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Kayaking the Yasawa Islands: Fiji Resort-Based Adventure

8 days | Moderate | 5.00
From $5,437 ()
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North-west of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, the Yasawas string sixteen volcanic peaks across a turquoise lagoon threaded with coral reefs and white-sand beaches—paddling country, through and through. On this trip we arrive in style, flying in by helicopter over the reef before spending seven nights working our way south along the chain. Days are shaped by the water: three to four hours of sea kayaking most days, mixed with snorkeling over vibrant reefs, beachcombing, and short walks, always at a pace the whole group can keep. Along the way, the warm “bula” greetings from local islanders are as much a part of this trip as the paddling itself.

Elijah
Elijah

Adventure Highlights

  • Arrive by helicopter: Skip the ferry queues and fly straight into the outer islands, with sweeping views of turquoise reefs and palm-covered islets from the air
  • Snorkel with manta rays: Slip into the channel between Drawaqa and Naviti Islands, where manta rays gather to feed most days in season
  • Fijian culture & people: Paddle into villages like Malakati and Navotoa, where warm "bula" greetings and time spent with local islanders are as much a highlight as the water itself
Duration
8 days
Season
June through September
Group size
Up to 12 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Inviting Fijian resorts with beachfront views & camping
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness required, suitable for fit beginners and experienced paddlers
What's included
Guide, lodging, all meals, helicopter transfer to Yasawas, ferry return, all kayaking gear, boat support, and more

The adventure, day by day

This eight-day sea kayaking trip threads through the Yasawa Islands, a chain of sixteen volcanic islands north-west of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu. After a helicopter flight in over the reef, we spend seven nights working our way south along the island chain, paddling three to four hours most days and mixing in snorkeling, swimming, and short walks along the way. We camp at a beach base on Tavewa Island before settling into two island resorts for the second half of the trip, including a stretch where manta rays are often spotted feeding just offshore. Professional kayak guides lead throughout, with a support boat on hand for the whole journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Nadi and trip briefing
Arrival in Nadi and trip briefing — Kayaking in Yasawa Islands | Fiji

Arrive in Nadi and check in at our group hotel. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow adventurers for a trip briefing and settle in for a relaxed first night. Rest up for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Nadi Hotel

Day 2: Helicopter to Yasawas and first paddle
Helicopter to Yasawas and first paddle — Kayaking in Yasawa Islands | Fiji

After an early breakfast, transfer to the heliport for a spectacular helicopter flight north to Tavewa Island. Once there, we settle into Coconut Beach Resort and get a feel for the kayaks with a short afternoon paddle and a swim, soaking up the views and island life.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Coconut Beach Resort

Day 3: Paddle Nacula Island & salt-water caves
Paddle Nacula Island & salt-water caves — Kayaking in Yasawa Islands | Fiji

Head north for a day of exploring—paddle up to Nacula Island, snorkel Malakati’s reefs, or venture to Sawa-I-Lau’s dramatic limestone peaks and caves. We paddle as far as feels good, then hitch a ride on the support boat back. Return to Coconut Beach Resort for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Coconut Beach Resort

Day 4: Kayak south to Matacalevu and Yaqeta
Kayak south to Matacalevu and Yaqeta — Kayaking in Yasawa Islands | Fiji

Paddle south along the Yasawa chain, exploring Matacalevu’s beaches and bays and stopping for lunch and a reef snorkel. We’ll cross to Yaqeta Island, with options to paddle the crossing or take the support boat, depending on conditions. Tonight, we relax at Mai Sunset Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mai Sunset Resort

Day 5: Explore Naviti Island waters & beaches
Explore Naviti Island waters & beaches — Kayaking in Yasawa Islands | Fiji

Today is about discovery—kayak the northern waterways of Naviti Island, snorkel reef spots, and stroll beautiful beaches. Lunch is out in the open, and there’s downtime to relax before paddling back to Mai Sunset for sundown and another good meal together.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mai Sunset Resort

Day 6: Paddle south to Barefoot Manta
Paddle south to Barefoot Manta — Kayaking in Yasawa Islands | Fiji

We leave Mai Sunset and continue paddling along the coast of Naviti, stopping for swims, snorkels, and a shady beachfront lunch. Then, we take a short crossing to Drawaqa Island and check in at Barefoot Manta Resort for two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Barefoot Manta Resort

Day 7: Manta rays, island hopping, and hidden beaches
Manta rays, island hopping, and hidden beaches — Kayaking in Yasawa Islands | Fiji

We hope for a chance to snorkel with majestic manta rays in the channel near Drawaqa and Naviti! Today’s paddle explores quiet lagoons and sandy coves around nearby islands like Nanauya Balavu and Naukacuvu. We spend our final night at Barefoot Manta Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Barefoot Manta Resort

Day 8: Snorkel, relax, and ferry back to Nadi
Snorkel, relax, and ferry back to Nadi — Kayaking in Yasawa Islands | Fiji

Enjoy another snorkel with the mantas (conditions permitting), chill at the resort, and then depart by ferry in the afternoon for the return to Nadi. Expect to arrive in the early evening—sun-kissed and recharged.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Elijah
5.00
Elijah
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!
Toby
5.00
Toby
Based in Hobart, Tasmania, Toby manages operations for an outdoor travel company, 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.
Devin
5.00
Devin
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. 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.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)
K
Kathryn S.

