Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Yasawa Islands - Octopus, Oarsman's Bay, or other? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji
cdntravelbug 14:20 UTC 30 Mar 2010 | Hi, I'm booked for two weeks in Fiji in mid-April. I'm planning to first head up to the Yasawa Islands for some R&R and am looking for a good, chilled place, low-to-mid price range. My priority is a great beach, relaxed atmosphere (not crazy parties all the time, though some would be good), and decent/good snorkeling. Some Fiji culture would be great as well, and maybe some hiking/exploring. I plan to do some diving in Kadavu later on, so diving here is not a must - though if it's worthwhile, I may do a dive or two. I am currently deciding between Octopus Resort and Oarsman's Bay. Octopus seems a bit higher-end, more lively, and is MUCH closer to Nadi. On the other hand, Oarsman's appears a bit more basic, but more relaxing and remote, but takes much longer to reach. Cost between the two is comparable and not a deal-breaker either way. Anyone with experience with these, please let me know your thoughts based on what I'm looking for. I realize they're quite different, but if there's not a big reason to go all the way to Oarsman's Bay, I'd probably save the time and just go to Octopus. Any alternative suggestions would be welcome as well! Thanks!! |
Taimarilyn 08:27 UTC 31 Mar 2010 | Octopus is a good choice - but so would their new sister resort be. Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is on the same beach as Oarsmans, and opened last Christmas, so very new. It is smaller than Octopus so fewer guests, but same high standard of accommodation. They also have 2 roomed tents which are a good option. Oarsmans has not had good reviews of late and you might be disappointed with that. As for time spent travelling - both are on the Yasawa Flyer run which leaves Denarau at 8.30am and gets to Octopus at 11am, and Nacula (for Blue Lagoon) by 1pm. So not really much longer to travel. Both have good snorkelling but the beach at Blue Lagoon is probably more sheltered. Both offer hiking and village visits. | 1
cdntravelbug 00:06 UTC 01 Apr 2010 | Blue Lagoon looks great - I that's a great option! Thanks very much for the suggestion. And yes, I suppose it's not that big a difference in distance between Octopus and Oarsman's Bay... I think it just seemed that way because Octopus has its own boat, which runs twice daily - rather than having to take the Yasawa Flyer, which is just once daily and makes many stops. Thanks again! | 2
marle 13:07 UTC 09 Apr 2010 | My BF and I are doing 2 weeks in June and just booked 5 days @ both of those resorts. We coudn't decide, so didn't choose. Figured a change of scenery isn't a bad thing. | 3
tiasis 18:14 UTC 15 Apr 2010 | I stayed at the Octopus a year ago - very nice resort. Great food, stocked bar, pool, hammacks, volleyball net, long & quiet beach, friendly staff - can't go wrong. The only downside is that the beautifual scenery is behind you and best enjoyed from the water - not the beach chair. However, if you walk down the beach (to the right if you are facing the water), you'll discover a secluded area with amazing views. | 4