The Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands

Strung out to the west of Fiji's main island lie the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, an idyllic chain of small volcanic and coral isles that are the postcard image of the South Pacific. Ringed by white-sand beaches, translucent turquoise lagoons and vivid coral reefs, they range from tiny palm-fringed cays to larger, rugged islands, home to resorts for every budget and backpacker beach lodges. The Yasawas' Blue Lagoon, made famous by film, and superb snorkelling, diving and warm Fijian hospitality make them a tropical dream.

History

The Mamanucas are a volcanic group of about 20 islands west of Nadi, seven of which disappear under the sea at high tide. Their modern fame comes from the screen: Monuriki was the anonymous desert island of Robert Zemeckis's film Cast Away (2000), starring Tom Hanks, and since 2016 the islands have been the filming location of the television series Survivor (Wikipedia, Mamanuca Islands).

What's there

• The beaches and lagoons - the white sand and turquoise waters.
• The snorkelling and diving - the coral reefs and marine life.
• The Blue Lagoon - the famous turquoise lagoon of the Yasawas.
• The island resorts - the range from luxury to backpacker lodges.

When to go

May to October, the drier, cooler season, for the best weather, calmest seas and clearest water; the wetter, hotter months bring rain and a cyclone risk from November to April. The islands are reached by catamaran or seaplane, best booked with a resort transfer.

Practical notes

The islands are reached only by boat or seaplane and are quite isolated, with resorts your base for meals and activities, so prices add up and independent exploring is limited; the smaller cays can feel confined over many days. Reefs have suffered bleaching in places. For sheer tropical-island beauty, warm hospitality and snorkelling, though, they are genuinely idyllic and iconic.

Nearby

The gateway town of Nadi and the mainland's Coral Coast are the arrival points.