only three days - where should we go?

My friend and I have 3 days of vacation before we start volunteering in Buca Bay. We fly into Nadi 5am on a Monday, and need to be back in Nadi on Thursday at 10am to fly to Savusavu. Where should we go during these three days? We would like a relaxing beach with good snorkeling and perhaps kayaking. We are considering:

Bounty Island in the Mamanuca Group
Octopus Resort on Waya in the Yasawa Group

Do you think we have time to go all the way to Waya? we would go on the 10am yellow boat monday, and come back wednesday afternoon in time to make our flight on Thursday. Or should we stay closer? If you only had three days what is the best spot to experience?

Thanks!!

ps looking for budget resorts only - $20 dorms ideal.

Octopus would be great. Two things to note - the Yellow Boat leaves at 8.30am not 10am (has done for the past few years & I don't think it would be changed) - and what currency is your $20? - at Octopus it is in US$ which would make a considerable difference to you if you are thinking in FJ$.

• and forgot to add above - meal plan is another US$29 per day there.

stay in the Yasawa chains for the entire 3days. If you like the party scene, any of the first part of the yasawas (mamanucas group) will be fine. but if you prefer the quiet relax, head to any real yasawa (nacula, waya, wayalailai, etc...)

waya is so close and the first real yasawa. take the yasawa flyer