21 Best Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands 🏝️ 2025

Last Updated: 22 July, 2025

The Top Activities and Attractions in the Yasawa Islands

If you envisioned your holiday in Fiji to involve small tropical islands topped with lush rainforest, sandy beaches backed with coconut trees, and clear waters perfect for snorkelling, then you’re probably picturing the Yasawa Islands.

Yasawa means “heaven” in Fijian, and once you arrive at these picturesque islands or even scroll through this list of things to do in the Yasawa Islands, you’ll soon find out why.

The island group situated north of the mainland has some 30 resorts spread across 12 main islands, as well as an abundance of homestays with friendly locals in Fijian villages. Either pick your base for your time in the Yasawas or hop on and off the islands, staying in different resorts through the regular ferry service, the Yasawa Flyer.

With that, you’ll be ready to hit some of the amazing activities that this island group has to offer, from unique experiences such as swimming with manta rays to classic Fijian activities that you can do in other areas of Fiji (but somehow something about the Yasawas makes it feel so much better).

Start adding your dream activities to the bucket list with this list of the best things to do in the Yasawa Islands!

1. Visit the Sawa-i-Lau Caves

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves, a natural wonder carved by centuries of wave action on the edge of the azure Blue Lagoon. These spectacular limestone formations, complete with an underwater tunnel leading to a hidden chamber, are a must-add to your Fiji bucket list.

For a quieter experience, we recommend opting for an afternoon trip if available. Most Yasawa resorts offer excursions to the caves, making this natural attraction easily accessible.

For more details on planning your visit, check out How to Get to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji. Also check our guide to The Best Day Trips from the Yasawa Islands for more exciting adventures.

Location: Sawa-i-Lau Island, northern region of the Yasawa Islands.

21 Best Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands 🏝️ [2025]

2. Swim with Giant Manta Rays

An unmissable underwater experience is available between May and October every year when giant manta rays glide through the narrow channels of the Yasawa Islands. Watching these graceful creatures, which are around 4 m (12 ft) long, flying through the crystal clear waters is a stunning experience.

Resorts such as Mantaray Island Resort, Barefoot Manta, Navutu Stars, and many more do snorkelling boat trips during the manta ray season.

Find out more about this experience in The Guide to Swimming with Manta Rays in Fiji.

Location: Between Nanuya Balavu and Drawaqa Islands, the central region of the Yasawa Islands. See the 10 Best Fiji Resorts for Swimming with Manta Rays for recommendations and their locations.

3. Snorkel or Dive with Sharks

There are very few places in the world where you can jump in the water with tiger sharks, bull sharks, tawny nurse sharks and lemon tip sharks without a cage! Get uninterrupted views of these majestic creatures on a shark scuba diving trip available with the Barefoot Kuata Resort.

The team at Barefoot feed the sharks as part of local conservation efforts while you watch the mesmerising show right in front of your eyes.

If scuba diving with big sharks is out of your comfort zone (or budget), then snorkelling with reef sharks is another amazing experience available at Barefoot Kuata, Naqalia Lodge and homestays on Wayasewa Island.

Day trips to Kuata Island to snorkel or scuba dive with sharks are also available on the “Ultimate Encounter” with South Sea Cruises.

Location: Barefoot Kuata – Kuata Island. Naqalia Lodge – Wayasewa Island, the southern region of the Yasawa Islands.

4. Snorkel in the Blue Lagoon

In the northern end of the Yasawa Islands, the Blue Lagoon is ringed by beautiful islands. As the name suggests, there are many shades of vivid blue within this lagoon thanks to the mix of shallow sandy waters leading to white-sand beaches, as well as darker shades where the coral lies.

Needless to say, snorkelling in these sheltered waters is a truly inviting experience with calm and clear waters to watch the array of tropical fish below. This truly is a stunning place to visit in the Yasawa Islands.

Check out more snorkelling hotspots in The Ultimate Guide to Snorkelling in Fiji.

Location: Blue Lagoon – Surrounded by Tavewa, Nanuya Lailai and Matacawalevu Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands.

