Yasawa Group
Island ·
Authentic North Indian cuisine: tandoor breads, rich curries, lassis
Information
Fiji Get directions
Authentic North Indian cuisine: tandoor breads, rich curries, lassis
Fiji Get directions
"I found the waters around the Yasawa Islands to be ideal for newbie divers like me, with some of the best diving in the area and perfect conditions to learn and build confidence." - Matthew Kepnes
"I found the Yasawa Islands to be a picturesque chain of 20 volcanic islands offering incredible diving (I actually learned to dive here), snorkeling, hiking and a surprising range of accommodation from budget dorms and guesthouses to luxury resorts, which makes the islands far more affordable than you might expect. The islands were closed to tourists until 1987 and now host roughly 1,000 residents with tourism as the main source of employment. Getting around is easiest with a Bula Pass — a hop-on, hop-off boat pass (5-day passes start at $246 USD, up to 15-day passes at $449 USD) that you can buy when you arrive and use on Awesome Adventures and South Sea Cruises — or by the faster Tavewa Seabus (catamaran, prices start at 205 FJD for single journeys). Practical tips I learned: a free shuttle is often provided to/from the airport so don’t pay for a cab, buy water and alcohol on the mainland (they’re about 40% cheaper), many ferries run late so don’t rush, and cold/lukewarm showers (often mixed with some salt water) are common due to scarce fresh water. You can visit year-round (peak July–August and December), but October–November is much quieter, and while credit cards are widely accepted on larger islands you should carry cash for smaller islands where ATMs are rare." - Matthew Kepnes
"In Fiji, I notice many travelers simply go to the Yasawa Islands and stop there, suggesting they often limit themselves to that popular destination instead of exploring further." - Matthew Kepnes
"Composed of 20 volcanic islands in western Fiji, the Yasawa Islands blew me away with impossibly deep blue water, white sand beaches, and lush jungle-topped horizons — paradise doesn’t do it justice. The islands were first encountered by the British in 1789 and weren’t properly charted until decades later; land-based tourism was prohibited until 1987, and only after the area opened did tourism grow into an important part of the local economy. The chain is extremely backpacker-friendly: close to the mainland, cheap, easy to reach, and known for a lively, relaxed atmosphere (you quickly learn “Fiji time”). Transport between islands is straightforward but packaged — most islands have two or three budget resorts that provide meals, book activities, and operate like hop-on, hop-off stops — and there’s basically one main boat route through the islands. You can buy a Bula Pass (5–13 days) valid on Awesome Adventures and South Sea Cruises vessels (prices in the text range from 455 FJD to 845 FJD), but ferries aren’t always punctual, so embrace the island pace. Add crashing waves, starlit nights, cheap local currency, and plenty of island activities, and you’ve got a true backpacker’s paradise." - Matthew Kepnes