The Adults-Only Travel Guide to the Yasawa Islands

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How to Get to the Yasawa Islands

Situated northwest of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu – see How to Get to Fiji, 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 of your accommodation, dining, and transport, 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.

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 “adults-only”.

Learn more about these ferry services in How to Take the Ferry to the Yasawa Islands.

How to Get Around the Yasawa Islands

Hop-on hop-off ferry passes are available for families who want to try a few different resorts during their time in the Yasawas. Otherwise, resorts arrange their own boat tours to get to Yasawa activities and attractions.

For more options to get to paradise, including private sailing charters, water taxis and more, check out our Yasawa Transport Guide: 8 Ways to Get to (& Around) the Yasawa Islands.

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Water Activities in the Yasawas for Adults

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 a wide array of snorkelling spots off the island, and there’s the opportunity to swim with manta rays at 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-affiliated 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 a 15-30-minute boat ride away from the island.

Diving is also offered at partner resorts on cruises with Blue Lagoon Cruises.

Learn more about incorporating scuba into your getaway with The Guide to Scuba Diving in Fiji.

Fishing

Fishing in the Yasawas can be enjoyed year-round through a range of experiences: game fishing, sports fishing, spearfishing and handline fishing. You can enjoy just about any of these types of fishing experiences at the adult-only Navutu Stars Resorts.

Either enjoy a relaxing fishing trip on the reefs or take on the monsters like mahimahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, barracuda and much more – see our What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Fiji?

Even at resorts with families, fishing charters tend to be private (or, at least, you can request private charters). What’s more, if you want to experience the Yasawa Islands on a fish day trip, Reel Fish Fiji offers just that!

Learn more about incorporating angling into your Yasawa getaway in The Complete Guide to Fishing in Fiji.

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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.

For a quieter experience, we recommend opting for an afternoon trip rather than the morning excursions.

Yasawa Resort and Navutu Stars both offer trips to the caves. Keep in mind that the caves are best accessed at low tide, so you may encounter other visitors at the caves who are not exclusively for adults.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

A fantastic free thing to do in the Yasawa Islands is kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Complimentary freedom hire of kayaks is a staple of the adult-only resorts in the Yasawa Islands, providing an experience on the water that is as tranquil or as active as you like.

Kayaks at the Viwa Island Resort have fishing rod holders, so you can try your luck. SUP is also available at Turtle Island Resort.

For more on an adventure, Southern Sea Ventures offers an exhilarating kayaking expedition through the Yasawa Islands. With 30 years of expertise, this intimate journey features secluded beaches and vibrant snorkelling spots.

Paddle through crystal-clear waters, sharing breathtaking sunsets with fellow adventurers. This all-inclusive trip includes beach camping, an immersive village stay, and a luxurious resort night. For added excitement, swim alongside majestic manta rays.

Discover more about this adults-only adventure in our guide to the 5 Best Kayak Tours in Fiji.

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Land Activities in the Yasawas for Adults

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 remedies or ask about the labyrinth of walking trails on Turtle Island taking you through an eco-sanctuary, jungles, gardens and grasslands.

Alternatively, check out the 10 Best Walks in the Yasawa Islands for an adults-only experience from just about any resort.

Fijian Cultural Activities

Discovering the fascinating island culture of the Fijians is often one of the most memorable aspects of any trip to the Yasawa Islands. Make it an adults-only experience by taking part in the cultural activities of your chosen adults-only resort.

Navutu Stars, for instance, offers complimentary basket weaving lessons, coconut-opening demonstrations and village visits. Evenings come alive with meke dancing at the Yasawa Resort, or go watch a rugby game or partake in the Fijian cooking lesson at the Viwa Island Resort. The list goes on!

Get more inspiration from the 10 Best Ways to Experience the Fijian Culture.

Sports and Fitness

Wellness is a core part of the adult-only experience in Fiji. Resorts like Navutu Stars offer 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 stay active. Keep an eye out for Wellness Retreats in Fiji for more adult-only experiences.

Spa and Massage

Wherever you stay in the Yasawa Islands, you know that the spa is where you can escape for ultimate relaxation without disturbance. The Yasawa Island Resort is renowned for its spa on the beach, while Turtle Island offers a wealth of Polynesian-style treatments.

You’ll also find spa and beauty treatments on board the Blue Lagoon Cruise.

Check out our 10 Best Spas in the Yasawa Islands for more information.

More Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands

The rest of your time in the Yasawa Islands can be enjoyed by indulging in adult-only activities such as couples’ spa treatments, romantic sunset cruises, and exclusive beachfront dining experiences, which you can find out more about in the 10 Adult-Only Activities in the Yasawa Islands.

For experiences that don’t necessarily fall into the adult-only category but are no less amazing, check out the 20 Best Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands.

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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 local fishermen, giving guests the opportunity to taste the flavours of Fiji. The range of meal options available will suit almost any palette. What’s more, the resort is all-inclusive!

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.

Dining at Waya Island Resort offers a unique and intimate experience characterised by home-style cooking that showcases the best of Fijian cuisine. The resort’s chefs prioritise fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including island-grown produce and world-class seafood, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for guests. Meals are included in a compulsory meal plan, which covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Adult-Only Bars in the Yasawas

Get your morning espresso from Manasa’s Bar at the Yasawa Island Resort. The Manasa’s Bar at the adults-only resort provides unlimited non-alcoholic drinks included in the room rates, as well as cocktails to enjoy while taking in the view from the decks.

The Bula Bar at the adult-only Viwa Resort is also a stunning place to watch the sunset while drinking Champagne at the end of the day. Guests can also enjoy drinks from the beachside bar, which offers a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails at the Waya Island Resort.

Finally, the adult-only Blue Lagoon Cruises not only has a saloon onboard but also has a pretty sweet bar set-up on their private beach on Nanuya Sewa Island. See Cruises Around Fiji: A Full Small-Ship Cruise Comparison to learn more.

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 is the expert when it comes to private fine dining, with private dining on a pontoon and a Champagne breakfast after a horseback ride along the beach.

For more about the best resort restaurants, check out The Food Guide to the Yasawa Islands: Places to Eat & Food Resorts.

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Weddings and Honeymoons in the Yasawas

Finally, many couples choose the “adults-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.