The Yasawa Islands are a chain of 16 volcanic islands strung along Fiji’s northwest coast, fringed by reef and largely free of crowds—the kind of place best seen from a kayak rather than a resort balcony. We paddle through hidden coves, limestone caves, and village beaches that most visitors never reach, camping on white sand and sharing kava with island hosts along the way. Two itineraries cover this stretch of the Pacific: a 7-day tour built for paddlers of any level, and a longer 9-day expedition that pushes further south into more remote water, finishing with a swim alongside manta rays.
This is the shorter and easier of the two options, ideal for first-time kayakers or anyone after an accessible taste of the Yasawas.
Over 7 days, we paddle about 46 km (28.6 mi) through the northern islands, alternating between double kayaks, snorkeling stops, and village visits in Navotua. Nights split between a hotel in Nadi, glamping-style bell tents on Tavewa Island, and a screened tent or island bure. Paddling days run 3 to 4 hours at the pace of the slowest paddler in the group, so no prior kayaking experience is required—just moderate fitness and confidence in the water.
This is the longer, more demanding option, built for paddlers who already have multi-day kayaking experience and want to go further.
Over 9 days, we cover about 90 km (55.9 mi), following much of the same northern route before continuing south past Matacalevu and across Bligh Strait to Naviti and Drawaqa Islands—finishing with a snorkel alongside manta rays in the channel between the two. We're self-sufficient for two of those days, kayaks loaded with food and gear, with a support boat on standby. Expect full paddling days and a mix of camping, glamping tents, and a final night at a resort on Drawaqa Island.
Included with the 7-day Fiji kayak tour
Included with the 9-day Fiji kayak expedition
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
There are two itineraries to consider here, and matching yourself to the right one makes all the difference in how much you enjoy the water. Check the breakdown below to see which itinerary fits your experience and stamina.
To join the 7-Day Fiji Kayaking Tour, you should:
To join the 9-Day Fiji Kayaking Expedition, you should:
7-Day Fiji Kayak Tour — the easier, shorter option. Good for first-time kayakers or anyone after a relaxed mix of paddling, snorkeling, and village time. About 46 km (28.6 mi) of paddling total, mostly in double kayaks, at a gentle pace.
9-Day Fiji Kayak Expedition — the longer, more demanding option. Built for experienced paddlers with multi-day kayaking already under their belt. Covers about 90 km (55.9 mi), follows much of the same northern route, then pushes further south, finishing with a manta ray snorkel off Naviti Island.
If you’re unsure which to pick, it usually comes down to kayaking experience—choose the tour if this is your first multi-day paddle, and the expedition if you’ve done one before and want to go further.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Essential items:
Optional items:
Medical supplies:
Your guides will carry a comprehensive medical kit, but it’s your responsibility to bring enough of any specific medications you need. Additionally, we recommend you bring:
Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes and pricing
Kayaking in Fiji can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of both itineraries is Nadi. To get there, most people fly into Nadi International Airport (NAN). Airport-to-hotel transfer will be organized by a hotel where you’re staying. Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at 8pm in the hotel, where they will explain everything you need to know about the upcoming adventure.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Check your inbox.
Schedule a call with our adventure experts and let us help planning your dream adventure.
Just completed kayaking in Fiji. Amazing scenery, challenging kayaks each day (but not too daunting), with an action packed itinerary. Food was astonishingly good and plentiful, excellent coffee, and upgraded tents & equipment. See the real Fiji and really earn the combined pampering, if you choose to stay elsewhere on the way home. Do recommend swimming with manta rays! Thanks for the memories.