Our magical Yasawas are amongst the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific, with each island having its own unique geography, character and mystery. You will find long stretches of immaculate white sand beaches fringed by coconut palms and warm crystal clear azure blue water, pristine tropical rainforests, romantic sunsets, and charming authentic Fijian villages whose residents treat you as an honoured guest.

Columbia Pictures searched the world to find the perfect backdrop for the movie “The Blue Lagoon” starring Brooke Shields. They found the ready made film set right here in the middle of the Yasawas.

Our Yasawas are a “must see” destination in Fiji because they are exotically undeveloped and uncrowded, rich in history, culture and spirituality, and they provide many budget and backpacker accommodation alternatives. With spectacular natural beauty you will enjoy exciting activities, awesome dive sites, wonderful fresh seafood, home grown vegetables, and easy access to neighbouring friendly villages.

A Bit of Geography, History and Culture.

More than 20 pristine islands scattered over an area of 135 square kilometres north west of Viti Levu make up this unspoilt paradise called the Yasawas. The summits of broken ridges and jagged peaks, rainforests and long stretches of beach and reefs that form calm lagoons provide a spectacular visual feast.

On these remote Fijian islands, you will find the real people, with minimum exposure to western civilisation. They are known for their hospitality, generosity and warm hearted welcome.

From the moment Fijians are born, they live with the idea that family and caring for each other is the most important thing in life.

Fijian Family & Village Structure

When you visit the Nacula Tikina in the central Yasawas, you will see and experience the sophisticated connection between families and their villages. Every Fijian is an integral part of the hierarchical social order that is attached to each village.The smallest unit is the tokatoka.

There are often five or six different tokatokas comprising the next highest group, being a Mataqali (‘Matangali’).  A number of Mataqali then form a Yavusa or tribe which represents a geographical area. It is common for a village to have two or three different Mataqalis.

In the Nacula Tikina, there are four different Yavusa which comprise seven villages and approximately 3,500 people.

Vanua (Land)

The Vanua is a consolidation of a number of Yavusa. Fijians believe the Vanua joins the past, present and future, with the land, water, mountains, forests and the seas. It includes the Fijian people, their beliefs, spirit, culture, social and economic goals and their stewardship of the eco system for future generations.

This mystical concept of the Vanua expresses the unbroken link that Fijians have with their ancestors, the land, and their customs. It provides the basis for maintaining traditions through the spoken word.

What to do in paradise

Long stretches of perfect white beach fringed with crystal clear blue water and palm trees caressed by soft breezes provide boundless options for activities. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, ball sports or just lie in the sun on the freshly washed sand. Many resorts have hammocks, paddle boats and kayaks to wile away the hours.

If you want plenty of action, the Nacula Tikina will deliver. This is one of the most beautiful places in the South Pacific to scuba dive. With crystal clear water, amazing visibility, and memorable dive sites, you will marvel at the sea’s riches.

Certified instructors are available for beginners to advanced divers in this underwater paradise.A place of historical myth is the underwater Sawa-I-Lau caves. Dive underwater from one cave to the next and hear the legends which characterise these spirit caves. This is a place to experience - once there you will know why!

Authentic experiences

The local village communities will welcome you as you have never been welcomed before. Most resorts will offer to take you fishing, show you how to pick coconuts or take you to their village for a ceremonial visit. On weekends you will be surprised by the rich Fijian nights celebrated at your resort, with traditional Meke, lovo, singing and ancient stories from the elders around the kava bowl.

Kayaking through the crystal waters and around the shallow lagoons to access private beaches is a real adventure. If you are still energised at day’s end, there is always a volleyball or soccer game.

Where to stay in paradise

The Yasawas boasts an impressive network of budget accommodations, all of which provide very clean and comfortable amenities at stunning locations and are situated minutes from each other by boat.

Each property is owned and operated by local Fijians and offers authentic Fijian hospitality.

Tavewa is one of the smaller islands of the Yasawa group, and is a freehold island. It is only 3km long and 1km wide, with a hilly interior and beautiful sandy beaches along its eastern shore providing great opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling.

Otto and Fanny’s

Otto & Fanny’s is situated on the prime site of the family’s copra plantation just inland from Savuti Point on the Southern end of Tavewa.This family-run resort offers six bures, four of which are traditional Fijian in style. Guests can opt for a meal package which offers excellent fresh South Pacific fare from the brand new resort kitchen.

Kingfisher Lodge

Situated on the eastern side of Tavewa, Coral View provides affordable accommodation and meals with simple and basic requirements looked after by the resort’s 15 staff. With a capacity for 42 guests, including traditional Fijian bures with share bathrooms, and 3 bures with private facilities, there are many guest options. There is also a family bure andcampsites available. There are loads of activities to keep you engaged.

Let Don Bruce and his family host you in your Yasawas experience.

Nacula Island

This small scale indigenous owned budget resort opened in September 2000 and is situated on a flat stretch of ocean front with a stunning mountainous backdrop. Facing west across Nalova Bay, Oarsman’s Bay Lodge has a spectacular white sand beach which is the envy of villages throughout Fiji.The resort was named in memory of village elders who once fished in open row boats in the lagoon.

Accommodation comprises six fully self contained fan-cooled bures and two family units all with their own bathrooms. It also includes a large dormitory with three bathrooms and two separate showers. The kitchen, large dining area and bar all overlook the stunning vista of Nalova Bay.

Safe Landing Resort is nestled on the intimate white beach of Nacavacola between two small peninsulas on the south eastern point of Nacula Island. Operated as a family business by Tevita and Rocky Volavola, whose ancestors have been stewards of the land for generations, the property exudes authentic Fijian charm and hospitality.

Accommodation includes three private bures with private facilities, three family bures each with private facilities, four standard bures with shared facilities and dormitory accommodation.  All have hot showers and ceiling fans. The family bures can be used for two couples or as a dorm. Guests enjoy access to local beaches, reef fishing and other Nacula attractions.  Activities include island sunset cruises, village visits, volleyball games, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and ‘Fijian night’ every Friday.

Sunrise Lagoon Resort is part of the settlement of Enandala at the base of the hill on the eastern side of the Island. Seven families live at Enandala, all of whom are related and have family connections to Naisisili village. Sunrise is at the northern end of Enandala beach, and accommodates budget and backpacker travellers in rustic beachfront Fijian style bures. One bure has private facilities whilst ten bures share facilities.

Located on the north western tip of Nanuya Lailai, this new 3.5 star luxury family run resort comprises

fabulous Fijian architecture built right on the edge of the Blue Lagoon. Four traditional bures for couples

Long beach is a family run resort at the southern end of the island of Matacawalevu. It caters for a maximum of 20 guests in four double bures and an eight bed dorm. All accommodation has shared facilities, with camping also available. The perfect white sand beach forms a sweeping curve around a protected lagoon, providing plenty of options for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.