Yasawa

Yasawa is an archipelago of about 20 islands in Fiji, located to the northwest of the main island of Viti Levu in the Western Division. The chain runs roughly parallel to Viti Levu’s northwest coast, across the Yasawa Channel. The islands are of volcanic and limestone origin and are known for white-sand beaches, clear turquoise lagoons, and rugged hills that rise above tropical forests. Limestone caves and karst features add to the region’s landscape.

Most islands are sparsely populated, with settlements on several islands such as Nacula, Naviti, Waya, and Yasawa Island. Traditional Fijian village life coexists with growing tourism infrastructure, including guesthouses, eco-lodges, and small-scale resorts. The economy is dominated by tourism, supplemented by fishing and subsistence farming on some islands.

Access to the Yasawas is primarily by sea from Port Denarau on Viti Levu, using high-speed catamarans or slower ferries that connect to multiple islands. Some islands have airstrips for domestic flights, providing quicker access to certain resorts. The region is popular for snorkeling, diving, hiking, and cultural visits to villages.

Notable features include Sawa-i-Lau Cave on Waya Island, a limestone cavern connected to a freshwater pool and accessible by boat and swimming. The Yasawa Islands are also known for their appearance in popular media, including as a filming location for The Blue Lagoon. Conservation and sustainable tourism efforts are active to protect reefs and marine life in the area.