Things to do in Yasawa Islands

Get ready for the ''Ultimate Encounter'' which has you up close and personal with reef sharks in their natural environment. Depart Port Denarau aboard a high-speed catamaran and travel through the Mamanuca Islands bound for Barefoot Kuata Resort located in the southern Yasawa Islands. Kuata Island boasts a picture-perfect beach, transparent turquoise waters, unusual rock formations, and the same warm hospitality synonymous with Fijian people. There are two main species of sharks encountered, White Tip Reef Sharks and Black Tip Reef Sharks, both are common in the tropical warm waters of the South Pacific. They can grow to a length of up to 1.8 meters although under the water they appear 25% larger due to a snorkeling face mask’s optical illusion. The number of sharks you will encounter will vary but it is common to see multiple sharks. As sharks are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed, however, there is a 95%+ success rate of seeing them. For the remainder of the day, enjoy lunch and make use of the snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddle boards provided.

Take in the stunning Yasawa Islands as a high-speed catamaran does its daily run north through the islands and back as you drop off/pick up guests at the various island resorts. Cruise along the coast of the many islands past steep volcanic cliffs and unusual rock formations and through the famous Blue Lagoon region where the surrounding islands are more low-lying with palm-fringed, long sandy beaches. Depart from Port Denarau at 8:45 AM and return at 6:00 PM. The remote Yasawa Island group consists of a chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands, some with dramatic summits just short of 600 meters, and the pristine beaches along the coastline are surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons. This full-day cruise is on board a vessel that drops off/picks up guests from various resorts along the way, allowing you to get a good look at them, perhaps you’ll spot your next Fiji holiday destination! Note that it is a long day and once you depart Port Denarau, you will not disembark the vessel until you return to Port Denarau, but the scenery is truly worth it! A tasty packed lunch is included and there is a licensed bar onboard where you can purchase drinks and snacks.

Depart from Port Denarau and travel as far north as possible as part of a Fiji day trip. Experience the picturesque Mantaray Island Resort, located in the amazing Yasawa Islands. Enjoy some of Fiji's best scenery, snorkeling, and non-motorized water sports. Depart from Port Denarau and board a high-speed catamaran bound for the Yasawa Islands. Cruise through the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands as you drop off/pick up guests from resorts along the way before disembarking at Mantaray Island Resort. Enjoy amazing snorkeling off the reef right in front of the resort. Have around 3.5 hours at the resort to explore, snorkel, swim, and enjoy lunch. Snorkeling gear is included as well as buoyancy aids for less confident swimmers. Savor a wood-fired pizza lunch at the Manta Pizza Shack and purchase drinks at the resort. Afterward, be collected again at 2:55 PM for your return journey to Port Denarau.

Embark on a cultural day trip to the Yasawa Islands from Port Denarau. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and vibrant culture of Fiji. Engage with local communities, explore historical sites, and experience the natural beauty of the islands. Depart from Port Denarau at 8:45 AM and arrive at Barefoot Kuata at 10:30 AM. Be warmly welcomed by the local villagers with a traditional Fijian greeting ceremony before getting into a full day of activities and experiences. This ceremony includes a kava welcome drink, an essential part of Fijian hospitality. Explore the cultural center situated near a historically significant cave. This center showcases the rich history and traditions of the Yasawa Islands. Learn about the cave’s historical importance in the area. Knowledgeable locals will share fascinating stories about the cave's role in the island's past, including its use for ancient rituals and as a refuge during conflicts. Witness captivating traditional Fijian dance and music performances. Enjoy the rhythmic beats of the lali drums and the graceful movements of the meke dance. Participate in a hands-on session to learn basic steps and rhythms. Participate in a workshop where you can create your own Fijian crafts. Learn the art of mat weaving from skilled local artisans. Discover the traditional uses of coconuts in Fijian culture, including making coconut oil, weaving coconut fronds, and using coconut shells for various purposes. Additionally, explore the use of local medicinal plants, understanding their healing properties and traditional applications. Take home your handmade souvenirs and newfound knowledge as a memento of your cultural experience. Observe and participate in a demonstration of how traditional Fijian foods are prepared. Learn about the techniques and ingredients used in making dishes such as lovo (earth oven cooking), kokoda (marinated raw fish), and other local specialties. Understand the cultural significance of these foods and enjoy tasting the dishes prepared during the demonstration. Conclude your day with a heartfelt farewell ceremony. The villagers will perform a traditional farewell song and dance, expressing their gratitude for your visit. This touching ceremony will leave you with lasting memories of your cultural day trip.

Join a full-day marine conservation experience at Barefoot Kuata Island Resort. Learn about the marine environment surrounding the island, participate in a coral regeneration program, and enjoy a buffet lunch. Depart from Port Denarau at 8:45 AM and arrive at Barefoot Kuata at 10:30 AM. Once you arrive at the island, be welcomed by the staff and given an introduction by a qualified marine biologist to the marine environment surrounding the resort. Join a guided snorkel with the marine biologist to see the coral gardens and participate in the coral regeneration program. Join the marine biologist on a low tide exploration to learn about the intertidal zone, a hugely important area from an environmental perspective and home to some of the oceans’ weirdest creatures. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the resort and then depart at 4:05 PM to return to Port Denarau at 6:00 PM.