Which island is better? I can only visit 2: Kuata, Waya or Nacula

Hi!

I'm flying to Fiji next week with a friend, and I have some questions. I only have 4days and 3nights, and I want to visit 2 island in the Yasawa's group. I want to do snorkelling and hiking and visit some villages (if it's possible). I really don't know which ones I will like more. Which ones do u recomend me?

My first option is to go to Kuata and Waya, and staying in Kuata island resort and Octopus resort (waya). Do u have any idea about Kuata resort? Do u think it's better to go to Octopus Resort and to Oarsmans Bay Lodge?

Thanks

Kuata is a small island with no village on the island, although there is a small village across the channel on Wayalailai which you could visit.
Octopus sounds like it would suit you well with good snorkelling and hiking and access to village visit - but it would be worth checking if they had availability at this short notice. Oarsmans is much further up the Yasawa chain so you would have a longer boat ride to get there (and back).

I have been to all three...

Octopus was my favourite accomodation in the Yasawas. The village visit was very interesting, the reef is good and accessable at all tides through the boat channel. The hiking is very good, and it is a very friendly resort with a range of things to do, if you so choose.

Oarsman's had good fishlife, though the reef was slightly sadder than Waya's (still well worth exploring!). Sulawese cave (SP?) is another draw- you snorkel in through a submerged entrance. Not much walking on the island. You could also consider staying at one of the resorts on Nanuya Lailai. I stayed at Seaspray- much more basic than Oarsmans, but I enjoyed the traditional bure. I am not sure about formal village visits, but the locals were all very happy to chat with us! Over the island is the Blue Lagoon- more good fish life, great kayaking, and a lovely hike over the island to get there, with stunning views.

If you are interested in getting under the water, Nanuya Lailai has a decent dive op- Westside Watersports- and Octopus has a good diveshop too.

I was not so impressed with Kuata. The accomodation was basic but fine, but their safety standards seemed poor- overloaded longboats to transfer us to the Yasawas flyer, guided kayak trips just before low tide so the kayaks all got stranded and people were badly cut when they got stuck on the reef, snorkelling trips in rough conditions where the boat was damaged in the waves... By exercising common sense I avoided the trips, but the decent snorkelling can only be accessed by boat. I was bored and pleased to get away.

Another suggestion for you could be Manta Ray. This had a stunning reef just off the resort, and there is also the chance to swim with mantas (July- October-ish). The fish life was fantastic; this was the best snorkelling I did in the Yasawas. Healthiest corals too. I can't remember if they have village visits. There are some pleasant short walks. This could be a great sopt for you if you don't fancy getting the boat all the way to the top for Nacula.

Whatever you choose, enjoy your trip!

I heard from a girl who had been on Kuata that she had her camera nicked from the dorm by some local guy and the manager was very slow to take responsibilty, and that some of the local lads were keen on pantsing the tourists come night time. All sounded a bit seedy for me, that said all the other places I've been to were really great and I haven't been to this place. Just what I'd heard first hand off the Yellow Boat recently.

I would vote for Octopus and Manta Ray

As a subnote, Waya island is also great, I spent two nights there in a beach house. Cant remember what it was called but I do remember climbing the hill at the very southern tip of the island, overlooking this beach hut and enjoying an amazing sunset.