YASAWA ISLANDS - FIJI

Today, we will gather at the hotel to meet your SwimTrek guides and fellow swimmers. Following a welcome briefing, we will complete your acclimatisation swim, to help you adjust to the water and conditions. Once you've dried off, you can look forward to connecting with everyone over a group dinner and discussing the exciting activities planned for the week.

This morning we head across for our first full swim day of the trip, an introduction to some of the marine life that you will encounter as the reef designates the swimming route we take. Hopping back on the boat, we return to Nanuya for lunch and a short break before an afternoon swim. We will head back out with an opportunity for a small afternoon crossing. After relaxing at the resort and reflecting on the first day, we come together for our group dinner.

Today we head to a different Island for our morning swim over fringing reef tropical fish species. We then re-group on the boat and head back to the resort for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to join in with an activity, such as a walk over to the east side of the island, to a remote tea house for a spot of tea and cake, with view of the expansive South Pacific Ocean, or take some free time to relax

After breakfast we join the boat and travel out to a new location for the morning’s swim where we will swim along the protected reef. Lunch will be taken back at the resort and then we re group on the boat and head out for a second swim. If you prefer to miss the afternoon swim, you are welcome to stay and relax or partake in a local island activity on offer.

We return to the island after a full day with time for you to relax before dinner, where we can discuss what the rest of the week has to offer.

This morning, we travel to another new island to explore, before returning to the resort for lunch and an early afternoon activity. If you wish to partake, the local staff will take you through a resort-based activity, or you can use the time to relax.

Not to be missed is tonight’s famous Island Night where the local dance troupe perform their Meke and host the ladies shell market where the local village women sell their crafts.

During our final day we will explore the remaining swim locations surrounding Nanuya. Offering opportunities to relax, snorkel or take part in another local activity. The final day can be tailored to what you want.

On our last day, after an optional morning dip, we find some time to relax and reflect on the past week before breakfast and farewells.

We have given this trip a 'Moderate' grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part in and enjoy one of these trips.

Activity Summary

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however, if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Due to the runoff from the lush, green islands which make up this beautiful corner of the world, water clarity is sometimes lower than in other open ocean locations, however, there is still plenty of marine life to be seen, including coral, fish, seals, and dolphins.

Walking Distances

We include a local walk over to the tea house on the other side of the island. This is approximately 2km and will take around 30-40 minutes.

If conditions allow, we may include a visit to local caves which are access via a short staircase on the island.

Walking Conditions

We walk on recognised tracks and paths which dot the interior of the islands that make up the Yasawas. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when conducting our swims. Consequently, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes a main boat and support watercraft crewed by local pilots and your SwimTrek guides. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Extra Activities

There are several additional activities available on the island. Some will be included in your package such as coral planting, sarong tying or language lessons, plus others, and these will be chosen by the group when on the island. You can also book onto additional activities such as glass bottom tours, snorkelling or scuba diving for an additional cost.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website. For additional, location specific items, please see the information below.

SwimTrek will provide water and electrolytes at every location and refill your bottles.

The easiest way to get to Nanuya Island is to fly to Nadi International (NAN) and then transfer to a local port where you can pick up a ferry to Nanuya Island. As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights.

Ferry from Nadi to Nanuya Island Resort

The easiest way to get to Nanuya Island is to fly to Nadi International (NAN) and then transfer to a local port where you can pick up a ferry to Nanuya Island. The ferry transfer and stops along the way at scenic channels and bays, picking up and dropping off tourists. It’s a wonderful way to experience the other islands.

There are two ferry operators from Nadi to Nanuya Island Resort. The journey takes between 4-5 hours and costs around 200 FJD (approx. 140 AUD)

Yasawa Flyer

The Yasawa Flyer departs daily from Denarau Marina (Nadi) at 8.30am and is a large high speed, modern catamaran with air-conditioned seating, a travel desk, licensed bar, café and outdoor viewing decks. If you want to return from Nanuya to Denarau Marina (Nadi) the Yasawa Flyer departs around 1345pm.

For more information and to book, please visit https://secure.southseacruisesfiji.com/booking/dates.

Seabus

The Seabus departs daily from Lautoka King’s Jetty Wharf in Nadi at 0730am and is a fully licenced catamaran. If you want to return from Nanuya to Lautoka King’s Jetty Wharf In Nadi, the Seabus departs at around 1300pm.

For more information and to book, please visit https://www.fiji-bookings.com/seabus-fiji.

Our home for the week is Nanuya Island resort, nestled amidst the lush foliage and swaying palms of Fiji's enchanting Yasawa Islands. The resort offers a secluded and serene escape surrounded by crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical vegetation. With traditional Fijian bures (bungalows) overlooking the ocean, you can enjoy a tranquil and authentic island experience. Each room has its own beach side cabana for you to relax in the shade after a busy day swimming. To assist with their sustainable efforts, please be aware, each room has ceiling fans but no air conditioning.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require any additional nights’ accommodation, please contact the hotel directly on reservations@nanuyafiji.com.

Food and Drink

During your stay, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included and will all be taken at the resort. Breakfast will include cereal, fresh fruit, toast & freshly baked pastries fruit juice, tea & coffee with lunch and dinner as an agreed set menu. As much of what appears on their dining tables, comes directly from their very own resort plantation, with 10 local gardeners fully employed to maintain the crops and the gardens. This means their menus are never fixed and based on the day’s supply from nearby villages including lobster, eggs and seasonal fruit and vegetables. Please consider they may not be able to cater for your dietary requirements, therefore please bring additional food items you personally require.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as drinks, evening meals, entertainment and souvenirs, etc. The local currency in Fijian dollar (FJD). There is a 24-hour currency exchange service at the arrival’s concourse at Nadi Airport and in major towns. THe resort does take card payment but this may not be guaranteed. A 9% Government Value Added Tax (VAT) is applicable to all goods and services in Fiji and may not be included in the price.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

To travel to Fiji, most visitors will need a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Additionally, visitors from certain countries may also need a visa to enter Fiji.

Fiji has a generous tourist visa exemption policy, and citizens of many countries, including EU member states, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand travelling to Fiji for tourism purposes do not need a visa for visits of up to 120 days, with proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

WiFi is available at an extra cost, You will be able to ask for this in resort but we cannot guarantee how reliable it is. For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit worldstandards.eu.