Fiji Sea Kayaking Adventure

Paddle the turquoise waters of the Yasawa Islands

Paddle among tropical islands

Enjoy remote beach camps when you kayak through the isolated Yasawa Islands in Fiji | Al Bakker

The crystal clear waters of the Yasawa Islands | Al Bakker

Paddle among tropical islands

Enjoy remote beach camps when you kayak through the isolated Yasawa Islands in Fiji | Al Bakker

The crystal clear waters of the Yasawa Islands | Al Bakker

Code: SOG8903

Overview

Highlights

Paddle among tropical islands complete with sparkling azure waters and white sandy beaches
Experience the warmth of Fijian hospitality
Go with the flow on an itinerary dictated by the winds and the tides
Snorkel on coral reefs and relax in the shade of a palm when not in the kayak
Soak up the island ambiance from our beach side camps

The Yasawa Islands in Fiji are a sea kayaker's delight; a region of sparkling azure waters and white sandy beaches fringed by coral reefs. For five days we paddle through the beautiful, remote islands following an itinerary dictated by the tides and the sun. We kayak for three to four hours each day, leaving plenty of time to enjoy snorkeling an underwater paradise, visiting traditional villages and relaxing on palm fringed beaches.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Nadi

Activities:

Grading:Moderate

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Nadi and trip briefing

On arrival in Nadi, transfer to your hotel and attend a trip briefing. Overnight hotel in Nadi.

Meals: D

Day 2
Tavewa Island

Early in the morning, transfer to Denarau marina and catch a boat to the islands. 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. 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.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Paddle to Matacawalevu Island, return to Tavewa Island (approx. 15km)

After breakfast, we’ll pack our snorkelling gear and picnic lunch and head off to circumnavigate nearby Matacawalevu Island. We seek out the best coral reefs, explore a delightful maze of sandbars and if time permitts, visit the local primary school. Paddling distance today is approximately 15kms. Tonight, weather dependent, we’ll enjoy an island BBQ back at our Tavewa base. (Note: snorkelling equipment is not included). Overnight camping.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Paddle to Navotua, on Nacula Island (approx. 15km)

This morning we will load our kayaks and paddle 15 km to Navotua, weather permitting. With favourable tides, our lunch spot will occur en route where fringing reefs run directly off the beach. After a refreshing snorkelling session we paddle some more to round the point of Nacula Island and head for the small village of Navotua. The villagers here are particularly friendly, exuding a special warmth and offering an unforgettable reception. Personal escorts will show us through nearby plantations and the village, where we can observe the making of mats and perhaps the building of a Fijian bure. If the winds are too strong today we will only paddle what is comfortable and then transfer to an accompanying boat to cover the remaining distance to Navotua. We pitch the tents on our grassy campsite and experience island-village life. Overnight camping.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Paddle to Sawa-I-Lau (approx. 6-8km)

We paddle to Sawa-I-Lau, a scenic island with sharp limestone peaks and salt water caves that make for fascinating exploring. After the return paddle to Navotua, we round out the day with afternoon entertainment provided by the village. Overnight camping.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Paddle back to Tavewa (approx. 15km)

Paddle back to Tavewa, exploring the many inlets and bays of Nacula en route. If time permits, we can snorkel at the back of the island. Tonight we enjoy our last tropical dinner together, savouring the flavours of the South Pacific beneath rustling coconut palms and reflecting on our adventures. Overnight camping.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Transfer to Nadi, trip concludes

We spend a relaxing morning on Tavewa Island before departing on the Yasawa Flyer to Denarau Marina in Nadi. Transfer to the airport and depart home.

Meals: B,L

Learning outcomes for students

World Expeditions Schools journeys are designed to encourage positive personal development and the learning of life skills, while leaving the communities and environments we travel to, in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to:
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers, their teachers, and the local people they meet.
• increase the confidence to engage with new people, and collaboratively make informed decisions.
• discover the benefits of working cooperatively together as a cohesive team, to achieve a common objective.
• Increase the ability to face, and cope with, mental and physical challenges and therefore increase resilience.
• give students a chance to appreciate and care for the natural world. The environments we travel through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment.
• Learn personal skills i.e., time management, personal hygiene, responsibility for personal gear, patience, tolerance, and public speaking.
We help encourage students to learn what it means to be a true global citizen.

