Exploring the exquisite islands of exotic Fiji by yacht
Explore some of the most remote, undiscovered and exquisite places on earth when you travel around the islands of Fiji onboard a luxury yacht charter.
The 300 islands in the South Pacific that make up the archipelago nation of Fiji represent some of the most untamed, spectacular and wildest places on the entire planet. For nature lovers, adventurous spirits and those who long to see sights that very few have ever witnessed before, a trip to Fiji’s lesser-travelled islands is a dream come true. And, there can be no better way to discover the far-flung, hidden wonders of this exquisite country than by sea, onboard your own Fiji yacht charter.
Here are five of Fiji’s most alluring and unforgettable destinations, which you’ll only truly be able to experience from the comfort and convenience of your own private yacht. You can either choose to cruise to one or two of them individually, or you can opt to have your captain chart a circular course to all of them in succession.
Mamanuca Islands
Though only a short westerly boat trip from Nadi, home of the international airport on Viti Levu, The Mamanucas already feels like an entirely different reality from the one you’ve just waved goodbye to. Characterised by turquoise-hued lagoons, coconut-tree-lined stretches of alabaster sand and live coral reefs, the 20 volcanic islands of Mamanuca (seven of which become completely submerged at high tide) exemplify most anyone’s definition of an idyllic Pacific paradise.
Walk along the silky white sands of Vomo beach. Snorkel on living coral reefs and observe a thriving undersea universe, filled with colourful plants and animals in a range of shapes and sizes. Surf, if you dare, the thrilling swells of Cloudbreak, which is routinely rated as one of the 10 best and most challenging waves in the world. Sit on deck in the warm sunshine and watch your cares recede into the foamy wake rapidly disappearing behind you, as your yacht slips through dazzling waters in varying shades of electric blue.
Yasawa Islands
The six main islands and 14 islets, which together make up the Yasawa group, mark the westernmost reaches of the Fiji archipelago. Devoid of almost all vestiges of modern life, the Yasawas offer an experience of unblemished tropical beauty. Dramatic green mountains (with peaks ranging from 250 to 600 metres high) seemingly jut straight out of the ocean and rise up to touch the cloudless sky. Off-limits to visitors until as recently as 1987, today travellers are mostly free to explore the jungle-clad isles in this volcanic chain. Yet, even in these modern times, your crew might still have to secure permission for you to take your yacht’s tender to some of the most secluded beaches.
Kayak through diamond-clear waters overflowing with vivid marine life. Swim with sharks on Kuata Island. Or hover above graceful manta rays on Drawaga isle. Enter a fascinating otherworldly environment, as you undertake a guided expedition through the stunning limestone caves of Sawa-i-lau.
Vanua Levu
Fiji’s second-largest island, the sparsely populated and mostly undeveloped, Vanua Levu, is one of the region’s best-kept secrets, Vanua Levu showcases a wildly beautiful landscape that can’t help but appeal to all those who cherish nature.
Hike along dense rainforest trails, with jungle encroaching on both sides, in the Waisali Nature Reserve. Navigate carefully along roads that are little more than dirt tracks, as you drive past miles and miles of swaying, green sugarcane and copra fields. Gaze at waterfalls gushing down mountain passes. Get up close and personal with spinner and bottlenose dolphins in Natewa Bay. Anchor your yacht in Savusavu, a breathtaking protected inlet, where you can lounge in deck chairs, soaking in the tropical sunshine and feasting your eyes on views that will last a lifetime.
Lau Islands
The easternmost fringe of the Fijian archipelago is roughly defined by a dotted line of 57 islands, which make up the Lau group. Venture completely off the beaten track, as you sail through these extraordinarily remote and often-miniscule isles. Prepare for experiences that very few have ever had. Sample Fijian culture in its purest, most unspoiled form. Get ready to be met with extremely warm welcomes and even warmer smiles.
Visit the Qilaqila Marine Reserve, one of the most protected and pristine spots on earth, located on the almost microscopic island of Vanua Balavu. Discover beaches so isolated that you might be the first non-natives to ever set foot there. Sail in to serene, deserted atolls and contemplate blissful vistas that almost no one else on the globe has ever seen before.
Lomaiviti Group
The Lomaiviti Group consists of 16 islands, which sit just off the eastern shore of Viti Levu. While geographically closer to the trappings of 21st-century society, the isles of Lomaiviti still provide the perfect escape for those in search of a tranquil beach hideaway far removed from the concerns of daily life.
Catch and release 50 kilogram trevally fish off the barrier reefs of Batiki, Gau and Nairai. Dive or snorkel on exquisite living coral reefs, which flourish in crystal clear turquoise seas off the coastlines of towering volcanic isles.
Partially return to civilisation – although a very exotic version of it – when you wander through the streets of Unesco-World-Heritage-Site, Levuka, with its magnificently preserved colonial buildings that hearken back to its former glory days as Fiji’s capital. Toast to a spectacular Fiji yacht charter, as your crew serves you local delicacies and chilled champagne on deck, and the golden sun sets slowly into the Pacific Ocean.
