The Family Travel Guide to the Yasawa Islands

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How to Get to the Yasawa Islands

Stretching far north above Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu (see How to Get to Fiji), the Yasawa Islands do take some time to get to, but it is well worth the journey. Air and water operators depart from Nadi Airport and Port Denarau, so getting to your resort transfer after you’ve landed in Nadi is easy-going.

Here are some of the best transfer options for families.

Yasawa Islands via Ferry

One of the cheapest and most popular ways for families 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 – learn more in How to Take the Ferry to the Yasawa Islands.

Yasawa Islands via Seaplane or Helicopter

Families that want to get to their destination quickly and see some sensational views along the way should consider using a helicopter or seaplane transfer. Air operators depart from Nadi International Airport and Port Denarau, transferring you straight to your chosen resort.

Compare your options in our article, Helicopter Vs. Seaplane for Island Transfers in Fiji.

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 suggestions, check out the 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) the Yasawa Islands.

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Family Water Activities

Known as being the “soft coral capital of the world”, Fiji and the Yasawa Islands are undoubtedly a spectacular place to get out on the water. Coral reefs teeming with life can be enjoyed through snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, or simply kayaking and watching the fish swim in the crystal-clear waters below.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

For families travelling with children who are able to swim, don’t hesitate to discover the underwater world of the Yasawa Islands. Snorkelling is the most accessible way to get close to the coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.

All the resorts in the Yasawa Islands have snorkelling opportunities, either by transporting you by boat to the best nearby snorkelling spots or straight from the resort’s beach. See the 10 Best Snorkelling Resorts in Fiji and 10 Best Beaches in the Yasawa Islands for recommendations and their locations.

Children from 10 years old can learn to scuba dive with the Yasawa Island’s PADI and SSI-affiliated. Some fantastic family resorts where you can learn how to scuba dive are Barefoot Kuata, Barefoot Manta, Blue Lagoon, and Paradise Cove. For more recommendations, see How to Learn to Scuba Dive in Fiji: The Ultimate Guide.

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Island Excursions and The Sawa-i-Lau Caves

While you might find it hard to leave your resort in paradise, it’s always worth exploring the other islands and natural attractions of the Yasawas. A popular trip is to the limestone Sawa-i-Lau Caves. The towering limestone pillars are bound to take your breath away and get the imagination of your little ones running.

It’s one of the must-dos in the Yasawa Islands! We recommend opting for an afternoon trip if possible, as it tends to be quieter and more serene. You’ll have a better chance to soak in the mystical atmosphere without the morning crowds.

Plan your trip to the caves using How to Get to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji. Trust us, the tranquil afternoon experience is worth adjusting your schedule for!

Watersports

Resorts in the Yasawa Islands have abundant watersport equipment for families to enjoy. Note that non-motorised equipment like stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are usually free for guests to use. It’s a great way to explore the coast of your island and watch the fish in the clear waters below.

Game and Reef Fishing

Fishing is a classic family bonding activity, but it rarely gets more exciting than fishing in the Yasawa Islands. Mum and Dad have the opportunity to catch some whoppers with game fish like Pacific sailfish, mahimahi, giant trevally, yellowfin tuna and much more – check out What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Fiji?

Along the way, the little ones can give reef fishing a go so they can experience the pride of catching something for dinner! Almost all of the resorts in the Yasawa Islands offer fishing trips, so be sure to inquire.

See the 10 Best Fishing Resorts in Fiji and The Complete Guide to Fishing in Fiji for recommendations and their locations.

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Family Land Activities

In the Yasawa Islands, it’s easy for families to find a fine balance of land and water activities. For those days on dry land, you have sports equipment to make use of, landscapes to discover along the walking trails, and fascinating Fijian culture to engage with.

Your days can also be made up of simply relaxing, where hammocks or a secluded spot on the beach is never too hard to find. That way, you’ll see what “Fiji time” is really all about.

Land Sports

Playing sports together is a fun way for the family to connect, and the resorts in the Yasawas have a multitude of ways to get competitive! Resorts like Mantaray Island Resort have beach volleyball, tug of war, beach football and frisbee golf.

Or join the staff at Barefoot Kuata for coconut bowling or crab-racing! In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a resort in the Yasawas that doesn’t have nightly crab-racing competitions.

Walking Trails

Discovering the sounds and sights of your chosen island’s interior is a must-do in the Yasawa Islands. Discovering the wildlife, tropical forests, and magnificent viewpoints is a fun way to spend some family time together.

Each island resort has a number of walks to discover, including some gentler walks for the little ones. Ask at your resort where the best walks on the island are for your family’s ability.

Some resorts even offer guided walks. See recommendations and their locations in the 10 Best Walks in the Yasawa Islands.

Fijian Culture

With many of the resorts sharing islands with and hiring staff from Fijian villages, the local culture is very much alive and incredibly accessible in the Yasawa Islands. Village visits are a popular family activity in Yasawas, which family-friendly resorts like Blue Lagoon and Octopus Resort both offer.

