Yasawa Group Islands

The Yasawa Group of Islands is a fabulous vacation destination with its stunning beaches, superb diving, excellent snorkeling and wonderful holiday resorts. Made up of 20 volcanic islands that lie within the Great Sea Reef, the Yasawas stretch for some 90 km in a nearly straight line from north to south. Comprising of 14 small islands and 6 larger ones, four of the larger islands in the Yasawa Group are quite craggy with summits that extend some 600 meters above sea level. To the southeast of the Yasawas lie Viti Levu, while to the west is a large body of uncharted water, full of reefs.

Naviti

Naviti Island is one of the largest islands in the Yasawa Group at 33 sq km. Located roughly halfway through the group, this island is very rugged. Important from a political standpoint, Naviti is home to one of the high chiefs of the Yasawas as well as the influential village of Soso. The snorkeling here is amazing with a variety of vibrant fish and manta rays. The Korovou Resort and the Coconut Bay Resort are on Naviti.

Waya

Waya Island is known for its beautiful lagoons, lovely beaches and hilly terrain. There is a nursing station on the island as well as four villages. Head to the top of Yalobi Hills to enjoy some stunning views of the entire Yasawa Islands chain. The upmarket Octopus Resort is located here.

Kuata

Kuata is a tiny island with some incredible rock formations, caves and cliffs. The snorkeling out here is superb as well. Kuata Resort can be found here.

Wayasewa

Also known as Wayalailai, this island is rough 40km northwest of Lautoka. The beaches here are very good, with some excellent coral reefs. The main village on the island is Namara/Naboro and sits amid a spectacular backdrop of grassy hills. Tourists can come here to enjoy meke performances and enjoy kava ceremonies. The lovely Wayalailai Eco Haven Resort sits here.

Tavewa

At just 3 sq km Tavewa is very small, but offers some great swimming and snorkeling. There are four resorts on this island, along with the Westside WaterSports dive operator. Savutu Point on Tavewa southern end is a terrific place to go snorkeling.

Nacula

The third largest island in the Yasawa Group, Nacula has a hilly volcanic terrain. There are four villages on this island, as well as a few resorts. The hiking here is quite good, with some wonderful beaches and snorkeling on hand too.

Nanuya Lailai

The famous Blue Lagoon beach is located on Nanuya Lailai. A pretty island with sloping hills and mangroves, there are a number of budget resorts located here.

Matacawalevu

A hilly volcanic island that is four km long, Matacawalevu is sheltered by the huge Nasomo Bay to its east. The snorkeling here is very good with a reef drop off on its western end.

Turtle Island

Turtle Island is the most famous of the Yasawa Islands. Used as a set during the movie The Blue Lagoon, this privately owned island is home to the fantastic Turtle Island Resort. Offering luxurious accommodations, this resort is set amidst sandy beaches and rugged volcanic cliffs.

Sawa-i-Lau

A limestone island, Sawa-i-Lau has a great dome shaped cave, which you can visit by taking an underwater dive passage. The walls have paintings, carvings and various inscriptions on it, whose meanings are still not known.

Yasawa

The northernmost island in the Yasawa Group, Yasawa is home to a luxury resort, the Yasawa Island Lodge. Offering its guests a whole host of activities to enjoy, this resort has its own dive shop and offers 4WD safaris as well.