5. Hike to Volcanic Peaks

Many of the islands in the Yasawas have rugged volcanic peaks that are begging to be climbed! Getting to the top rewards you with sensational views of the surrounding islands and the Pacific Ocean – it’s well worth the effort!

Hikes will either be free, or you will need a local guide where trails are unmarked – ask at your accommodation reception.

The best time to go is for sunset or sunrise, as it’s not only the coolest time of the day, but it will add a whole new stunning light to the views.

Check out walks on the islands at the 10 Best Walks in the Yasawa Islands.

Location: See the link above for recommended walks and their locations.

6. Visit or Stay in a Fijian Village

Many of the Yasawa Islands are dotted with villages where Fijians have lived isolated on these islands for hundreds of years. Village visits that are organised with resorts offer a relaxed way to see the Fijian way of life and mingle with the friendly locals – see some of our favourites in the 10 Best Village Tours in Fiji.

Alternatively, there are several homestays and village stays run by local villagers, which can be organised through Airbnb, Expedia and Booking.com.

Staying in a Fijian village is the best way to immerse in the culture and watch ancient traditions being played out as part of everyday life.

Remember to respect the customs of visiting a village, such as wearing a sarong (sulu) and not wearing a hat, and you will need some yaqona (kava root) to present to the village hosts – find out more in our Guide to Fijian Village Etiquette.

Location: All over the Yasawa Islands! For village stays, check out the 10 Best Homestays in the Yasawa Islands.

7. Take Part in a Fiji Cooking Lesson

Available at most resorts and some homestays, a Fiji cooking lesson is a great way to learn more about the island way of life and learn to cook with tropical fruit, vegetables and fish that you probably have never used back home.

Traditional meals include root vegetables like cassava, fresh fish, crab and tropical fruit such as mangos, papaya and the intriguing breadfruit – see 10 Exotic Fruits in Fiji You Have to Try!

A must-try is a marinated fish dish called kokoda, as well as smoked fish. A cooking lesson in a resort will offer a classic “tutor” style lesson, while a homestay cooking lesson will feel more like learning on the job as you help prepare the evening meal.

See more experiences like this in the 10 Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands for Foodies.

Location: See the link above for recommendations and their locations.

8. Make Some Fijian Crafts

If you need more convincing that the island culture is well and truly alive in the Yasawa Islands, set your sights on the many arts and crafts of the islands.

Most resorts, lodges, and homestays offer ways to engage in this way with the Fijian culture for free or at a minimal fee by weaving your own bag, hat, or dinner plate at Naqalia Lodge and Barefoot Manta Resort!

You can even make your own coconut bracelet as your very own island souvenir at Mantaray Island Resort. Crafting is a great activity for kids, as are the items on our 10 Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands with Kids.

Location: Naqalia Lodge – South coast of Wayasewa Island, the southern region of the Yasawa Islands. Barefoot Manta – North coast of Drawaqa Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands. Mantaray Resort – Nanuya Balavu Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands.

21 Best Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands

9. Experience Scuba Diving Among Magnificent Coral

While sharks and manta rays may take all the limelight when it comes to the marine life in the Yasawa Islands, that’s not to say that there isn’t a whole ocean out there holding an incredible array of astonishing wildlife. The coral reefs are teeming with tropical fish, eels, seahorses and much more.

What’s more, the water is clear and warm, making it the ideal scuba diving environment for both experienced divers and beginners! Most resorts in the Yasawas have their own certified diving instructors to take you to the best dive sites in the area.

Find out more about scuba in the Yasawas in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Fiji.

Location: See the link above for resorts with their own dive shop. Alternatively, check out our favourites in the 20 Best Dive Resorts in Fiji.

10. Explore the Waters By Kayak

Glide over Fiji’s clear blue waters and enjoy this tranquil way to explore the islands. Kayaking is available at many resorts, usually to hire for free if you’re staying as a guest.

Otherwise, it’s worth taking one of the guided kayaking trips so you can discover the hidden gems and best snorkelling spots around the islands, such as those provided by Yasawa accommodations like Naqalia Lodge.

