Stand on Tokoriki or Vomo and the next chain is already in sight. The Yasawas run north from the top of the Mamanucas for about 80 kilometres: around twenty volcanic islands with steep grassy ridges, long empty beaches and very few roads or shops.
The difference is one of distance and development. The Mamanucas are 30 minutes to two hours from Denarau and are dominated by polished resorts; the Yasawas are two to five hours away, were closed to land-based tourism until the late 1980s, and still lean towards village-owned lodges and a handful of high-end hideaways. Many travellers combine the two.
Top things to do: The Yasawa Islands
Snorkel with reef sharks at Kuata
The southernmost Yasawa islands are close enough for a day trip from Denarau, and the guided reef-shark snorkel there is the one Yasawa experience most Mamanuca visitors add.
Swim with manta rays
In the cooler months, roughly May to October, manta rays feed in a channel off Drawaqa Island in the central Yasawas. Lodges nearby send boats when the rays are sighted.
See the Blue Lagoon and Sawa-i-Lau
The northern Yasawas hold the sheltered lagoon made famous by the 1980 film “The Blue Lagoon” and the limestone caves of Sawa-i-Lau, where you swim into a hidden chamber.
Hop by ferry
The Yasawa Flyer leaves Port Denarau every morning, stops at lodges all the way up the chain and returns the same day. Multi-day passes let you get on and off as you like.
How to get to The Yasawa Islands
- By catamaran: the daily Yasawa Flyer from Port Denarau passes through the inner Mamanucas on its way north — about two hours to the southern Yasawas and four and a half to five to the far end.
- By seaplane: floatplanes from Nadi reach the Yasawas in 20–30 minutes.
- By day trip: the shark-snorkelling day trip on our tours page is a simple taster.
Insider tips
- Choose the Mamanucas for short stays, small children, luxury resorts, floating bars and surf.
- Choose the Yasawas for a week or more, tighter budgets, village stays, hiking and emptier beaches.
- Yasawa lodges often require a compulsory meal plan; factor it into the price.
- Do the Yasawas first and finish in the Mamanucas, so the short boat ride comes before your flight home.
Tours that include The Yasawa Islands
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see The Yasawa Islands:
Wildlife snorkelling trip from €168 Fiji: Ultimate Encounters – Snorkel with Sharks and Lunch
A long day by fast catamaran from Port Denarau to snorkel with reef sharks, with a buffet lunch and time to use the kayaks and paddle boards. The shark reef lies beyond the Mamanucas in the southern Yasawa Islands, so you also get a look at the next island group north.
- Snorkel alongside reef sharks with guides
- Buffet lunch on the island
- Kayaks, paddle boards and snorkel gear provided