See traditions in action as you meet local villagers and get to explore their village. Meeting and playing with the village children is also always an uplifting experience for all of the family.

To incorporate yourselves more into village life, consider a homestay with one of the families in the Yasawa Islands’ villages. See the 10 Best Village Tours in Fiji and 10 Best Homestays in the Yasawa Islands for recommendations.

For more “hands-on” experiences within your resort for the whole family to enjoy, try a handy craft class! Get the kids involved by making their own woven hat, bag or coconut jewellery. Craft lessons are available at resorts such as Naqalia Lodge and Mantaray Island, as well as in the family resorts’ kids’ clubs.

Finally, be captivated by the Fijian entertainment in the evenings in your resort or homestay. Any resort or homestay will involve a kava ceremony, which is part of Fijian tradition when entering a new village.

The ceremony involves drinking kava, an earthy drink that leaves the lips and tongue tingling. While it’s polite for adults to accept the drink, children are not expected to drink if they don’t want to. (If doing a homestay, make sure you bring your own kava root – yaqona – from the mainland).

Some resorts will also put on “meke” nights of cultural dancing and serve “lovo” feasts.

More Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands

The rest of your time in the Yasawa Islands can be enjoyed by joining village tours to experience Fijian culture, swimming with manta rays in season, or hiking to scenic viewpoints, which you can find out more about in the 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in the Yasawa Islands.

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

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Resort Activities for Kids

Compared to the Yasawas’ sister island group, the Mamanucas, the islands are more about activities experienced as a whole family. There is not quite the abundance of kids’ clubs or child-exclusive activities as you would find in the Mamanuca Islands.

However, there are a few exceptions to the rule, with some resorts offering something a little extra for the little ones.

Kids’ Clubs in the Yasawa Islands

Kids get a chance to mingle with others their own age and do some super fun activities at the Yasawa Islands’ kids’ clubs! The Green Gecko Kids’ Club at Blue Lagoon Resort is free of charge for children over three years old. They’ll use nature’s playground for activities including backing lessons, crafts, sandcastle competitions, face painting, and crab racing.

The Octopus Resort‘s kids’ club and the Crooked Coconut Kids Club at Paradise Cove offer similar services and are another option for children over three years. There are activities for kids who can swim, as well as land activities for children who can’t swim.

Activities include Fijian language games, painting, hair braiding, nature walks, coconut husking, snorkelling tours and much more. The kids’ clubs operate from 10 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm. Then there’s a kids’ dinner at 6 pm with more kids’ club activities until 9 pm.

Babysitting

Many of the resorts offer babysitting services for an hourly fee. Fijians are renowned for adoring children. Often, the babysitters are the sisters or wives of the resort staff, who have a wealth of experience caring for children.

Learn more about kids clubs in 20 Best Kids’ Clubs in Fiji, while other resort services are listed in the 10 Best Family Resorts in the Yasawa Islands.

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Family Dining in the Yasawa Islands

When planning a family getaway to the Yasawa Islands, it’s important to note that dining options are typically limited to your chosen resort. Due to the remote nature of these islands, most resorts offer set meals or compulsory meal plans. A few high-end establishments provide à la carte dining.

To ensure a smooth culinary experience, it’s crucial to communicate any dietary requirements to your resort well in advance of your stay.

The Best Restaurants in the Yasawa Islands for Families

Savour exquisitely presented dishes at the Black Rock restaurant of Paradise Cove Resort. The menu boasts a creative fusion of Fijian and international flavours, featuring delights such as island burgers with cassava fries, fish tacos, and fresh fish salad.

Embrace the authentic Fijian atmosphere at Barefoot Manta Resort, where the cuisine showcases local flavours with fresh fish and mouthwatering curries. Don’t miss their Saturday Fijian affair, featuring woven dinner plates, a cooking lesson, and a grand lovo feast! They offer a daily meal plan for children aged 5-12, while infants up to 4 years dine for free.

Embark on a culinary journey at Mantaray Island Resort, where à la carte menus feature a diverse range of European, Indian, Asian, and Fijian cuisines. Their compulsory meal packages alleviate the worry of dining bills, offering discounted options for children aged 4-12 and complimentary meals for children under 3 years old.

Nanuya Island Resort‘s Tabau Restaurant offers a limited à la carte menu with two to five options per course. Enjoy dishes like twice-cooked lamb ragu, vegetarian stuffed zucchini, or Nanuya chicken curry. Fresh island crabs are a delicacy when available. The kitchen accommodates dietary requirements, and set meal times create a social atmosphere. A bar menu features cocktails, wines, and smoothies to complement your dining experience.

For more insights into family dining options in the Yasawa Islands, check out our The Food Guide to the Yasawa Islands: Places to Eat & Food Resorts.