Small Ship Cruises in Yasawa Islands

A Yasawa Islands Cruise is an ideal way to experience traditional life in Fiji. The Yasawa Island group is a secluded chain of 20 volcanic islands with ancient roots. There are mountains and beaches and the famous Fiji blue lagoons. Cruises to the Yasawa Islands, Fiji, will show off steep volcanic cliffs on the island's south end and sandy beaches and lagoons in the north. The islands have only been open to land-based tourism since 1987.

Top things to do and see on a Yasawa Islands Cruise

Blue Lagoon is a picture-perfect area, made famous as the location for the Blue Lagoon movie and a must-visit place on your cruise around the Yasawa Islands. With its white-sand beaches and multi-hued shades of blue water, it offers excellent snorkeling amongst its coral reefs. See a wide range of tropical reef fish and possibly even a reef shark or two.

Nanuya Lailai is a true treasure of the Yasawa Islands. Surrounded by a coral lagoon, it has great snorkeling opportunities with a fantastic backdrop of palm trees dotted along the shore. Choose whether to spend your day relaxing on a sun lounger or, for the more active-minded, try your hand at some kayaking or paddleboarding. Some Yasawa Islands cruise itineraries offer the chance to have dinner ashore using the 'lovo' cooking method. Your food will be cooked in a dugout pit in the ground.

The Sawa-I-Lau Caves are among the most impressive things you'll see in Fiji. It features prominently in the local folklore, and it's easy to see why. Spectacular limestone formations eroded gently by the sea cradle a blue lagoon you're invited to explore through a swim. This is the place to bring your underwater camera!

Barefoot Manta Island, known by natives as Drawaqa Island, is south of the Yasawa Islands of Fiji. It's known for its coral gardens just off the coast, considered one of the best in Fiji. Drawaqa is peaceful, tranquil, and a great spot to look for the tropical fish that live near Barefoot.

Scuba Diving among the Yasawa Islands of Fiji is accessible to novice and certified divers alike, and snorkeling is also popular. If you'd like to stay dry while you view the coral reefs and fish, try a glass-bottom boat tour snorkeling, Kayaking, or riding Stand-Up Paddleboards. You'll likely see manta rays, sharks, living corals, and whales or dolphins.

Sport Fishing is big in Yasawa cruises. Now is your chance if you've always dreamed of landing a big ocean fish. Mix it up with some locals through the interesting activity of fish feeding.

You won't be able to resist some time in the sun at the beach since Yasawa beaches are among the most beautiful in the world.

Participate in basket weaving, wood carving, or a traditional local feast. You could also take in a meke performance and browse the village market. Arrange for a guided island tour to visit the Yasawa Island village or pop into the local school to meet the children.

Top Tips for visiting the Yasawa Islands on a cruise

  • Consider traveling in the off-season to eliminate congested beaches and long waits for activities. If you travel during the islands' busy time, connect with the laid-back vibes of the islands and keep a patient, positive attitude.
  • Please arrive 1-2 days ahead of time in Nadi to absorb any unforeseen circumstances that could delay your arrival. This way, you'll still make the boat in time.
  • Picking the correct excursion for you is fundamental. If you need an adventure on your holiday, plan on making your time onshore active. If you crave relaxation instead, you can laze on the beach or take a guided village tour.

Our packing advice for a great time during your cruise around the Yasawa Islands includes the following:

  • Essential island toiletries like sunscreen and bug repellent
  • Proper clothing to keep you comfortable in the heat but can be layered for more warmth, including sunglasses and a sun cap, adequate shoes for hiking, the water, and the deck
  • Your particular snorkeling gear (equipment is usually available to borrow onboard; however, yours will fit best)
  • A dry sack/bag to keep your gadgets safe
  • An underwater camera to capture some of the amazing life in the waters here

A 4-month visa is issued on entry to guests with a valid passport from most nations. You can also purchase local Fijian Dollars at the air terminal and some ship ports.

Best time to cruise the Yasawa Islands Islands

The best time to take a Yasawa Islands Cruise might be the off-season! Most of the months of the year have fine weather for travel, but crowds are an issue for some travelers during peak times.

Yasawa Islands summers are wet seasons with high temperatures, high humidity, and more rain. It's tropical weather, reaching the low 30s C at night. This is perfectly fine for travel, as the rain isn't oppressive. However, you should know the cyclone season is from November through March.

The dry season is also lovely. It begins in Yasawa Islands and runs from May through September. The sun and the warm weather are slightly more comfortable than in the summer, and it's easy to avail yourself of the activities the ports have in store.

Yasawa Islands Boat cruise peak times are July to August and around the Christmas and New Year period. Try coming in March through October to avoid the busy season.

Leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles go to nest in November, December, January, February, and March. The local whales are most active from July to October.

Where do Yasawa Islands cruises depart from?

Fiji Airways, Fiji's national airline, has non-stop flights from numerous universal locations in Australia, China, and Los Angeles. Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Korean Air, Pacific Blue, Virgin Australia, Air Niugini, Air Vanuatu, Air Caledonie, and Our Airlines have regular service to Fiji.

Nadi International Airport is the fundamental entry point for most international guests. Domestic flights are available if your destination requires you to fly to another island.

Every agenda for a Fiji small ship cruise around Yasawa Islands is distinctive, but most leave from Port Denarau, Nadi. This is convenient since you'll likely enter the region there. An individual from the team will meet you at the airport terminal to escort you to the ship or your hotel if you arrive early. Please consult your chosen itinerary to confirm your departure port.

Book your next adventure cruise to the Yasawa Islands, Fiji, today.


Yasawa Islands Reviews

  • 9.1 Superb
  • 8 Verified Reviews
  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Alfred B
  • United States United States

Wonderful. Loved the snorkeling

Cruising Yasawa Islands in October on the Fiji Princess

  • 8.4 Very good
  • John P
  • United States United States

entertaining evening at Tamasua village -

Cruising Yasawa Islands in February on the Fiji Princess

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • John S
  • Australia Australia

.Relaxing and enjoyable. Got exactly what we were hoping for. No complaints from us.

Cruising Yasawa Islands in August on the Fiji Princess

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Moira E
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Perfect and very well executed

Cruising Yasawa Islands in January on the Fiji Princess

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Barbara W
  • Australia Australia

The excursions made it so much more interesting than just a cruise to beautiful beaches. Hikes, remote villages, swimming in the limestone caves, schools etc -- all good!

Cruising Yasawa Islands in April on the Fiji Princess

  • 7.6 Good
  • Chris S
  • Australia Australia

Visit to Soso Village was enjoyable to see how locals experienced island life, the various beach locations on different islands were well chosen, especially Blue Lagoons own island resort beach was a great day.

Cruising Yasawa Islands in May on the Fiji Princess