The Adults-Only Vacation Guide to the Yasawa Islands

© Blue Lagoon Cruises

How to Get to the Yasawa Islands

Situated northwest of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, the Yasawa Islands can be accessed by water or by air. Water transport takes 2-5 hours depending on your chosen resort, while air transport takes 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, adult-only cruises are also worth considering.

Yasawa Islands via Seaplane or Helicopter

One of the most luxurious adult-only ways to get to the Yasawas, helicopter and seaplane transfers get you to the Yasawas quickly. While this method of transport isn’t exclusively adult-only, it’s unlikely that you will share this experience with families due to the limited seating. Air operators depart from Nadi International Airport and Port Denarau taking you directly to your resort. Compare your options in our article, Helicopter Vs. Seaplane for Island Transfers in Fiji.

Yasawa Islands Cruises

For the ultimate convenience with your accommodation, dining and transport sorted consider a small ship cruise in the Yasawa Islands. Adult-only cruises around the Yasawa Islands last for three, four and seven nights, departing from Port Denarau Marina. Find out more about this cruise in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji, as well as our Yasawa Islands Transport Guide.

Yasawa Islands via Ferry

One of the most popular and economical ways to get to and from the Yasawa Islands is via a high-speed catamaran. Departing daily from Port Denarau Marina, the ferry stops at almost every resort and also includes some hop-on-hop-off options for island-hopping. Alternatively, another ferry offers transport between Lautoka (a short drive from Nadi) and several islands and resorts in the Yasawas. Note that ferry transport is not “adult-only”. Learn more about these ferry services in How to Take the Ferry to the Yasawa Islands.

For more suggestions, check out 5 Ways to Get to the Yasawa Islands.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Adult-Only Water Activities in the Yasawas

As the “soft coral capital of the world”, getting in the water is an absolute must in Fiji! The Yasawa Islands, in particular, are scattered with vibrant coral reefs and are teeming with life to offer some amazing water experiences. While the activities listed below are not exclusively for adults, doing these activities with the adult-only resorts (see the list beside this guide) means that you will only be sharing the experience with others staying in your resort (or likely, it will just be you and your travel party).

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

With resorts offering complimentary use of snorkelling equipment, snorkelling is the most accessible way to see the aquatic life of Fiji. Viwa Island Resort has snorkelling spots almost everywhere off the island in the stunning Blue Lagoon. There’s even the opportunity to swim with giant manta rays with Navutu Stars Resort from May to September.

For those feeling more adventurous, don’t miss the opportunity to scuba dive with any of the adult-only resorts in the Yasawas. Yasawa Island Resort offers PADI-associated diving for all levels of divers just off the western side of the island. Viwa Island can take you to a number of diving locations only 15-30 minutes boat ride away from the island. Diving is even offered at Drawaqa and the Blue Lagoon with Blue Lagoon adult-only cruises.

Fishing

Fishing in the Yasawas can be enjoyed year-round offering a range of experiences: game fishing, sports fishing, spearfishing and handline fishing. Either enjoy a relaxing fishing trip on the reefs or take on the monsters like mahimahi, wahoo, giant trevally, barracuda and much more – see our What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Fiji? Fishing is available at the Viwa Island and Navutu Stars resorts. Get more advice in The Complete Guide to Fishing in Fiji.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

A fantastic free thing to do in the Yasawa Islands is kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Complimentary freedom hire of kayaks is a staple of the resorts in the Yasawa Islands, providing a tranquil experience out on the water. Kayaks with Viwa Island have fishing rod holders so you can try your luck in the Blue Lagoon. SUP is also available at Turtle Island.

Trips to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves

A unique activity in the Yasawas is a boat trip to the stunning Sawa-i-Lau Caves, otherwise known as the Blue Lagoon Caves. Swim into the cave with hidden chambers and breathtaking limestone features. Yasawa Resort and Navutu Stars both offer trips to the caves. Note that the caves are best accessed at low tide, so there may be other visitors at the caves who are not adult-exclusive.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Adult-Only Land Activities in the Yasawas

The action isn’t all out on the water in the Yasawas. There’s a wealth of culture, relaxation and active adventures to be found on land. Here are some of your best options at the adult-only resorts of the Yasawas.

Nature and Walks

There’s much to discover on the tropical islands of the Yasawas, which is best done on an island walk. Join the team from Navutu Stars for a “Medicine Walk” to learn about the Fijian medical remedies or ask about the many walking trails on Turtle Island going through an eco-sanctuary for bird-watching, jungles, gardens and grasslands.

Fijian Cultural Activities

Discovering the fascinating island culture of the Fijians is often one of the most memorable aspects of a trip to the Yasawa Islands. Resorts like Navutu Stars offers complimentary basket weaving lessons, coconut-opening demonstrations and village visits. Evenings come alive with traditional song and dance (meke) at the Yasawa Resort and a weekly delicious lovo feast. Go watch a rugby game or partake in the Fijian cooking lesson at the Viwa Island Resort, and the list goes on!

Sports and Fitness

Wellness is a core part of the adult-only experience in Fiji. Resorts like Navutu Stars offers morning yoga classes on their sunset deck, as well as beach volleyball for the opportunity to get competitive with each other or other couples. At Turtle Island, guests have the chance to do some island horse riding and mountain biking to keep active during their stay.

Spa and Massage

Wherever you stay in the Yasawa Islands, you know that the spa is where you can escape to for a relaxing experience without disturbance. The Yasawa Island Resort is renowned for its spa on the beach and its unlimited spa packages. Turtle Island offers a wealth of Polynesian-style treatments. You’ll also find spa and beauty treatments on board the Blue Lagoon Cruise (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

© Tourism Fiji

Adult-Only Dining in the Yasawas

Forget meal packages. The adult-only resorts give guests the luxury of choice on their exquisite dining menus or local and international flavours. At the adult-only resorts, you will find flavours for educated palettes and not a children’s menu in sight.

Adult-Only Restaurants in the Yasawas

At the Yasawa Resort‘s restaurant, fresh fish, crab and lobster are delivered daily by their local fishermen giving guests the opportunity to taste the flavours of Fiji. The range of meal options available will suit almost any palette. At Viwa Island, the speciality is seafood, but guests will find a range of meat and vegetarian food on the menu using ingredients straight from the resort’s garden. Navutu Stars offers a number of dining settings for guests in their boutique resort where al fresco dining is key. Breakfast is something to get excited about with muffins, pancakes, fruit and more included in the rate.

Adult-Only Bars in the Yasawas

Get your morning espresso from Manasa’s Bar at the Yasawa Resort or treat yourself to unlimited non-alcoholic drinks included in the tariff. Otherwise, enjoy cocktails while taking in the view from the decks. The Bula Bar at Viwa Resort is also a stunning place to watch the sunset while drinking Champagne at the end of the day.

Adult-Only Dining Experiences

It isn’t just about the food at the adult-only resorts; it’s about the whole dining experience. The private beach picnic is kind of a staple at the adult-only Yasawa Islands’ resorts – a must for couples! Turtle Island Fiji are the experts when it comes to private fine dining, with private dining on a pontoon and a Champagne breakfast after a horseback ride along the beach.

© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

Weddings and Honeymoons in the Yasawas

Finally, many couples choose the “adult-only” experience in the Yasawa Islands for a special occasion, like a Fijian wedding or honeymoon. Needless to say, the Yasawa Islands’ adult resorts specialise in romance, with many having breathtaking honeymoon suites and wedding venues.

Because there is so much to unpack when it comes to adult-only weddings and honeymoons, check out our Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to the Yasawa Islands to start planning your special occasion.