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.

J
Jennifer D.

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.

P
Paul D.

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

5.00(3 reviews)
K
Kathryn S.

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.

J
Jennifer D.

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.

P
Paul D.

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

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Two experienced, local kayak guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 8-day Yasawa Islands sea kayaking tour (6 days of paddling)
      • Accommodation for 1 night at a hotel in Nadi and 6 nights in resort lodges (twin/family occupancy)
      • All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 8
      • One-way helicopter transfer from Nadi to Yasawa Islands
      • One-way boat transfer back to Nadi aboard the Yasawa Flyer, Captain’s Lounge
      • Expedition kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and safety equipment, plus watertight bags for your personal gear
      • Support boat for the whole trip
      • Group first aid kit

    Add-ons:

      • Single occupancy room — leave a note at checkout if interested

    Not included:

      • Transportation to Fiji
      • Meals in Nadi (except breakfast at hotel)
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Snorkeling equipment
      • Accommodation and transfers in Nadi at the end of the trip
      • Items of a personal nature such as Wi-Fi charges and laundry
      • Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • In order to join this Yasawa Islands sea kayaking tour, good fitness is required, along with confidence in the water—sea kayaking here is comparable to brisk walking or cycling, and everyone’s expected to feel confident swimming. Paddling days typically run three to four hours, mixed with snorkeling, swimming, and some walking, and the group always moves at the pace of its slowest member.

    Some prior paddling experience is useful, though not required—if you’ve never paddled a sit-in kayak before, it’s worth arranging a lesson before the trip. It’s also a good idea to start some regular exercise, like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, in the weeks beforehand, since the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy the paddling. Keep in mind that conditions can vary with the weather; in windier stretches, some days may call for a full day of paddling.

  • Clothing & gear:

      • A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap, or a hat with a light scarf to protect your neck
      • Sunglasses with a cord—side flaps are a good idea too
      • A lightweight rain or spray jacket
      • Two long-sleeve lightweight shirts for sun protection while paddling, plus a separate shirt for evenings as mosquito protection
      • Two or three T-shirts
      • A lycra sun top for snorkeling
      • One pair of lightweight, quick-drying, full-length trousers for camp
      • Two pairs of shorts and swimwear
      • A sulu or sarong—it doubles as a second sheet
      • A very lightweight fleece jacket or sweatshirt, not a heavy jacket
      • Casual clothes for the resort stays
      • One pair of running shoes for the evenings, to get away from wet paddling shoes and sand
      • Reef shoes or well-fitting sandals for paddling
      • Lightweight socks to wear with your running shoes in the evening, as a mosquito deterrent
      • A small towel—a chamois towel is ideal, or a medium hand towel
      • A headlamp or small torch, plus batteries
      • One or two 1-liter water bottles
      • A small dry bag for items like sunscreen, glasses, and your water bottle—avoid bags with metal zips, as they corrode
      • Your own mask, snorkel, and fins—snorkeling gear isn’t provided or available to rent locally (short fins are best, since they’re less likely to damage coral)
      • Lightweight cycling gloves, to ease blistering and prevent sunburn while paddling

    Medical & personal items:

      • Reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen, at least SPF 30
      • Lip balm with a high SPF
      • Band-aid strips
      • Insect repellent
      • A mild anti-nausea remedy, if you’re concerned about seasickness
      • A mild antiseptic soap or liquid hand wash
      • Rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 self-testing

    Optional:

      • A camera, with a waterproof container if it isn’t already waterproof
      • A book for downtime
      • Binoculars
      • Talcum powder, to prevent salt-water rash
      • Earplugs—Fiji’s roosters start early

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

    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!

  • Fiji has three official languages—Fijian, Hindi, and English—so it’s a good idea to learn a few Fijian words before you go; before long, you’ll be saying “bula” to everyone you meet. When visiting a village, cover up with a sulu or sarong, avoid wearing hats or swimwear off the beach, and remove your shoes before entering a Fijian hut. A little courtesy goes a long way, and it’s always worth asking before photographing locals.

  • Group sizes and pricing:

      • For this Yasawa Islands sea kayaking tour, there will be two kayaking guides joining you. The usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
      • The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
      • Yasawa Islands sea kayaking tours 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 younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Yasawa Islands sea kayaking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
      • If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
  • The price for this Yasawa Islands sea kayaking tour, is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. Leave a note at checkout if interested.

  • The starting point of your Yasawa Islands sea kayaking tour is Nadi, Fiji. To get there, most people fly into Nadi International Airport (NAN), Fiji’s main international gateway. If you’re arriving on an international flight the same day, the group hotel provides a free airport shuttle.

    You will meet your guide at 8 pm at your fist night’s hotel in Nadi.

  • 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.

  • To enter Fiji, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay and have at least one blank page. You’ll also need a return or onward ticket and a confirmed address in Fiji—your first night’s hotel is enough for this. Travelers from over 100 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, the UK, and most of Europe, can enter Fiji visa-free for up to 120 days. Check the Fijian Ministry of Immigration for full details.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
    • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.
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