20th July 2024 to 2nd August 2024
Yasawa Island Group, Fiji Island Adventure
From £4695 per person
Deposit 25%. Balance due 12wks before embarkation
Explore this remote paradise which offers an untouched world far removed from the mainland of Fiji which was formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity.
12 Nights: 20 July - 02 August 2024
Price: From AUD$ 8,750 / £4,695 per person
*Trips are priced in the operator’s local currency. The sterling amount shown is a guide only and the amount you pay in sterling will change with currency fluctuations.
Discover the remote Yasawa Islands, with summits reaching nearly 600 metres above sea level. Situated as a secluded archipelago northwest of Viti Levu in Fiji, these islands will captivate you with white sandy beaches, clear blue lagoons, and distinctive terrains. They provide a beautiful environment in which to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Fortunately, because of this remoteness to the mainland, commercial development has never taken hold in this region. On many of the islands, the Yasawan people live as they have done for centuries, preserving the essence of the islands through their commitment to a traditional and uncomplicated lifestyle. As we visit traditional island villages, you will find that it is not only the incredible beauty of the islands that make this trip magical, but rather the people who call the Yasawa Islands home.
There will be daily stops at carefully chosen bays and attractions along the way, offering a nice contrast to the social atmosphere on board our spacious 70 foot yacht. We will visit standout spots like the Sawa-i-Lau caves, swim with manta rays and discover underwater coral gardens in a postcard perfect region where you will be welcomed to each new destination with a friendly “Bula!”.
Why You’ll Love This Trip
- You’ll explore volcanic formations and underwater coral gardens, secret beaches, and deserted bays, each day promising new discoveries.
- Wrapped in mystery and legends, the islands hold tales from the past. Hear first hand from the Yasawan people stories from their communities.
- Open up your eyes to the charm of Fiji's cultural heritage and The Yasawan people, who still live minimalistically, as if time has stood still.
- Famous for its natural beauty, the ‘Blue Lagoon’, is ringed by islands with soft rolling peaks. Coconut palms line the whitest sandy beaches you have ever seen and the water is a mix of aqua and turquoise, so stunning that you’ll want to dive right in and discover the coral reefs below.
- In the midst of the Blue Lagoon is what’s considered to be the jewel of the Yasawas – ‘Nanuya Lailai’. Dotted with palm trees and surrounded by a coral lagoon, the island is truly one of Fiji’s gems. The surrounding waters are alive with colourful fish and coral.
- Take the opportunity to snorkel in surrounding waters which are alive with colourful fish and coral, including the Parrotfish and Clownfish (You’ll recognise this one from Finding Nemo).
- Explore the Sawa i lau Caves, which are associated with a Fijian legend involving the ten-headed ancient god Ulutini, believed to have made the caves his resting place or home, adding cultural significance to the site. It is referred to as ‘the very heart of the Yasawas’.
Who The Trip Is For
- Crafted for folks who want to ditch the daily grind and step into a place with a slower pace of life. Come alone, travel as a couple, or with a group of friends.
- This is a hands-on adventure. As a working passage, everyone is expected to pitch in with cooking, crewing, and keeping the boat shipshape.
- A lot of activities revolve around the water. Snorkelling and swimming take up a fair amount of our time so get ready to jump in or relax on board while your fellow crew members are in the water.
- If you are looking for a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration, you will be in your element here!
You can fly directly into Nadi Airport on or before the 20th of July 2024. When you arrive at Vuda Marina, we’ll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. We will aim to depart (subject to weather) around midday on the 21st of July and leave the Vuda Point Marina, heading NW for the first of our Yasawa Island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive but if you plan to arrive prior to the 20th of July, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore.
The goal is to explore the Yasawa Island group over the following 12 days, stopping daily at selected bays, attractions and islands en-route. We will aim to sail back into Vuda Point Marina on the 1st of August and you can stay onboard on arrival before departing out of Nadi Airport on the 2nd of August.
The islands are steeped in mystery and legend. The Yasawan people live as they have done for centuries, keeping the spirit of the islands alive with their traditional and simple lifestyle. Blessed with dramatic volcanic peaks and sun-drenched white sand beaches, the Yasawa Islands is a haven for nature lovers and its a sailors dream for an adventurous ocean escapade. Further north, turquoise lagoons surround white sandy beaches. It includes the famous Blue Lagoon and as the name suggests, the water is the most inviting shades of blue you will ever see.
Many of the Yasawa islands are home to traditional island villages and it’s these Fijian people who help make this cruising adventure magical. This 12 day cruising adventure will include a series of day hops and overnight anchorages in peaceful sheltered bays at many of the following islands in the group; Kuata, Waya and Waya Lailai, Viwa, Naukacuva, Nanuya Balavu, Drawaqa, Naviti, Yaqeta, Matacawalevu, Nanuya Lailai, Tavewa and Nacula.
