complete-guide-to-the-yasawa-islands© FijiPocketGuide.com
complete-guide-to-the-yasawa-islands

The Complete Travel Guide to the Yasawa Islands 🏝️ [2024]

© FijiPocketGuide.com

How to Plan the Best Trip to the Yasawa Islands, Fiji

As bold as it may seem to say, the Yasawa Islands are everything you want from a holiday to Fiji. It’s got the paradise islands lined with white sands, remote island villages and a feeling of unmatched serenity. What’s more, the island group receives a much drier climate than the rest of Fiji, making it an idyllic destination year-round.

With luxurious adults-only retreats, family resorts, budget backpacker resorts and cultural homestays, there’s a holiday in the Yasawa Islands for every type of traveller. We’ll guide you through all the possibilities in this complete travel guide to the Yasawa Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Yasawa Islands

Let’s not beat around the bush; here are the most commonly asked questions travellers have about visiting the Yasawa Islands.

Where is Yasawa in Fiji?

The Yasawa Islands are located in the Western Division of Fiji, off the northwest side of Fiji’s main islands, Viti Levu.

What is the Weather Usually Like in the Yasawa Islands?

The daily average temperature in the Yasawa Islands is 27°C/80°F, while the yearly average rainfall is 902mm/35.5″, which is one of the driest climates in Fiji (wet season getaway, anyone?) Find out more in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?

How Do I Get to the Yasawa Islands?

Direct international flights from the South Pacific islands, Australia, New Zealand and Korea land at Nadi International Airport, all of which have many connecting flights around the world. From Nadi, the Yasawa Islands can be accessed by air from Nadi Airport or by sea via Port Denarau or Lautoka. See the 5 Ways to Get to the Yasawa Islands for more information.

Which is Better, Yasawa or Mamanuca Islands?

The Mamanuca Islands are better for ease of travel and luxury resorts, while the Yasawa Islands are better for adventure travel and culture.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Yasawa Islands?

Many would argue that between May and October is the best time to visit the Yasawa Islands for the driest weather and for the manta ray season. See The Best Time to Visit Fiji for more tips.

And check out more practical tips in the Information, Shops & Services in the Yasawa Islands, as well as Is There Mobile Phone Reception in the Yasawas Islands?

The Complete Travel Guide to the Yasawa Islands© Captain Cook Cruises

What to Do in the Yasawa Islands

A scattering of islands with sandy shores and rugged volcanic peaks awaits in the Yasawa Group. The culture couldn’t be more authentic here with villages on almost every island, while some of Fiji’s most iconic marine activities, such as swimming with manta rays and sharks, can also be found here.

The Top Experiences in the Yasawas

What are the must-dos? Here are some of the Yasawa Islands highlights:

… And the list continues over in our 21 Best Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands.

The Complete Travel Guide to the Yasawa Islands© Unsplash

Where to Stay in the Yasawa Islands

Aside from our top recommendations listed alongside this complete travel guide to the Yasawa Islands (or at the bottom, if you’re reading this on mobile), we’ve compiled the best accommodations and resorts based on price, suitability for families or couples, as well as more premium offerings. What’s more, each article is written by real travellers rather than some dodgy algorithm!

complete-guide-yasawa-islands-fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

Budget Holidays in the Yasawa Islands

The Yasawa Islands have held onto being Fiji’s “backpacker destination” for years now, even with the introduction of some mid-range and luxury resorts. Budget resorts dominate the accommodation available in the Yasawas, making for an affordable tropical holiday with plenty of amazing experiences available for free or at least very cheap. Get more advice for your budget getaway in The Guide to the Yasawa Islands on a Budget.

Things to Do on a Budget

For more inspiration, check out our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands.

Where to Stay on a Budget

The Yasawa Islands is blessed with affordable accommodation making a stay in paradise much more accessible. There are resorts and homestays available for families, couples and backpackers. Check out our 10 Budget Accommodations in the Yasawa Islands, as well as 10 Budget Homestays in the Yasawa Islands.

travel-guide-to-the-yasawa-islands© James Donaldson on Unsplash

Luxury Holidays in the Yasawa Islands

The scene of powdery beaches, rugged volcanic islands and lush tropical forest mixed with seclusion and the feeling of “your own piece of paradise” is what makes a luxury holiday in the Yasawa Islands. There’s a feeling of exclusivity in the limited number of five-star resorts due to resorts being “boutique” and adult-only for most of the year. Find out more about luxury travel to the Yasawas in The Luxury Guide to the Yasawa Islands.

