Island hop by sea kayak through the unspoiled Yasawa archipelago, likened to the Hawai’i of 50 years ago

Fall under the spell of the South Pacific, on this idyllic sea kayaking expedition through Fiji’s remote, sparsely populated Yasawa island chain, which some have described as being what Hawai’i was 50 years ago. For 11 sun-filled days you’ll paddle from one island gem to the next, arriving at your comfortable beach camp in plenty of time for all the requisite activities: snorkeling on incredible fringe reefs; swimming in warm turquoise waters; beachcombing on sugar-white sand. On leisure days you can explore the hidden bays of nearby islands and hike up small peaks for stunning panoramic views. Best of all, you’ll meet the friendly Fijian villagers, with their famously welcoming Polynesian spirit. Our group will be invited to many a kava party (kava is the local beverage), enjoy traditional dancing and lovo feasts (where meats, seafood, cassava and yams are baked for hours in an underground oven) and learn to live on “Fijian time” (hint: you won’t need your watches). Beginners are welcome—no prior sea kayaking experience is necessary, and a support boat is always available if you’d like to take a break. In fact, the hardest part of this trip will be coming home!

Activities

9 days easy to moderate sea kayaking

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the beautiful, unspoiled Yasawa Islands by sea kayak—no prior sea kayaking experience necessary!
• Paddle the archipelago each morning, arriving each afternoon at your comfortable island camp, already set for you on a pristine beach
• Snorkel through saltwater caves and over some of Fiji’s best reefs, teeming with tropical fish and other marine life
• Meet the friendly Fijian people, with their delightful, welcoming Polynesian spirit—explore the islands on foot with local villagers as your guides, and enjoy traditional kava parties and lovo feasts

Duration: 11 days Start Location: Nadi End Location: Nadi

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Welcome to Paradise

  Arrive in Nadi, Fiji. Have a trip orientation during lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or exploring the town of Nadi.

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  Day 2 : To the Yasawas

  Boat transfer to Tavewa Island and the Blue Lagoon. Spend the afternoon gettting acquainted with our expedition gear and a orientation paddling session and snorkel in the lagoon.

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  Day 3 : Matacawalu Island

  Today is spent paddling and snorkeling around the Matacawalu Island. Tonight we enjoy a wonderful Fijian lovo.

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  Day 4 : Navotua Island

  Load up the kayaks and head to the beautiful village of Navotua. The special warmth and reception we receive in this village has made it our favorite spot. Spend the afternoon snorkeling in the reefs off shore and explore the surrounds with the local Fijians.

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  Day 5 : Sawa-I-Lau Caves

  We paddle to the caves at Sawa-I-Lau, a scenic island with sharp limestone peaks and salt-water caves that make for fascinating exploring.  We return to Navotua for an afternoon hike up to the nearby ridge line for views of the northernmost islands.

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  Day 6 : Inlets and Bays of Nathula

  Today we make our way back to Tavewa by kayak. The afternoon is spent snorkeling off the back of the island, exploring the island by foot, or just relax on the beach.

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  Day 7 : Bligh Passage

  Early start today as we have a long paddling day to cross the Bligh Passage. Enjoy a fresh fish dinner after a long day of paddling.

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  Day 8 : Nanuya Balavu

  Today we paddle the length of Naviti Island before reaching our next camp site in paradise.

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  Day 9 : Three Small Islands

  Today is all about exploring the small islands around Nauya Balavu island and enjoy snorkeling in Narara’s superb lagoon.

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  Day 10 : Waya Island

  We start the day off with our second open water crossing to Waya island. We will have a celebratory meal at the Octopus Resort.

• Day 11 : Back to the Mainland and Depart

  Morning paddle into Yalombi Bay. Lunch at the resort before our mid afternoon transfer to the main island. Transfer to the airport and depart on homeward-bound flights.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

photo credits: ©Al Bakker