Inclusions

What's included

International flights
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
Hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
Internal boat transfers
Double sea kayaks (singles on request depending on group numbers and experience), paddles, PFD's (life jackets) and safety equipment
2 person tents
Sleeping mats
Watertight bags for personal gear
Professional guides
Group first aid kit
All transfers

What's not included

Snorkelling equipment
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls etc.
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Aerated drinks
Tips
Travel insurance
Visas

Grading

Moderate

Please note that you will be required to complete a general 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. An "average" paddling day will range from 3-5 hours and we mix in rest days and snorkelling for relaxation and exploration. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?What should I pack?

Essentials include lightweight, quick-dry clothing, robust water shoes, and personal snorkelling gear. For daily needs, bring a small dry bag. We will provide all kayaking and safety equipment, including kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and first aid kits. Also included are watertight bags for your personal gear and camping equipment.

?When is the best time to visit?

The ideal time to visit Fiji for kayaking is during the dry season from May to November, which offers milder temperatures and less rainfall. We schedule trips primarily within this window to ensure the best possible conditions for our guests. The early and late parts of the season (May and October) often feature warmer temperatures and gentler breezes, making them particularly pleasant. For wildlife enthusiasts, the months of June through August are best for spotting manta rays, a highlight of the Yasawas’ marine life.

?What ages are the trips appropriate for?

Our kayaking adventures in the Yasawa Islands are generally suitable for individuals aged 12 and up, but we also offer special family-friendly departures that are perfect for younger paddlers. These special trips cater to families with children, making it an ideal choice for those looking to introduce their kids to the joys of outdoor and paddle sports in a safe and enjoyable setting. Enquire about our dedicated family-friendly departures, where children under 15 years old receive a discount. These departures include activities tailored to all ages, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and comfortable experience.

?Why do we choose the Yasawa Islands for our Fiji adventures?

The Yasawas are a chain of 16 volcanic islands renowned for their stunning natural beauty, from pristine beaches to vibrant coral reefs. They provide the perfect setting for adventure, allowing paddlers to explore remote beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and interact with the warm and welcoming local communities. SSV has been paddling these waters for over 30 years, drawing on our deep local connections and experience to offer unique and immersive guided kayaking adventures.

?What can I expect from a typical day on a Fiji paddling trip?

Days are full and invigorating. You’ll start with breakfast and a briefing before kayaking between islands, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, or visiting local villages. Lunch is often on a secluded beach. Our Yasawa Islands Sea Kayaking - Fiji trip may involve 3-4 hours of paddling per day, ideal for those looking for a relaxed pace.

?What kayaking skills or experience do I need?

The Yasawa Islands Sea Kayaking - Fiji trip trip accommodates beginners and those with some paddling experience, focusing on enjoying the serene environment at a leisurely pace. Everyone must complete a Kayak Experience form.

?What wildlife might I see in the Yasawa Islands?

The marine environment here is rich with life; you may encounter manta rays, sea turtles and myriad tropical fish species. The islands themselves host diverse birdlife, bats and offer a mix of open grasslands, dry woodlands and tropical forest.

?Can you tell me about the cultural experiences on these trips?

The trip provides immersive cultural experiences, allowing you to interact with local communities, participate in traditional kava ceremonies, and experience Fijian hospitality. All our trips are escorted by local guides and guests get to spend a night in a local village where they are treated to a traditional Meke and the chance to simply relax and interact with locals.

?What are the meal and accommodation options?

All meals during our trips are freshly prepared using local produce and cater to a variety of dietary needs. Accommodations include comfortable hotels at the beginning and end of the trips, standing camps with stretcher beds at our Tavewa basecamp, and screened two-person tents with thermarest mattresses for remote beach camping and village visits. For a unique local experience, upgrades to private beachside huts in Navotua are available, subject to availability.

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

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