Kayak and Snorkel Fiji: Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands

Arrive Nadi. If arriving by an international flight today, the group hotel will provide a free transfer from the airport to hotel. Room check in is available from 2pm. The trip briefing with your guide is held at 8pm in the hotel (please advise our office if your flight arrives into Nadi after 6pm). The briefing lasts for around one hour and it’s a good idea to eat dinner prior to the meeting. Dinner tonight is not included.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast at the hotel and room check out, the group will transfer to Denarau marina, about a half hour drive. Upon embarking Sea Breeze III, we meet the captain and crew who will conduct a safety briefing. After settling in, we pull anchor and motor out of the harbour, heading for the Yasawas. Our destination is the Blue Lagoon in the northern part of the Yasawa chain, about a six hour trip. We spent time on board taking in the scenic vistas of islands, aquamarine lagoons and stunning beaches. On arrival, time permitting, we’ll enjoy a swim or a snorkel in the lagoon. Tonight we enjoy our first dinner on board, under a multitude of stars.

Meals:  B,L,D

After an early tropical breakfast, we transfer by zodiac to Tavewa Island. The group will experience a sevu sevu with the landholders, a ceremony where kava is offered as a thank you for being on their land. Then, it’s time to take to the water and after a kayak briefing and gear fitting we begin with a short paddle from Tavewa Island to Korondol Point, where we stop for a break and enjoy a snorkel among colourful reef fish. We jump back into the kayaks and paddle Matacawalevu channel, about 9kms in distance. We meet Sea Breeze III off Matacawlevu Island and hop on board for lunch and relaxation. Later in the afternoon we’ll enjoy a snorkel at Vunimbausomo Point, to the south of Matacawalevu, for fantastic coral and marine life viewing. Back on board, we transfer two hours south to Botaira Bay on Naviti Island for our overnight anchorage.

Meals:  B,L,D

We’ll take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures today for a moderate walk to Naviti lookout, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the vast Pacific Ocean. Prior to the hike we participate in a sevu sevu with the Te Wavi family and later enjoy tea and breadfruit with them. Back on the boat, we snorkel at Vuata Bay Point before lunch on board. This afternoon we kayak the short passage from Naviti island to the northern tip of Drawaqa Island and explore the coastline, bays and beaches before meeting up with Sea Breeze III. Before dinner, we’ll enjoy sunset drinks on the deck.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we head to the southern part of the Yasawas to explore magnificent Waya Island, a place of quiet bays, verdant forest and a stunning backdrop of volcanic peaks. Due to the island’s mountains trapping clouds and bringing moisture to the area, Waya is far greener than other western Fijian Islands and feels very tropical. From Nalauwaki Bay in the north, we’ll kayak to Yalobi village on the south coast of Waya, a 15km paddle (about 4.5 hours). En route, we take breaks and discover reefs for snorkelling and beaches to relax on. We meet the boat in the late afternoon for a well deserved refreshing shower and relaxation before dinner.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we paddle 8kms (about two hours) to the small island of Kuata, located south of Waya and it’s sister island, Wayasewa. Kuata Island’s surrounding waters are rich in marine bio-diversity and the snorkelling, in crystal clear waters, is a real thrill with colourful coral and a multitude of reef fish to observe. In the afternoon, we can stretch our legs with a one hour return hike for great views. After hopping back on board the boat, we transfer two hours to Yanuya Island in the northern Mamanuca chain, renowned for its’ natural beauty and traditional Fijian culture.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast, we begin a fabulous day of kayaking. We begin with a 1km paddle from Yanuya to Monu, a secluded and uninhabited island with long powdery beaches. Depending on conditions, we may be able to circumnavigate the island in our kayaks, about an 8 km paddle (two hours). From there we kayak to nearby Monoriki Island, also uninhabited but has gained international fame as the primary filming location for the movie "Cast Away” starring Tom Hanks. The island is a land reserve with unique flora and fauna including the endemic and critically endangered Fiji crested iguana, over 2000 pairs of wedge-tailed shearwaters and a nesting place for the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle. On arrival we plan to hike to the summit of the island, about an hour return. After a picninc lunch on the beach, we paddle back to the boat moored at Yanuya. After a snorkel at Yanuya Point, we transfer to Malolo Island in time for the sunset.

Meals:  B,L,D

The last stop on our island exploration is Malolo. As we kayak along the islands’ coastline, we pass one or two hidden beach resorts and stop for either a picnic or come aboard Sea Breeze III for lunch before continuing our paddles. Some areas of Malolo’s lagoons are designated for conservation, with the goals to improve fish stocks, turtle habitat and for restoration of coral reefs. Inland, there is a tropical dry forest restoration program where the Malolo Island Crested Iguana Program is aimed at bringing the species back from near extinction. Back on board we transfer to Castaway Island, known as Qalito to the locals. Scenic snorkelling is to be had over both shallow fringing reefs and in deep water close to the island. Tonight we enjoy final drinks and a celebratory last dinner on board.

Meals:  B,L,D

We enjoy an early breakfast on board and a final snorkel before motoring back to Denarau marina. Disembarkation is around 10am. We farewell the captain and crew before a transfer to Nadi airport, for those catching a flight out today, or Nadi town if continuing your stay in Fiji.

Meals:  B