself was additionally very good with snug but spacious rooms. There have been seaside entrance rooms in addition to rooms positioned on the hill with unimaginable views overlooking the Pacific. What stood out to me most was the meals at this resort. We didn’t have to purchase a meal plan which implies we may eat much less and get monetary savings (win win for everybody). The home made bread and a focus to element for the dishes had been stunning given how distant we had been. This island additionally faces west which made for unbelievable sunsets from the restaurant.

Positioned on the island of Nanuya Lailai, this island has most likely some of the stunning and idyllic seashores within the Yasawa islands. The lengthy strip of seaside is adorned with stunning white sand, good turquosie waters, and just a little peninsula that makes for wonderful solar lounging and photographs. We fairly munch got here right here always to reap the benefits of the unimaginable seaside.

Subsequent cease on the Yasawa island chain for us was the Barefoot Manta Resort. From Nanuya Island Lodge, we took the Yasawa flyer 1h south to the attractive Drawaqa island, dwelling of the Barefoot Manta resort.

As you’d count on, this resort is legendary for its manta rays that are residents within the close by channel. This channel is a feeding station and attracts mantas 12 months spherical. Visitors on the resort have the chance to snorkel with them (no diving allowed). The resort sends out drones within the morning to examine if there are mantas within the channel after which proceeds to beat a drum to let everybody on the resort know that mantas have been discovered and to arrange for snorkeling.

I didn’t hassle with this as there have been method too many individuals for too few mantas. For a worth of 85 FJD, I made a decision it wasn’t so price it. I’ve dived with a whole lot of not 1000’s of mantas throughout my journeys to the Komodo Nationwide Park and particularly throughout my divemaster coaching the place I noticed them nearly on daily basis.

Barefoot Manta is a particular place. It’s an eco resort that maintains a country however comforting vibe. The entire resort is adorned with sand so you’re actually strolling barefoot the complete time which was unimaginable. All of the bungalows are positioned instantly on the seaside (even the dorms are on the seaside) and whereas my room was fundamental, it was 5 meters from the seaside. The home windows opened up utterly and I may hear the waves crashing at evening and get up to the dawn within the morning. It’s the island paradise I had envisioned earlier than coming to Fiji.

Paradise Cove Resort

Lastly, to finish the journey, we stayed on the Paradise dove resort which was by far the most costly of the bunch. This resort is catered in direction of larger spenders which implies you’ll discover an older crowd and loads of households. This was an enormous change from the vibe on the Barefoot Manta.

However, the resort is gorgeous and each bit the 4* score it claims to be. It’s each fashionable and conventional on the identical time with an attractive seaside in entrance of the resort. I assumed the rooms right here had been very fundamental as solely the far more costly seaside entrance villas will get pleasure from seaside views. All the things else is one stage again which implies you may have a view of nothing.

The meals right here is the standout with two eating places serving conventional elevated Fijian dishes. One of many eating places even had an omakase fashion tasting menu for dinner which was spectacular given the value we paid.

Fiji itinerary day-to-day breakdown

To summarize my journey, that is the way it was deliberate on a day-to-day foundation.

Day 1: Arrive in Nadi, go to Cloud 9 Restaurant and Bar
Day 2: Natadola Seashore and Coral Coast
Day 3: Nadi to Beqa Lagoon for the morning bull shark dive
Day 4: Full day stress-free in Pacific Harbor
Day 5: Flight to Taveuni
Day 6: Full day diving in Rainbow Reef
Day 7: Full day diving in Rainbow Reef
Day 8: Full day diving in Rainbow Reef
Day 9: Full day diving in Rainbow Reef
Day 10: Taveuni to Nadi, helicopter to the Yasawa archipelago – Nanuya Island
Day 11: Nanuya Island
Day 12: Barefoot Manta Resort
Day 13: Barefoot Manta Resort
Day 14: Paradise Cove Resort
Day 15: Paradise Cove Resort
Day 16: Again to Nadi
Day 17: Flight dwelling

Proceed Studying: