Fiji's Outer Islands

The Outer Islands of Fiji include some of the finest vacation destinations.

These islands include Vatulele, Yasawa Islands, Beqa Island, Kadavu, the Lau Group, and the Mamanuca Islands just off of the coast near Nadi.

Nearby Vatulele is the picturesque island that hosts the exclusive Vatulele Island Resort. Closer to Suva, Beqa Island lies close to the Beqa Lagoon. To the east of Viti Levu in the Lomaiviti Group of Islands Ovalau rises steeply from the ocean. Its primary attraction is the old colonial capital of Levuka which sits at the base of these steep hills. With a population of approx 2000 there is a strong evidence of times past in Levuka and plenty of reference to the colonial period.
 

The Yasawa Island Group stretches in a long thin chain from Waya Island in the south to Yasawa Island, 80km to the north, which boasts an exquisite luxury resort. There is rarely a few miles between each island and at some points it is even possible to wade to the neighboring island at low tide.

Turtle Island on Nanuya Island is perhaps one of the most romantic resorts in the world, and justifiably so. The lagoon off Nanuya Lailai has the best snorkeling in the Yasawas.

The northernmost island in the group is Yasawa. The island has numerous excellent beaches, many of which are seldom visited by tourists. The only accommodation is at the exclusive Yasawa Island Resort. Off the southern tip of Yasawa are limestone caves on Sawa-i-Lau which are popular for their swimming pools. Otherwise, the islands are home to local Fijians whose fishing villages are themselves in idyllic settings. Some of the locals work for the resorts, others collect and sell seashells to passing cruise ships, fish the lagoons and generally live off the land. Houses are still made from woven reeds and palm leaves; there is no electricity, few schools and little in the way of material goods.
 

The Mamanuca Islands are undoubtedly Fiji's most popular island resort destination. The small group of islands are visible from Nadi Airport and take just a few minutes to reach by plane, or about 20 minutes by fast catamaran. There are almost twenty small island resorts throughout the group - the largest being Mana Island with about 160 rooms. Some of the resorts are on tiny coral atolls which can be walked around in five minutes (Beachcomber and Treasure), others on larger islands with sweeping beaches (Tokoriki, Malolo). The focus here is on fun water activities - banana boat rides, jet ski rides, para-sailing - as well as more relaxing activities like game fishing, sailing and scuba diving.

Kadavu is a large Island (50 km in length and up to 13 km wide) approximately 80 km South of Suva. Kadavu is a rugged island with few roads and plenty of boats. Spectacular reefs, lush rainforests and rugged landscape have turned this into a excellent base for adventure travel.

Kadavu is well known by divers for the World Class Astrolabe Reef and there are excellent dive-shop facilities on the Island such as those as Dive Kadavu. It is also becoming popular with surfers.

For nature lovers and birdwatchers the bright Kadavu Red-shining Parrot, can be easily observed in its natural habitat. With an airport, wharf and hospital facility, Kadavu is an excellent destination and with flights leaving daily from Nadi Airport, it is easy to get to. There are also regular air and boat services from Suva.

The Lau Group of Islands stretches along the East Coast of Fiji coast to Tonga. The area is not easily accessible for visitors and there is very limited accommodation in this region however Lomaloma Resort on Vanuabalavu is an excellent facility. Islands in this group include Vanuabalavu, Ono-I-Lau, Moala and Lakeba.

The best way to visit is by yacht where you can enjoy private bays and pristine beaches. There are also regular flights and ferries leaving from Suva.