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Sea Kayaking in Fiji: Discover the Yasawa Archipelago

Six days of kayaking through the stunning Fiji archipelago—this is the ultimate adventure for any kayaking lover! We’ll paddle through the Yasawa Islands, a chain of 16 paradise islands just off the northwest coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. Along the way, we’ll camp on untouched shorelines and experience the incredible hospitality of the locals. Get ready to dive into crystal-clear waters, swim with manta rays, and soak up the breathtaking blue of the ocean. This trip is ideal for experienced kayakers, but if you’re an adrenaline junkie or a sporty beginner, you’re more than welcome to join. Come with us and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Southern Sea Ventures
Southern Sea Ventures

Adventure highlights

  • Unreal nature
    Expect all the stunning scenes you've admired in movies—turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and idyllic islands
  • Active vacation
    Challenge yourself with paddling on this adventure, and end each day relaxing on beaches while soaking in stunning sunsets
  • Snorkel with the manta rays
    Swim alongside these graceful giants in their natural habitat and experience a rare, awe-inspiring connection with them

Itinerary

Get ready for an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure in Fiji! Over six days, we’ll explore the stunning Yasawa Islands, a remote chain of 16 islands off Fiji’s northwest coast. Experience crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and the warmth of the locals. Enjoy a mix of hotel stays and camping in nature, with the option to stay in traditional bures for an additional fee. Our meals will be simple but delicious—eggs and bacon for breakfast, fresh fish and veggies for lunch—prepared by our guides. This trip is perfect for experienced kayakers, though adrenaline seekers or active beginners are welcome. Join us for an adventure through one of the world’s most beautiful destinations!

  • Arrive in Nadi. If you’re arriving on an international flight today, the group hotel offers a complimentary airport-to-hotel transfer. The trip briefing with your guide will take place at 8pm at the hotel. If your flight arrives later, please notify your guides. You can bring all your luggage with you to our base on Tavewa Island.

    Accommodation: Hotel

    Yasawa Islands, aerial view
  • After an early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to Denarau Marina for the 8:45am boat to the islands. We’ll be hopping aboard the Yasawa Flyer, a comfy 267-passenger catamaran, for a scenic 5-hour, 72-kilometre (44.7 mi) journey to Tavewa Island. Feel free to bring your luggage on board, but keep your valuables with you. Once we hit the Blue Lagoon, we’ll transfer by a small boat to our base on Tavewa. Our camp is set up with comfy bell tents and a dining bure, and after getting our kayaks ready and checking out the gear, we’ll kick things off with a quick paddling session in the lagoon.
    You’ll get a watertight bag for your personal gear (about the size of a pillowcase, 25-35 litres), and anything you don’t need for kayaking will be safely stored and sent to Barefoot Manta Resort at the end of the trip. To wrap up the day, we’ll watch the sunset from the beach and enjoy a delicious tropical dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Accommodation: Camping

    Woman on Fiji kayaking expedition
  • After a solid breakfast, we’ll load up the kayaks and set off for a paddle to Navotua Village. With the tides in our favor, we’ll pull up for a picnic lunch and a swim by the fringing reefs right off the beach—perfect for a quick dip.

    As we round the point of Nacula Island, we’ll head toward Navotua, one of our favorite stops, thanks to the warm welcome from the locals. Once we’re there, you’ll have time to snorkel, explore the village, and take in the stunning surroundings before we gather for a hearty dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Accommodation: Camping
    Kayaking: 15 km / 9.3 mi

    Fiji, locals
  • Today, we’re off to the incredible caves at Sawa-i-Lau. This island is packed with sharp limestone peaks and cool salt-water caves just begging to be explored. After that, we’ll paddle on to a remote island perfect for some epic snorkeling before heading back to Navotua village.

    We’ll wrap up the day with some local entertainment and an invitation to join the village chief for a kava party in the evening. Kava is a traditional, non-alcoholic drink with a mild numbing effect—perfect for winding down after an adventurous day!

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Accommodation: Camping
    Kayaking: 11 km / 6.8 mi

    Kayakers, Fiji
  • After saying goodbye to Navotua, we’ll paddle back to Tavewa Island, exploring the stunning outer coastline and the hidden inlets and bays of Nacula, weather permitting. It’s about a 15-km / 9.3-mi paddle, with plenty of beautiful scenery along the way. We’ll return to our base on Tavewa to unwind after another amazing day on the water.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Accommodation: Camping
    Kayaking: 15 km / 9.3 mi

    Kayaking, Fiji
  • Today, we’ll grab our snorkel gear and a picnic lunch for a day trip to explore the stunning Blue Lagoon. We’ll hunt for the best coral reefs to snorkel and chill on some gorgeous beaches before heading back to Tavewa. It’s about a 10-km / 6.2-mi paddle today. Tonight, we’ll repack for the southern leg of our journey, and any luggage you don’t need for kayaking will be sent to Barefoot Manta Resort on Drawaqa Island.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Accommodation: Camping
    Kayaking: 10 km / 6.2 mi

    Blue Lagoon, Fiji
  • We’ll set off early, heading south along the island chain. Our route will take us past Matacalevu and along the beautiful coastline of Yaqueta Island. After crossing Bligh Strait, we’ll reach the larger island of Naviti. Our overnight stop will be a remote beach camp. Today’s paddle covers about 20 km / 12.4 mi so get ready for an exciting day on the water!

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Accommodation: Camping
    Kayaking: 20 km / 12.4 mi

    Sunset, Yasawa Islands, Fiji
  • We’ll keep paddling along Naviti Island, stopping for a refreshing swim or snorkel along the way. Our destination is Barefoot Manta Resort. Once we arrive, we’ll settle into our island accommodation and enjoy a laid-back tropical dinner at the resort’s restaurant. Today’s paddle is about 15 km / 9.3 mi—perfect for soaking in the stunning surroundings!

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Accommodation: Camping
    Kayaking: 15 km / 9.3 mi

    Kayaking, Yasawa Islands, Fiji
  • For our last day, get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we snorkel with the magnificent manta rays in the narrow channel between Drawaqa and Naviti Islands! After an incredible morning, we’ll enjoy lunch before saying goodbye to your guides. At 3pm, we’ll catch the Yasawa Flyer back to Denarau Marina, arriving around 6pm.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch

    Sunset, Yasawa Islands
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Meet your guides

Toby Story
5.00
Toby Story
Director / Senior Guide / Chief of Operations
Director / Senior Guide / Chief of Operations
Based in Hobart, Tasmania, Toby manages operations for Southern Sea Ventures, where he has been guiding expeditions since 2005. With a Master’s in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, he brings both academic expertise and a deep passion for the natural world to his work. Toby has led trips across a wide range of locations, from the tropical waters of Fiji and the Philippines to the remote, icy landscapes of Antarctica, Greenland, and Spitsbergen. A qualified sea kayak instructor, he is committed to sharing the beauty of the world’s great coastal environments with others, having guided in places like South Georgia, Tasmania, Norway, and West Papua.
Elijah Newton
5.00
Elijah Newton
Senior Guide / Operations
Elijah is driven by the thrill of taking adventurers to iconic and remote destinations by sea kayak. His contagious enthusiasm for adventure is clear: “There’s something indescribable about experiencing these hidden wonders from a kayak. It’s wild, surreal—and too good to be true!” Having led expeditions from Ningaloo to the Antarctic Peninsula, Elijah's travels span the globe, with more thrilling adventures on the horizon. With qualifications including WFA and PA Sea Guide, Elijah is dedicated to ensuring everyone has a wicked time on the water!
Devin Duffy
5.00
Devin Duffy
Senior Guide
With a passion for connecting people to nature and promoting sustainable travel, Devin is a dedicated sea kayak guide. He brings a wealth of experience from leading expeditions in Alaska, Norway, Patagonia, Baja, the San Juan Islands, and British Columbia. For SSV, Devin has guided trips in Svalbard, Fiji, Indonesia, and Melanesia. A Colorado native, his diverse background includes working as a PADI Dive Master, a commercial fisherman in the Bering Sea, and with the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, all of which contribute to his deep knowledge and expertise.
Southern Sea Ventures
5.00
Southern Sea Ventures
Southern Sea Ventures
Southern Sea Ventures began conducting sea kayak trips in 1988. The founder and fellow adventurer, Al Bakker, set out to discover new and untouched destinations best explored by sea kayak. The company’s guides, both new and existing, have many decades of experience leading sea kayak trips all over the world. Southern Sea Ventures work with a select group of partners to provide local expertise in culture, language and history of the regions they paddle through.
5.00 (3 reviews)
Kathryn S. (source: Tripadvisor)

Just completed SSV 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.

Jennifer D. (source: Tripadvisor)

Is it possible to give 6 stars? There is no possible way to pick out one single highlight of this trip, as there were so many, every day. Of course the location is amazing, but the experience of seeing it all from sea level, with our brilliant guides made it all the more astounding.