We’ll island hop our way through the archipelago to standout spots like the awe-inspiring Sawa-i-Lau caves, swim with mesmerising mantas and discover delightful underwater coral gardens. There are secret beaches to discover, deserted bays to snorkel and scenic lookouts where you can watch the sun slip into the sea.
Famous for its natural beauty, the ‘Blue Lagoon’, is ringed by islands with soft rolling peaks. Coconut palms line the whitest sandy beaches you have ever seen and the water is a mix of aqua and turquoise, so stunning that you’ll want to dive right in and discover the coral reefs below. In the midst of the Blue Lagoon is what’s considered to be the jewel of the Yasawas – ‘Nanuya Lailai’. Dotted with palm trees and surrounded by a coral lagoon, the island is truly one of Fiji’s gems. The surrounding waters are alive with colourful fish and coral.
Referred to as ‘the very heart of the Yasawas’, the majestic Sawa i lau Caves are one of the ‘must-do’ activities for sailors visiting the spectacular Blue Lagoon. The ancient limestone formations, carved by constant wave action, are hidden within a little island in the northern Yasawas. The history of the caves is legendary; the story goes that a young Chief once safely settled with his betrothed in the cave after her family threatened to marry her off to a rival Chief. Every day he would swim into this hidden grotto with food for the girl until eventually they both escaped to the safety of another island and to be together forever. The sacred Sawa i lau Caves are also known as the resting place of the ten-headed ancient Fijian god, Ulutini.
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Fiji and various stopover ports, accommodation onboard, Fiji Cruising Permits, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal flotation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. You will need to complete either a 5-hour online or 2-day classroom-based Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent prior to departure.
Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore on either side of the trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Salt Lines is a 70ft, steel-hulled, 30-ton, ketch-rigged sailing vessel. Built to Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) unlimited survey requirements, she was the second of the Laurent Giles Shipwright 70 class built on Tyneside by AMARC (TES) Ltd in 1990 for the Ocean Youth Trust (OYT). She was launched and named the John Laing by Lady Laing in Poole, UK.
Nadi Airport
Nadi Airport
You can fly directly into Nadi Airport on or before the 20th of July 2024. When you arrive at Vuda Marina, we’ll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. We will aim to depart (subject to weather) around midday on the 21st of July and leave the Vuda Point Marina, heading NW for the first of our Yasawa Island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive but if you plan to arrive prior to the 20th of July, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore.
The goal is to explore the Yasawa Island group over the following 12 days, stopping daily at selected bays, attractions and islands en-route. We will aim to sail back into Vuda Point Marina on the 1st of August and you can stay onboard on arrival before departing out of Nadi Airport on the 2nd of August.
The islands are steeped in mystery and legend. The Yasawan people live as they have done for centuries, keeping the spirit of the islands alive with their traditional and simple lifestyle. Blessed with dramatic volcanic peaks and sun-drenched white sand beaches, the Yasawa Islands is a haven for nature lovers and its a sailors dream for an adventurous ocean escapade. Further north, turquoise lagoons surround white sandy beaches. It includes the famous Blue Lagoon and as the name suggests, the water is the most inviting shades of blue you will ever see.
Many of the Yasawa islands are home to traditional island villages and it’s these Fijian people who help make this cruising adventure magical. This 12 day cruising adventure will include a series of day hops and overnight anchorages in peaceful sheltered bays at many of the following islands in the group; Kuata, Waya and Waya Lailai, Viwa, Naukacuva, Nanuya Balavu, Drawaqa, Naviti, Yaqeta, Matacawalevu, Nanuya Lailai, Tavewa and Nacula.
We’ll island hop our way through the archipelago to standout spots like the awe-inspiring Sawa-i-Lau caves, swim with mesmerising mantas and discover delightful underwater coral gardens. There are secret beaches to discover, deserted bays to snorkel and scenic lookouts where you can watch the sun slip into the sea.
Famous for its natural beauty, the ‘Blue Lagoon’, is ringed by islands with soft rolling peaks. Coconut palms line the whitest sandy beaches you have ever seen and the water is a mix of aqua and turquoise, so stunning that you’ll want to dive right in and discover the coral reefs below. In the midst of the Blue Lagoon is what’s considered to be the jewel of the Yasawas – ‘Nanuya Lailai’. Dotted with palm trees and surrounded by a coral lagoon, the island is truly one of Fiji’s gems. The surrounding waters are alive with colourful fish and coral.
Referred to as ‘the very heart of the Yasawas’, the majestic Sawa i lau Caves are one of the ‘must-do’ activities for sailors visiting the spectacular Blue Lagoon. The ancient limestone formations, carved by constant wave action, are hidden within a little island in the northern Yasawas. The history of the caves is legendary; the story goes that a young Chief once safely settled with his betrothed in the cave after her family threatened to marry her off to a rival Chief. Every day he would swim into this hidden grotto with food for the girl until eventually they both escaped to the safety of another island and to be together forever. The sacred Sawa i lau Caves are also known as the resting place of the ten-headed ancient Fijian god, Ulutini.
