Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

10 days in Fiji: Organised tour or Wing it!

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

Just booked my flight to Fiji. Fly out on the 14th Sept and back 25 Sept.

Boy do I need it. First holiday in 16 months, with work going nuts. I have extensively backpacked in the past but have hung my boots up for the past couple of years. I am a single guy so I am looking for some relaxation and a bit of adventure. But not too much hassle.
I think 8 months travel solo around India wore me down.

So I was all set to book on to Awesome Adventures on the 7 day Ultimate Lei package.

DAY 1: Cruise out
DAY 2: Sawailau Caves
DAY 3: Korovou
DAY 4 & 5: transfer on the ‘Yasawa Flyer’
DAY 6: Chill, beach, snorkel at Beachcomber
DAY 7: Kick back

Cost around $1200 AU with the excursions.

But reading the posts I am having second thoughts. I only have 10 days and want to make the most of it.

Beachcomers sounds like the party island. And Mantaray for the scubadiving.

Can I have some advise on whether its worth taking this package or if not where are the must see spots of the Yasawas.

As always thanks for the advise.

M

One potential issue for you is that the State School holidays for Vic and Qld (and maybe others) start on 17 Sep so some bookings will be harder and prices higher in Fiji.

If you can travel solo in India then youll find it dead easy in Fiji.Life is much slower and calmer there.
Id look at Octopus if there is availability. It has a dive centre, is relatively close to Nadi, and some socialising , though not at all a party place. It is close to Manta Ray but nicer (and dearer).

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Fiji is super easy place to backpack solo. Organized tours really aren't worth the premium cost. Figure out which resorts interest you, book them, then arrange transportation with Awesome Adventures.

I've stayed at Wayalailai, Manta Ray, Octopus, and Blue Lagoon resorts. I'd recommend all of them, as they're each very different.
Wayalailai is very basic and almost like staying in a village rather than a resort.
Manta Ray had a party atmosphere when I was there, and the snorkelling was good but there was a strong current to be wary of.
Octopus has been THE spot for many years and is very enjoyable, but relatively big and busy.
Blue Lagoon is the new it spot, outclassing Octopus in most regards (better food, better beach, better rooms, etc).

I generally found 2 nights per resort to be a good pace.

You could also wing it and not book any accommodation in advance, but then you'll probably miss out on the nicer places like Octopus & BL.

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