The majestic Yasawa Islands group lies northwest of the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji and stretches 62nm into the South Pacific Ocean.
Their remoteness, white sand beaches, clear blue lagoons and unique terrain, makes this remote, rugged and authentic group of 20 ancient islands, one of the most stunning regions of Fiji.
Fortunately because of this remoteness to the mainland, commercial development has never taken hold.
Formed several million years ago by volcanoes, the southernmost islands of Kuata and Waya Lailai have dramatic elevations, incredible rock formations and summits at almost 600 metres above sea level.
The pristine beaches and dramatic landscape provide a beautiful environment in which to relax or enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Yasawa Island Group, Fiji Discovery Expedition Cruise – 20 Jul – 2 Aug 2024
- 200nm
- 20 Jul – 2 Aug 2024
- 13 Days
- Cat 3 Cruise
- Event #2419
- Vessel: Te Kaihōpara
Yasawa Island Group, Fiji
Itinerary
You can fly directly into Nadi Airport on or before the 20th of July 2024.
When you arrive at Vuda Marina, we’ll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner.
We will aim to depart (subject to weather) around midday on the 21st of July and leave the Vuda Point Marina, heading NW for the first of our Yasawa Island anchorages.
You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive but if you plan to arrive prior to the 20th of July, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore.
The goal is to explore the Yasawa Island group over the following 12 days, stopping daily at selected bays, attractions and islands en-route.
We will aim to sail back into Vuda Point Marina on the 1st of August and you can stay onboard on arrival before departing out of Nadi Airport on the 2nd of August.
The islands are steeped in mystery and legend.
The Yasawan people live as they have done for centuries, keeping the spirit of the islands alive with their traditional and simple lifestyle.
Blessed with dramatic volcanic peaks and sun-drenched white sand beaches, the Yasawa Islands is a haven for nature lovers and its a sailors dream for an adventurous ocean escapade.
Further north, turquoise lagoons surround white sandy beaches.
It includes the famous Blue Lagoon and as the name suggests, the water is the most inviting shades of blue you will ever see.
Many of the Yasawa islands are home to traditional island villages and it’s these Fijian people who help make this cruising adventure magical.
This 12 day cruising adventure will include a series of day hops and overnight anchorages in peaceful sheltered bays at many of the following islands in the group; Kuata, Waya and Waya Lailai, Viwa, Naukacuva, Nanuya Balavu, Drawaqa, Naviti, Yaqeta, Matacawalevu, Nanuya Lailai, Tavewa and Nacula.
We’ll island hop our way through the archipelago to standout spots like the awe-inspiring Sawa-i-Lau caves, swim with mesmerising mantas and discover delightful underwater coral gardens.
There are secret beaches to discover, deserted bays to snorkel and scenic lookouts where you can watch the sun slip into the sea.
Famous for its natural beauty, the ‘Blue Lagoon’, is ringed by islands with soft rolling peaks.
Coconut palms line the whitest sandy beaches you have ever seen and the water is a mix of aqua and turquoise, so stunning that you’ll want to dive right in and discover the coral reefs below. In the midst of the Blue Lagoon is what’s considered to be the jewel of the Yasawas – ‘Nanuya Lailai’.
Dotted with palm trees and surrounded by a coral lagoon, the island is truly one of Fiji’s gems. The surrounding waters are alive with colourful fish and coral.
Referred to as ‘the very heart of the Yasawas’, the majestic Sawa i lau Caves are one of the ‘must-do’ activities for sailors visiting the spectacular Blue Lagoon. The ancient limestone formations, carved by constant wave action, are hidden within a little island in the northern Yasawas. The history of the caves is legendary; the story goes that a young Chief once safely settled with his betrothed in the cave after her family threatened to marry her off to a rival Chief. Every day he would swim into this hidden grotto with food for the girl until eventually they both escaped to the safety of another island and to be together forever. The sacred Sawa i lau Caves are also known as the resting place of the ten-headed ancient Fijian god, Ulutini.
Te Kaihōpara: Last Crew Position Available
- Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.
- SHARED CABIN: AUD$8,750 (PER BERTH)
- PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$23,625 (INCLUDES 3 BERTHS)
- 13 DAYS
The 72-Foot Yacht Te Kaihōpara
Te Kaihōpara is a 72ft, steel-hulled, 56-ton, ketch-rigged sailing vessel. Designed by Don Brooke and built in New Zealand. The yacht is a luxuriously appointed cruising ketch that combines the strength and safety of a steel hull, with excellent performance under wind and power through excellent design and waterline length.
Te Kaihōpara translates to The Explorer in Maori and has been renamed to capture the essence and purpose of our future adventures around this beautiful country. Built in 1976, Te Kaihōpara was formerly known as The Dove and Paul Markson II when originally launched. She has graced New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, crossed the Tasman and cruised the Pacific Islands for more than four decades under three previous owners. Te Kaihōpara was designed to explore New Zealand’s rugged coastline in all weather conditions, providing comfort with extensive indoor and outdoor spaces.
Ocean Sailing Expeditions purchased Te Kaihōpara in early 2023. She is currently undergoing a full rewire and upgrade of safety systems to meet the latest Coastal Survey safety standards with Maritime New Zealand, before relocating to her new home at The Viaduct Marina in Auckland, ready to commence sailing operations in September 2023.