Like many-I'm confused by the possibilities-7 nights in Fiji

Hi lovely people,

I have spent the last few days reading many topics on Fiji and I am now looking for a bit of advice (please!)

Some details: My boyfriend and I intend to head to Fiji after 6 months of travelling in South America, before heading to New Zealand for a month. As you can imagine the plan will be predominantly to relax (which is why I would like it booked and worry free in advance as we plan to do the rest on an ad hoc basis). That said I like to have the option of some activities, such as local walks/snorkelling/kayaking etc. From what I have read the Yasawa islands may be our best bet. We will arrive at 6.30am in Nadi next March for 7 nights (leave early on the final morning). If going to Yasawa we will likely miss the 8.30 boat (?) so will need to stay one night on the main island.

My main questions therefore are:
1. Am I right in thinking Yasawa is the best region for us? Any other I should look at given time restraint?
2. Any recommendations on where to base ourselves on our first day on the main island (given we cannot expect to reach the boat in time)?
3. Should we split the remaining 6 days across 2 islands; if yes what reasonably priced private accommodation would you suggest? (I have so far looked at Manteray and Oarsman bay)

If I have not provided enough information please let me know.

Thanks in advance,
Claire.

I like the local cruises to the islands you mention, you see lots of different places each day, and you could just make the boat, if the plane was on time and the airport not that busy, or you could visit the Yasawas and also some of the east coast islands, see the next post below for some ideas.

You could also check out Mana Island in the Mamanucas - ferry service there leaves at 12:15(or it did in 2013) from Denarau Marina. There are several backpackers places to stay as well as Mana Island Resort and a more upscale place. It is a great island for relaxing on the lovely beaches - the snorkeling is great and there are options for day trips. You don't need to purchase a meal plan - a situation on many of the other islands. Also, you could consider Octopus Resort on Waya Island - they have a range of accommodations, a great beach/pool, snorkeling, cultural activities, great food and interesting, diverse guests. We always stay at Raffles Gateway across from the airport - with a bus stop right outside we can get to supermarkets (good idea to take some supplies with you to the islands) or into Nadi for a look around.

Two islands for your week would be optimal. You can check the schedule to the Yasawas - I like Waya and Wayasewa
for islands close to Nadi, and Nacula, Tavewa, for the outlying Yasawas.

....because you're not likely to make the 8:30 boat departure from Denarau Harbor
Near Nadi, you can plan on overnighting in Nadi after arrival and the night before departure, if you have a morning flight.

Thanks so much everyone for the Great tips!!

Newfie43 good tip on the mamamanucas, I'll double check the boat times as that could be an alternative to two nights in Nadi and will look up what is on mana.

Kenko if heading to one island on the yasawas would you suggest somewhere like Waya or somewhere more outlying as preferred?

Also would any of you know what ticket should be purchased to do two island trips? Do we have to purchase singles for each trip (ie denarau to mana to an island in yasawas and back to denarau)?

Thanks.

Hi Claire, Waya is great for what your interests are- snorkeling, hikes and kayaking. The island close by, Wayasewa,
Is great for snorkeling and hiking as well.
( At low tide, you can actually walk across a sand bar joining the two islands.)
In the northern Yasawas, the islands are
completely different (not volcanic with mountains) almost resembling low altitude sand dunes with beautiful turquoise water offshore. Good snorkeling off a few beaches. The kayaking is outstanding.
Preview what they look like on GoogleEarth.

You might want to get a 5-day boat pass if going all the way to Nacula, Tavewa, or Nanyulailai as an addition to Waya. "Awesome Fiji.com" is their website.
Have a great trip-

Be very careful if you decide to go to Mana Island, the Mana Lagoon backpackers has really gone downhill and a visit in June nearly ruined our Fiji holiday - we had pre paid our 4 day visit, meal package and boat ride but ended just leaving after 1 night and forgetting the money. We took the south sea cruise boat back rather than the Mana Flyer ( which was quite small and had broken down)
The Rata Kina BP may be better and the Mana resort looked lovely but I think some of the others in the Mamanucas might be better- the boat stopped at. few on the way past, I liked the look of the Funky fish.
We stayed at New Town Beach the first and last few nights,not your golden sand beach but a vibrant wee enclave of BP places ranging from nice hotel type rooms- about 150 fjd to dorms, about 30. We had previously stayed at a hotel next to Raffles which was fine and about the same money as our room at The Aquarius but you are just stuck in the hotel with busy traffic around but at New Town Beach you feel like you are on holiday already and can wander on the beach and between bars etc.
we didn't get to the Yasawas but reports from other travellers made us wish we had stayed there rather than Mana.

Hi Budgetkiwi-thanks so much for the tip, that's really helpful to know! Glad you said "almost" ruined your trip and not "did", but I'd say it was stressful to make the decision to abandon the money-but probably worth it for your holiday! I will look at Funky Fish and possible one night (or more if it looks good) at Mana resort before jumping to the Yasawas for the rest of the 7 day trip. The main reason I was thnking of the Mamanucas was because I could get to an island the day I arrive, rather than staying near the harbour for a night.

Thanks again!

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