Adventurers seeking a tropical expedition in Fiji will love the kayaking adventure offered by Southern Sea Ventures. With over 30 years of experience, they guide you along the stunning Yasawa chain of islands, where you’ll discover secluded beaches and vibrant snorkelling spots.

This all-inclusive adventure offers beach camping under the stars, an immersive village stay, a luxurious night at a resort, and the unforgettable opportunity to swim with graceful manta rays.

Learn more about this tour in the 10 Best Kayak Tours in Fiji.

Location: Any one of the 20 Best Resorts in the Yasawa Islands. Tours with South Sea Ventures depart from Nadi, including a night in a Nadi hotel.

11. Catch Your Own Dinner in Handline Fishing or Spearfishing

Fishing in Fiji is a hugely popular activity, especially with adventurous game fish like yellowfin tuna, mahimahi, and giant trevally to catch! While game fishing is highly popular in the Yasawas, we recommend trying something different… Catch dinner using real islander fishing methods!

Join the crew of the Mantaray Island Resort for a short stroll to a nearby reef to try your luck at handline fishing. The resort also offers spearfishing trips, as does Naqalia Lodge, which mixes stunning underwater landscapes with catching dinner!

Alternatively, sports fishing trips are a highlight of staying at Navutu Stars Resort or as part of a day trip from Denarau with Reef Fish Fiji.

Learn more about these experiences in The Complete Guide to Fishing in Fiji.

Location: Mantaray Resort – Nanuya Balavu Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands. Naqalia Lodge – South coast of Wayasewa Island, the southern region of the Yasawa Islands. Navutu Stars – Yanggeta Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands. Reel Fish Fiji – Departs Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi, west coast of Viti Levu.

12. Indulge in a Luxurious Beachfront Massage

A trip to Fiji is about spoiling yourself, and that’s pretty easy to do, thanks to the help of the Yasawa Islands’ spas.

Try a traditional Fijian spa treatment combined with natural Fijian spa products, or stick with a familiar treatment to unwind in comfort – you really have a lot of choice at the Yasawa spas! Not only that, but you have some of the most stunning spa settings in the world.

The Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, for instance, has open-air treatment rooms overhanging the beach, giving you the most spectacular views and soothing island breeze to go with your indulgent treatment.

See our 10 Best Spas in the Yasawa Islands for more spas worth trying.

Location: See the link above for recommendations and their locations.

13. Experience Kava, Meke and Fire Dancing!

The resorts of the Yasawa Islands are pretty exciting places to be, helping you jump straight into the Fijian culture with a kava ceremony.

Kava, or yaqona, is a root crushed and mixed with water to make a traditional drink that is shared among the hosts and guests. It has an earthy taste and will leave your mouth rather tingly (and your head if you have too much).

Remember, if you are doing a village visit that has not been organised through a tour or resort, then you will need to bring your own kava root. Resorts will also put on night “meke” shows with traditional dancing, as well as fire shows.

Location: All over the Yasawa Islands!

14. Place Your Bets for Crab Racing!

One of the more ridiculous activities on the Yasawa Islands’ resorts is crab racing. After dark, join the staff in collecting hermit crabs to compete in a race.

Pick the crab that you think will be the fastest, and they’re off! It’s a crazy, fun social activity to do with your resort, but don’t worry, no crabs are harmed!

Location: All over the Yasawa Islands!

15. Fly to Your Yasawa Island Resort

While there are many ways to get to the Yasawa Islands from Fiji’s mainland, Vit Levu, taking a 20-30 minute seaplane or helicopter flight, combines luxury and sensational views of the archipelago.

Seaplane operators, like Pacific Island Air, Island Hoppers Fiji and Heli-Tours Fiji, depart from Nadi International Airport and Port Denarau, flying directly to resorts.

See more activities like this in our 10 Luxury Activities in the Yasawa Islands.

Location: Departs from Nadi Airport – Namaka, Nadi, Viti Levu, or Port Denarau – Denarau Island, Nadi, Viti Levu. See Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji or Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji for more guidance.

16. Do a Small Ship Cruise Around the Yasawa Islands

For the ultimate Fijian adventure, hop aboard a Blue Lagoon Cruises small ship cruise around the Yasawa Islands. What sets them apart is the abundance of onshore time, with most dinners served in authentic Fijian villages or on picturesque beaches.