Luxury Experiences

Like the sound of those? See more “treat yourself” activities in our list of 10 Best Luxury Experiences in the Yasawa Islands.

Luxury Resorts

Looking for an all-inclusive getaway, a resort of romance or something secluded and private? Check out your options in our list of 5 Luxury Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.

-complete-guide-to-the-yasawa-islands© Derek Thomson on Unsplash

Family Holidays in the Yasawa Islands

A family holiday in the Yasawa Islands is much more about spending time together than apart in the kids’ clubs (although there are some kids’ clubs available). Resorts and even village homestays in the Yasawas are much more suited to adventurous families that have a bucket list of things they want to do rather than spending every day by the pool. Find out more about family travel to the Yasawas in The Guide to the Yasawa Islands for Families.

Family Tours and Activities

And the list goes on! Check it out in our 10 Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands with Kids.

Family Resorts and Accommodation

Find resorts with family rooms, family-friendly activities and child services, such as kids’ clubs and babysitting, in our 10 Family Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.

-yasawa-islands-travel-guide© wang xi on Unsplash

Adults-Only Holidays in the Yasawa Islands

We get it, over-enthusiastic children are not for everyone. If your idea of “Fiji time” is enjoying a holiday undisturbed, then consider an adult-only holiday in the Yasawa Islands. With luxury resorts not allowing guests under 16 years old, as well as backpacker resorts attracting an adventurous crowd of like-minded travellers, you can be sure that any family “mood-killers” will not be a problem. Get more advice in The Adults-Only Guide to the Yasawa Islands.

Adults-Only Experiences

For more ideas and information on each activity, check out the 10 Adults-Only Activities in the Yasawa Islands.

Adults-Only Resorts

That’s right, there are entire resorts dedicated to an adult-only holiday in Fiji. The only guests allowed to stay in these exclusive resorts must be over the age of 16 years old. Check them out in our 7 Adult-Only Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands.

yasawa-islands-complete-guide© FijiPocketGuide.com

Foodie Holidays in the Yasawa Islands

Any trip away from home should be a treat for the tastebuds and that’s certainly the case for a trip to the Yasawa Islands. No matter what your budget is, whether you’re travelling for the food or not, your palette will certainly be educated with authentic Fijian cuisine in the Yasawas. Food is a central part of the Fijian traditions and customs, which reflects in the activities and dining experiences available in the Yasawa Islands’ resorts. Check out our tips in The Foodie Guide to the Yasawa Islands.

Things to Do for Foodies

And if that hasn’t made your mouth water enough, then check out our 10 Best Foodie Experiences in the Yasawa Islands.

Foodie Accommodation

Looking for a place to stay with exquisite food and plenty of food-orientated experiences? Check out our 10 Accommodations in the Yasawa Islands for Foodies.

-travel-guide-to-the-yasawa-islands© Sweet Ice Cream Photography on Unsplash

Weddings, Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways in the Yasawa Islands

The remoteness of the Yasawa Islands just oozes romance, making the island group a popular destination for beach weddings or honeymoons. With fabulous places to stay and romantic activities to strengthen your bond, a romantic getaway to the Yasawa Islands should be on every couples’ bucket list! Start planning your romantic getaway with the Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Yasawa Islands.

Things to Do for Couples

So make your special time away together truly special with these 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands for Couples. Plus, check out the 10 Wedding Venues in the Yasawa Islands and 7 Wedding Packages in the Yasawa Islands.

Romantic Resorts

Whether you’re seeking a base for a romantic getaway, renewing your vows or starting the rest of your lives together, we list your best options in our 10 Wedding & Honeymoon Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.

Explore More of Our Travel Guide to the Yasawa Islands

That’s it for our complete travel guide to the Yasawa Islands but by no means the end of our advice! Check out the following guides for more interesting tips about Fiji’s outer islands:

Finally, plan more of your travels in Fiji using The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji and 31 Tips for Travelling in Fiji.

Author

Laura 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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