Ultimate Yasawa Sea Kayak Expedition
Ultimate Yasawa Sea Kayak Expedition
9 Days Starting and ending in Nadi
Visiting: Fiji
Tour Overview
The Yasawa Islands are a superb playground for sea kayakers. A region of sparkling azure waters and white sandy beaches fringed by pristine coral reefs, the chain of sixteen islands are located north-west of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu. For six days we paddle in modern expedition-style kayaks through this remote paradise. We follow an itinerary dictated by the winds and the tides. During the trip we will stop at uninhabited beaches to enjoy picnic lunches, snorkel in the clear South Pacific water and undertake several open water crossings. We will kayak for five to six hours each day, leaving plenty of opportunity for swimming, visiting nearby traditional villages or exploring secluded coves. Camp each night will be on a pristine beach or near a traditional Fijian village where the friendly local people are always happy to share their culture, traditions and history.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Nadi, Fiji, Overnight Hotel
On arrival in Nadi, a free airport to hotel transfer will be provided by the hotel. Upon leaving customs, a Fiji Visitors Bureau agent will show you where the transfer shuttle bus is waiting. The group trip briefing with your guide will be held at 8:00pm in the hotel. If your flight arrives after this, please advise our office so we can arrange an alternate briefing for you. The trip briefng will last for approximately an hour, so it’s a good idea to eat dinner prior to the meeting. Dinner tonight is not included in the trip cost. Overnight hotel: Tanoa International Hotel Nadi (or similar).
Day 2 : Boat To Yasawa Islands, Commence Sea Kayaking
We have an early start to the day in order to meet our boat transfer at Denarau marina for the 8.45am boat to the islands. The Yasawa Flyer, the boat servicing the Yasawas, is a 267-passenger catamaran. All luggage can be taken with you on the boat, but please do keep your valuables on your person during the journey. It’s a good idea to bring some snacks and reading matter for the boat transfer. The Flyer transports us approximately 72 kms to Tavewa Island and the Blue Lagoon, arriving at approximately 1.45 pm. From the Yasawa Flyer, we will transfer to our base on Tavewa Island by small island boat. The combination of reefs, close island grouping and shallow waters create the stunning aqua colours for which this area is famous. Our base camp has a dining bure (hut) and grassy campsites to pitch your tent. Your guide will issue watertight bags to carry your personal gear during the kayak trip. The bags are 20 litres in volume (about 2/3 the size of a pillow case). Luggage not wanted while kayaking can be stored in our shed on the island. After customising the kayaks and getting acquainted with the expedition gear, there will be an instructional paddling session before a short excursion in the lagoon. Watching the sunset from the beach, followed by a delicious tropical dinner, is a great way to end the first day in the islands. Overnight camping.
Day 3 : Paddle To Navotua (Approx 15 Km)
This morning we will load our kayaks and paddle 15 km to Navotua. With favourable tides, out lunch spot will occur en route where fringing reefs run directly off the beach. After rounding the point of Nacula Island we head for the small village of Navotua. The villagers here are particularly friendly, exuding a special warmth and offering an unforgettable reception. We will have time for a snorkel in the reefs off shore and explore the surrounds before settling in for the evening. (Note: snorkelling equipment is not included). Overnight camping.
Day 4 : Paddle To Sawa-I-Lau (Approx 11 Km)
We paddle to the caves at Sawa-I-Lau, a scenic island with sharp limestone peaks and salt water caves that make for fascinating exploring. We will then carry on to an uninhabited island with delightful snorkeling before returning to Navotua village. (paddle distance approx. 11 kms). We round out the day with afternoon entertainment provided by the village and an invitation to join the chief for a social kava party in the evening. (Kava is a non-alcoholic drink with mild, numbing effects). Overnight camping.
Day 5 : Paddle Back To Tavewa (Approx 15 Km)
Today we paddle back to Tavewa, exploring the many inlets and bays of Nacula Island en route. Overnight camping.
Day 6 : Paddle To Matacawalevu (Approx 15 Km)
After breakfast, we’ll pack our snorkelling gear and picnic lunch and head off to explore the inner reaches of the Blue Lagoon, just off Matacawalevu Island. We seek out the best coral reefs, explore a delightful maze of sandbars and time permitting, visit the local primary school. Paddling distance today is approximately 15kms. Tonight, we repack for the southern leg of the journey. Overnight camping.
