Psst, we’ll let you in on a secret—heaven is a place on earth. From mainland Fiji, a scenic two-hour boat ride will take you to the magical Yasawa Islands. The word Yasawa, meaning ‘heaven’, is a totally apt translation for the breathtaking vistas seen before your very eyes. You’ll find long stretches of white sand beaches fringed by coconut palms, making way to warm crystal-clear azure blue water.
It’s the perfect backdrop to relax into a gently swaying hammock and laze the day away. And, once the batteries are charged, there’s the opportunity for thrilling experiences.
To help you craft the perfect 72-hour itinerary, we’ve enlisted the help of House of Travel. Here’s how to seamlessly pair exhilarating blood-pumping adventures with much-needed zen time.
Day 1—AM: Cruise On A Catamaran To The Yasawa Islands
Bula! Welcome to Fiji. Chances are you’ve started your trip in Nadi—home of Fiji’s international airport and just a three-hour flight from Auckland. Make your way to the local Port Denarau where you’ll board Awesome Adventures’ famed Yasawa Flyer.
The catamaran departs daily, cruising northwest through pristine waters to the Yasawa Islands. On the journey, passengers are picked up and dropped off at the tropical island resorts dotted along the island chain. Opt for a single trip ticket or, if you’ve booked multiple resorts, then get a multi-day Bula Pass that allows you to island-hop.
Day 1—PM: Check Into Your Lush (And Oh-So Friendly) Resort
This is where the magic begins. The Yasawas are a hidden gem on the rise, meaning the resorts are small and intimate. You get to uncover some of the most beautiful beaches on earth (seriously) without hoards of travellers.
With such a variety of accommodation options scattered across the Yasawas, there's something for everyone and every budget, but they all share one common theme: the friendliest service you’re ever likely to find. The warm Fijian welcome will have you on a first-name basis before you know it.
If you’re big on water activities, book into Mantaray Island Resort. For a stretching “champagne” coloured beach, opt for Paradise Cove Resort. For a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, take a private plane to Yasawa Island Resort for an all-inclusive stay in one of their 18 luxury bungalows nestled among the palms.
Day 2—AM: Swim With Majestic Manta Rays
Visit the Yasawas between May and October, and you’ll have the chance to swim or dive with manta rays. During this season, the majestic creatures grace the channel between Nanuya Balavu and Drawaqa Island in search of plankton.
Paradise Cove and the appropriately named Mantaray Island Resort operate short boat rides to swim with the gentle giants. Immerse yourself in their mesmerising underwater ballet as they seemingly soar through the currents. And, if you'd like to know more about these majestic creatures, Barefoot Manta Island Resort is home to an impressive marine conservation centre, where you can learn all about what their team is doing to protect the waters and reefs to ensure that the Manta rays and other sea life continue to flourish. They also offer SSI diving, coral planting, and have an amazing house reef, ripe for exploration.
Day 2—PM: Get Face-To-Face With Sharks
Turn the level of thrill up a notch in the afternoon by taking the plunge with sharks. If it’s not your first rodeo, the Yasawas offers an abundance of dive sites. From Paradise Cove, you can access 35 sites within a 25-minute boat ride, where reef sharks and turtles are encountered on most dives.
Use your vacay as an opportunity to learn to dive and gain your internationally recognised PADI certification with the team at Paradise Cove. If you prefer to be closer to the surface, Fiji is a snorkelling mecca with vivid reefs and friendly, bustling tropical fish—Nemo included.
Black and white tip reef sharks are especially common around Moia Reef, just a 20-minute boat ride from Barefoot Kuata Resort. They operate daily snorkelling trips where the friendly sharks circle just metres below.
Day 3—AM: Uncover Sawa-i-Lau And Its Hidden Turquoise Cave Pool
As your holiday continues into Day 3, take a boat trip to the magical Sawa-i-Lau Caves and prepare to have your breath taken away. Known as the ‘heart of the Yasawas’, the ancient limestone formation is carved by waves and nestled within a small, uninhabited island.
The two hidden caverns are filled with turquoise seawater pools fed by the tides. Daylight floods the first cave, which is accessible via a small stairwell. For those seeking more adventure, a second, more secretive cavern can be entered through an underwater tunnel.
Day 3—PM: Float In A Tube At Sunset, Cocktail In Hand
To witness a Fijian sunset is a bucket-list experience. The striking vivid colours are guaranteed to take your breath away as day turns to night. And what better way to soak up the beauty than floating on a tube on the pristine waters?
Mantaray Island Resort offers a ‘world-famous’ sunset tube cruise. Music, check. Good company, check. Cocktails, check. With everything taken care of, all that’s left to do is sit back and relax as the sun slowly drops off into the ocean. Ah, heaven truly is a place on earth.
To start planning your island getaway, head to Tourism Fiji to learn more, and check out House of Travel for exclusive holiday packages and deals.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Tourism Fiji and House of Travel and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Images: Urban List