These cruises offer exceptional value with all-inclusive meals, a sparkling wine and gift pack in your cabin, a wide range of activities, and even complimentary laundry service.

We recommend the 7-night cruise for the full experience, as the 4-night option includes a lengthy boat ride to catch up with the ship (not ideal after a long flight).

Departing weekly from Denarau, these adult-only cruises (except on select family dates) include village visits, snorkelling, island hikes, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Choose from 3-night, 4-night or 7-night cruises to explore this Pacific jewel with peace of mind.

Location: Tours depart from Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi, west coast of Viti Levu.

17. Stay in One of the Adult-Only Resorts

Looking for a romantic getaway, a solo trip to unwind or a mate’s holiday with a bit of luxury? The gorgeous adult-only resorts of the Yasawa Islands are the way to go!

With no guests under the age of 16 (or 12, in some cases) and with Yasawa’s adult-only resorts having a limited number of bures (bungalows), you’ll be sure to enjoy your “Fiji time” undisturbed.

Learn more in our list of the 10 Best Adult-Only Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.

Location: See the link above for recommendations and their locations.

18. Island-Hop on a Budget

For a backpacking adventure in Fiji, get yourself an island-hopping pass with Awesome Adventures and go from resort to resort around the Yasawas. The Yasawa Islands are blessed with an abundance of budget resorts, lodges and homestays where finding a cheap dorm in paradise is never too hard.

Each accommodation is packed with its own selection of awesome activities, so check out our 15 Budget Accommodations in the Yasawa Islands for more information.

Location: See the link above or The Budget & Backpacking Guide to the Yasawa Islands for more recommendations.

19. Try a Traditional Lovo Feast

Visitors to the Yasawa Islands have the privilege of tasting the flavours of Fiji with traditional lovo feasts – food slow-cooked in an underground oven. Watch the unveiling of the lovo, then tuck into a feast of smoky, tender meat, fish, and vegetables.

While lovos are a staple of many resorts in the Yasawas, the Barefoot Manta Resort offers guests a unique opportunity to weave their own dinner plates and enjoy a cooking lesson before indulging in a lovo feast.

For more activities like this, see our 10 Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands for Foodies.

Location: Barefoot Manta – North coast of Drawaqa Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands. Or see the link above for more recommendations.

20. Treat Your Loved One to a Beach Picnic

Mix romance, spectacular scenery and yummy cuisine in a Yasawa Islands beach picnic. Resort chefs will prepare a gourmet picnic for you before you and your lucky partner are taken to a secluded beach.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or even ask the “big” question! This romantic dining experience is available at resorts like the Yasawa Island Resort, Barefoot Manta, Barefoot Kuata, Navutu Stars and Turtle Island Fiji.

Take a look at the other 10 Romantic Activities in the Yasawa Islands.

Location: Yasawa Island Resort – West coast of Yasawa Island, northern region of the Yasawa Islands. Navutu Stars – North coast of Yanggeta Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands. Barefoot Manta – Drawaqa Island, the central region of the Yasawa Islands. Turtle Island – Turtle Island, the central (Blue Lagoon) region of the Yasawa Islands. Barefoot Kuata – Kuata Island, the southern region of the Yasawa Islands.

21. Embrace Fiji Time

So we’ve mentioned a lot of active activities on this list of the best things to do in the Yasawa Islands, but remember, a trip to Fiji should always involve some R&R time.

In fact, Fijians have their own ideology that they proudly call “Fiji time,” which is definitely felt in the Yasawa Islands. It means that nothing happens too quickly, so just relax! You’ll definitely have plenty of opportunities to do just that, whether it’s lounging by the pool, lazying in a hammock on the beach or sipping cocktails at your resort’s bar.

Learn more in our What Does Fiji Time Mean? (& What You Need to Know About It).

Location: All over the Yasawa Islands!

More Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands

That’s it for our guide to things to do in the Yasawa Islands; for more information about this stunning archipelago, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Yasawa Islands Travel Guide.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura (Lora) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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