Day 7 : Paddle To Naviti Island (Approx 20 Km)
We’ll aim for a dawn start as we have a long paddling day. We round Matacawalevu, paddle along the length of Yaqueta Island and on to the large island of Naviti. On crossing Bligh Strait there is a great opportunity to troll and catch a fresh fish dinner. Paddling distance approximately 20 kms. Overnight camping.
Day 8 : Paddle Length Of Naviti Island (Approx 15 Km)
We continue our paddle along Naviti Island, stopping for a swim or snorkel en route to Barefoot Manta resort on Drawaqa Island. On arrival, we’ll settle into our island accommodation and enjoy a relaxed tropical dinner at the resort’s restaurant. Paddling distance approximately 15kms.
Day 9 : Morning Snorkel, Boat To Nadi, Trip Concludes
Today the group will have the opportunity to snorkel with the magnificent manta rays that feed in the narrow channel between Drawaqa and Naviti Islands, an amazing experience and a highlight of the trip. After lunch it’s time to farewell your guides before departing on the Yasawa Flyer at 3pm for the journey back to Nadi. The trip concludes on arrival at Denarau Marina in Nadi at approximately 6:00pm. Trip concludes.
Accommodation on this night (and transfers to your hotel) are not included in the trip cost. If departing Fiji the evening of Day 9, we recommend not booking a flight that departs before 10.00pm. Please ask your consultant for accommodation suggestions in Nadi or you may like to extend your stay in the Yasawas at one of the resorts and return to the mainland on a later day. If you would like to stay longer on the islands, please let us know at least 6 weeks prior to your trip departure date so we can change your boat reservation (note - boat surcharge may be applicable).
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights camping -
8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
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Professional guides
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Hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
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Internal boat transfers
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Single sea kayaks (doubles on request), paddles, life jackets and safety equipment
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2 person tents
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Group camping equipment
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Sleeping mats
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Watertight drybag
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Group first aid kit
Accommodation
6 nights camping
The first night at our group hotel, Tanoa International Hotel Nadi, is comfortable and clean. The last night of the trip at Barefoot Manta resort is in simple private accommodation. Rooms are based on twin share although single supplements may be requested for an additional charge.
Note: for single travellers, you will be matched with another person of the same gender. However if we can not match you up a compulsory single supplement will be applicable. A single supplement is available for the hotel nights in Nadi and the Barefoot Manta resort only. For the camping nights, a single tent can be provided for solo travellers at no extra charge (book in advance)..
Grading
This trip is designed for paddlers who have previous experience (intermediate paddling standards or higher). We will mostly paddle single kayaks but would like to have at least one double along for safety reasons. We ask that you prepare for the trip by doing some regular paddling prior to the trip. We will paddle loaded kayaks enabling us to be self-sufficient during the trip. The degree of difficulty of the trip will depend on the weather we encounter. The sea and weather conditions in the outer islands are predominantly stable but in windier conditions we may require a full days paddling. There will be at least two open water crossings with accompanying swell. An "average" paddling day will range from five to six hours and we mix in as much snorkelling and exploration walking as we can fit in. The approximate distance we expect to paddle is around 90 kilometres. We ask that all participants expect an adventure and we will amend the itinerary to take advantage of the weather and opportunities as they arise.
To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable paddling holiday your kayaking standard for paddling traditional sea kayaks with spray skirts should be of an intermediate level, combined with an adventurous attitude. Please note that you will be required to complete a kayak experience form when booking this trip.
The activity of paddling could be compared to brisk walking or cycling. The degree of difficulty of the trip will depend on the weather we encounter. The sea and weather conditions in the Yasawas are predominantly stable but some days may require a full days paddling due to prevailing winds and distances of approx. 11 - 20 km.
The fitter you are generally, the more you will enjoy the paddling and the greater your resistance to illness. It is a good idea to begin some form of regular exercise well before the trip. Walking, jogging, cycling, aerobics and swimming are all worthwhile methods for achieving a reasonable level of fitness. For paddling, the best exercise is paddling or swimming for developing upper body strength. If you can manage a half-day paddling a kayak on your local harbour or lake, albeit with stops along the way, you will cope with a moderate graded trip. Speed is not the essence; stamina, confidence and continuity are. To prepare for a paddling holiday we recommend you take every opportunity to hire/borrow a kayak and head out for a paddle on your local harbour. If you are unable to do any paddling, any upper body training such as swimming is highly recommended.
What You Carry
In your deckbag you will need to carry a light rainjacket, a warm jacket or thermal top, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.