According to wholevehicles, the Yasawa Archipelago consists of 16 small islands, stretched out in a chain north of the Mamanuca Islands. Yasawa is especially popular among newlyweds: very beautiful wedding rituals are arranged here, but there are very few hotels. And most importantly, the islands are almost untouched by civilization, and the ichthyofauna can surprise the most experienced diver. It was here that the film “The Blue Lagoon” was filmed and it is Yasawa that can be seen on numerous advertising brochures about Fiji.
How to get there
You can get to the Yasawa archipelago, or rather the island of Tawewa, from Nadi on the daily seaplanes of Turtle Airways, a flight of 35 minutes. The cost, of course, is challenging, but the views that open along the way, as well as the opportunity to ride on the legendary small vintage Cessnas or de Havilland Beaver airplanes, believe me, are worth it.
It is Yasawa that can be seen on numerous advertising brochures about Fiji.
However, most of the tourists arrive in Yasawa on the “yellow boat” Yasawa Flyer, which is owned by Awesome Adventures Fiji. The comfortable 25-meter catamaran has toilets, air conditioning and a snack bar on board. Departure every day at 9:15 from the port of Denarau to Viti Levu; on the way to Kuata 1 hour 45 minutes (75 USD), two hours to Vai, three hours to Naviti (80 USD) and 4.5 hours to Taveva (95 USD).
Hotels
Each Yasawa hotel can be deservedly called luxurious, fashionable and, of course, expensive. Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is considered the most-most among them – an exclusive resort with 18 bungalows with a first-class spa and a classy panoramic restaurant. On his heels comes the Turtle Island Resort, each of whose 14 villas has its own beach, terrace and more jacuzzis.
Nanuya Lailai boasts a tiny Nanuya Island Resort with only 4 villas and 8 cottages. On a budget, you can try to stay at the Mantaray Island Resort or the Octopus Resort on the island of Waya.
Entertainment and attractions of Yasawa
One of the most popular excursions is a trip to the island of Sawa-i-Lau, where there are amazing limestone caves with underground lakes. Among the Fijians, there is still a belief that this is the refuge of the gods, including the all-powerful ten-headed Uluitini.
It is worth visiting the Naviti Island in the village of Soso, where you can get to know the life and way of life of the local population, as well as look into a small church, where, among other things, finely crafted wooden handicrafts are inserted. Natural attractions include the 170-meter peak of Kuata Island, covered with virgin forests, where bright exotic birds live. And on the island of Vaiya, tourists are offered a nice entertainment – to swim with reef sharks (strange as it may seem, those who wish are there).
Leisure
But, of course, the main “fun” on the island is not associated with sights, but with water. First, diving. Deep sea explorers flock to Yasawa from all over the world, knowing that here you can see a lot of species of corals, sharks and dolphins of all stripes. You can comprehend the skill of diving or simply rent equipment at the Dive Yasawa Lagoon Club. Another dive center, Yasawa Dive, offers a fantastic diving safari in 20 of the most beautiful places on the island of Nanya Lailai.
Second, the fish! Fishermen, be careful: don’t miss Tavewa Island and Fly Fish Fiji, which promises to arrange an unforgettable fishing trip for barracuda, mackerel, horse mackerel or coral trout. A catch of 50 kg in Fiji is a spit.