About the Yasawa Islands, Fiji

The Yasawa Islands are a chain of volcanic sun-kissed islands famous for crystal clear lagoons and gorgeous beaches – the perfect beach holiday location for couples wanting quiet times but with all the amenities of a 5-star resort nearby.

Things to do and see

Less developed that the Mamanucas, the Yasawa Island group comprises more than 20 sun-kissed islands edged with luxurious 5-star resorts and countless soft white-sand beaches that gently shelve into tranquil reef-fringed lagoons – perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Or explore the Yasawa Islands on a cruise with Blue Lagoon Cruises: with three-, four- and seven-day cruises, you’ll find a great island itinerary to suit your needs.

The Yasawa Islands feature rugged peaks and hilly grassland, perfect for scenic walks or horseback riding along coastal ridges – the vista from the southern summit of Naviti Island to the southern Yasawa Islands is one of the most photogenic views in Fiji.

Duck dive into the dark and mystical limestone caverns of Sawa-i-Lau Island, which featured in the movie Blue Lagoon, starring Brooke Shields; or swim alongside manta rays as they glide through the warm waters surrounding Naviti Island.

For an idyllic honeymoon, here is a selection of the best islands and beaches in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji.

Yasawa Island
Dig your toes into the soft powder-white sand at more than 10 gorgeous beaches on this long, narrow island indented by picturesque coastal cliffs and aquamarine coves. And with names such as Paradise Beach, Champagne Beach and Lovers Beach, how can you go wrong?

One of the best beaches is a pristine, kilometre-long white-sand beach that fronts the 5-star Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, an exclusive retreat nestled beneath jungle-covered mountains with west-facing views towards the setting sun.

From the resort it’s a short boat ride to a choice of secluded beaches for diving, snorkelling, sports fishing adventure, or you can choose to visit a traditional Fijian village or take a boat ride to a secluded beach for a champagne picnic.

The fascinating caves of Sawa-i-Lau Island lie nearby off the southern tip of Yasawa Island and are easily reached on an excursion.

Nacula Island
Sunbathe on the idyllic white-sand beach that fronts the Oarsman's Bay Lodge, swim in the shallow lagoon or hike to the 258m-high Mount Korobeka for panoramic views over the island. At around 10km-long, Nacula is the third largest island in the Yasawas and offers several pleasant walking tracks that meander over grassy hills leading to several unspoiled beaches along the southern coast.

Turtle Island
Be pampered with creature comforts at the exclusive Turtle Island Resort, which nestles in a shady palm grove fronting an idyllic crescent of white sand that shelves gently into the ‘Blue Lagoon’ – the location of both Blue Lagoon movies. Unwind in a hammock strung between two coconut palms on a sugar-white sand beach, then follow picturesque trails through light jungle on foot or horseback.

Around the island lie several secluded coves, framed by jungle covered cliffs and headlands of black volcanic rock, offering the ideal location to savour a champagne picnic on a pristine, palm-fringed white-sand beach with excellent swimming and snorkelling just metres away.

Nanuya Island
Choose from several small resorts of which Nanuya Island Resort offers the most facilities, including scuba diving, kayaking and snorkelling. A network of hillside trails link several secluded beaches on the east and west side of the island. The southern half of the island is owned by Blue Lagoon Cruises, who use the sheltered turquoise lagoon, fringed by a gorgeous white sand beach, for snorkelling and fish-feeding.

Matacawalevu Island
Discover the aptly named Long Beach, a gorgeous 3km-long golden sand beach that shelves into a beautiful turquoise lagoon – perfect for swimming, snorkelling and enjoy the facilities of the beachfront, Long Beach Resort.

Inland, stroll trails through grassy hills for picture-postcard views of neighbouring islands and discover the traditional Fijian village of Vuake that fronts another gorgeous beach. Nearby Goat Island offers great snorkelling and panoramic sunset vistas from the island’s summit.

Naviti Island
Choose from either Korovou Eco Tour Resort or Botaira Beach Resort, both of which front gorgeous white-sand beaches that shelve gently into a deep lagoon perfect for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.

Explore the largest of the Yasawa Islands along a picturesque walking trail that leads to a grassy ridgeline with sweeping views over both sides of Naviti Island and to several small fishing villages that dot the peaceful shoreline. The southern summit of this island offers a stunning view overlooking the Southern Yasawa Islands – one of the most photogenic in Fiji.

Waya Island
This hilly island offers several gorgeous white sand beaches and some of the best walking tracks in Fiji, with spectacular panoramas and coastal views over neighbouring islands such as the towering peaks of Mount Nalauwaki and Mount Batinareba, pretty Yalobi Bay and the nearby islands of Waya Lailai and Kuata.

Stay at Twin Bay Resort overlooking the sand bar that links Waya and Wayasewa at low tide. Or discover Octopus Resort, a charming no-frills resort located on an unspoiled beach offering perfect swimming and snorkelling conditions.

Wayasewa Island
Linked to Waya Island by a picturesque sand bar, revealed only at low tide, this island offers no frills accommodation at the Twin Bay Resort and Waya Lailai Eco Haven Resort, which both front fine white-sand beaches. Go swimming and snorkelling or stroll island trails through grassy hills to the summit of the island for great panoramic views.

Kuata Island
The no-frills Kuata Island Nature Resort provides an idyllic setting on a beautiful white-sand beach that shelves into a deep lagoon – perfect for relaxing and later exploring this rugged picturesque island.

Go kayaking or snorkelling straight from the beach or dive amid colourful reef fish at Kuta Wall, a steep drop-off on the western coast. Don’t miss the picturesque beach on Likunivisawa Point facing the spectacular cliffs of neighbouring Wayasewa Island.

Inland, follow a network of grassy trails that weave throughout Kuata's steep ridges to explore caves and overhangs en route to the summit, which at 171m provides panoramic vistas over the island.

Getting there – Lying north of the Mamanuca Islands, the Yasawa Islands stretch for 80km along the northwest coast of Viti Levu – about a 2-hour trip on a fast catamaran ferry from Nadi. How to get to Fiji . . .