Paul D. (source: Tripadvisor)

Excellent trip, Well organised , great guides, Wonderful experience. The local were very friendly and helpful

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Experienced, local kayaking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • Nadi hotel accommodation on a twin share basis for the first night of the trip
      • Simple twin-share resort accommodation on the last night of the trip
      • ‘Glamping-style’ bell tents accommodation
      • Internal boat transfers
      • Expedition kayaks, paddles, life jackets and safety equipment
      • Two person tent
      • Sleeping mat (full length Therm-a-Rest pad)
      • Watertight bags for your personal gear
      • All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 9 (as listed in the itinerary)
      • Support boat for the two day paddle between Tavewa and Barefoot Manta
      • Group first aid kit

    Add-ons

      • Single supplement

    Not included:

    • Meals in Nadi (except breakfast at the hotel).
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Accommodation and transfers in Nadi at the end of the trip
    • Guide gratuities — optional
    • Travel and medical insurance — optional
  • Sea kayaking in Fiji is for experienced paddlers, though fit and active beginners seeking adventure may be considered. We recommend some paddling practice before departure. The trip’s difficulty depends on weather conditions. While the outer islands are typically stable, windier weather may require a full day of paddling. Expect to cover about 90 km / 55.9 mi in total, including one open water crossing with swell. Day-by-day distances can be found in the itinerary.
    We will be self-sufficient with kayaks loaded with food, water, and equipment. The itinerary may change based on weather and opportunities. The group will paddle at the pace of the slowest member.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

    Essential items:

      • A wide brimmed hat for sun-protection
      • A scarf made from a light material like silk (or a buff)
      • Sun-glasses with a cord and side flaps
      • Light weight rain jacket or spray jacket
      • Two long sleeve lightweight shirts (a synthetic shirt is highly recommended for sun protection while paddling and a separate camp shirt for mosquito protection in the evening)
      • Two or three T-shirts
      • A lycra sun top
      • One pair of light-weight, quick drying, full length trousers
      • Two pairs of shorts and swimwear
      • Sulu or sarong (this can double up as a second sheet).
      • Very light-weight fleece jacket (not a heavy jacket) or a sweatshirt
      • Sleeping sheet
      • Sleeping bag
      • One pair of running shoes
      • Reef shoes or a good fitting pair of sandals that attach solidly for paddling
      • Lightweight socks to wear with your running shoes
      • Small towel (a chamois towel is ideal, or a medium sized hand towel)
      • Toiletries (a bio-degradable soap that will lather in salt water is
        useful)
      • A headlamp or small torch and batteries
      • One or two 1-litre water bottles—the type used by cyclists are fine
      • A small dry bag is good for holding things like a sun screen, glasses, etc.
      • Mask, snorkel and fins
      • Pillow case or very small pillow (e.g. airline pillow)

    Optional items:

      • Camera with waterproof container
      • 10 metres of lightweight clothesline
      • Binoculars
      • Talcum powder
      • Lightweight cycling gloves can ease blistering if you are not used to paddling (and prevent sunburn)
      • Waterproof torch for night snorkelling
      • Ear plugs
  • You will spend the first night at a group hotel in Nadi and the final night at Barefoot Manta Resort, where we’ll stay in simple, private accommodation. Rooms are twin-share, though single rooms can be requested for an additional fee.

    While camping on Tavewa Island, you’ll stay in ‘glamping-style’ bell tents. Single tents are 3 meters wide and may be requested for an additional charge, while double/twin tents are 4 meters wide. Each tent includes a stretcher bed with a Therm-a-Rest camping mat and a solar-powered fan for those warm tropical nights.

    On Navotua Island, it will be possible either to set up the provided screened tents or stay in a basic island bure (subject to availability and at an extra cost). The bures are 4×3 meters, with either a double or two single beds, bedding, mosquito nets, and a sea view. Note that bures do not have private facilities.

    On the beach camp night before Barefoot Manta, we’ll use the screened tents. Composting toilets are available at Tavewa and Navotua village. Bush toileting may be necessary at other times, and the guide will provide instructions.

    You’ve excluded a hotel for the last night, as many guests choose to extend their stay or take a late evening flight.

  • Expert guides prepare fresh, delicious meals. On longer paddle days, breakfast includes cereal, fresh fruit, toast, or local roti, while more relaxed mornings feature hot options like bacon, eggs, or pancakes. Lunches are picnic-style with cheese, cold meats, fresh veggies, fruit, bread, and salads. Dinners are varied and include two to three courses, such as pasta, curries, stir-fries, or Mexican dishes, with freshly caught fish when possible.

    If you have dietary restrictions, like gluten-free or soy products, we recommend bringing your own, as these can be hard to find in Fiji.

    Nadi has many restaurant options, but it’s wise to gradually adjust to local foods. Always wash fruit from the market. Tap water in the hotel is chlorinated, while in the Yasawas, you use rainwater tanks, which can be boiled on request.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this sea kayak Fiji adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

    Kayaking in Fiji can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors older than 16 may be permitted to join this sea kayak Fiji adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your sea kayak Fiji adventure 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 both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their 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.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • 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

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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