From limestone caves to traditional villages, embark on a kayaking adventure that unveils the natural and cultural beauty of Fiji’s Yasawa Islands over seven unforgettable days.
My paddle slices through the aquamarine water, creating ripples that shimmer in the morning sun. Above, frigatebirds wheel in the bright sky. My arms ache slightly from the preceding days of paddling, but the dramatic scene before us urges me onward – the limestone cliffs of Sawa-I-Lau, their jagged edges softened by lush greenery.
We approach the towering cliffs, and I rest my paddle across my lap, letting my kayak drift before landing on a small beach. We leave our kayaks under the watchful eyes of the locals and I follow our guide through a narrow cave entrance, which opens into a world of emerald and turquoise. Sunlight filters through a crack in the ceiling, casting beams over the water. The coolness of the cavern wraps around me, the only sound the echo of water gently lapping against stone.
We dive in and, grinning, our guide Elijah, beckons us toward a hidden tunnel he knows. Despite countless visits, it’s clear the caves still awe him – and his excitement is infectious. Sione, our local guide, promptly disappears under the water and, one by one we follow him swimming into another chamber, carefully ducking our heads under the water into the unknown to emerge into a maze of passageways lit by Sione’s torchlight.
Sione shares that Sawa-I-Lau isn’t just a geological wonder – it holds deep cultural significance. Legend has it that these cliffs and caves once sheltered a Fijian chief fleeing from invaders. I look around, trying to grasp the layers of history – human and natural – that have shaped this special place. Usually, the word awesome feels overused, but here, it doesn’t seem enough.
Discovering Fiji’s Heart
When I signed up for this guided kayaking trip with Aussie company Southern Sea Ventures (SSV), I was after more than a typical beachside getaway. I wanted an adventure, and to experience a deeper connection with Fiji’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Mooning over the trip notes ahead of time, I eagerly anticipated seven days of paddling through Fiji’s Yasawas, a chain of volcanic islands known for their jagged peaks, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant reefs. Along with paddling, there would be opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and hiking – it all sounded like a dream. I couldn’t wait to pack my bags and double-check the gear list.
I’d learned that SSV had been guiding tours in the Yasawas for nearly 40 years. They pioneered kayaking tours in the area, and it was clear they knew their stuff. The plan was to paddle a 50km loop through four of the northern Yasawa Islands, camping in comfortable bell-style tents at our base on Tavewa Island and spending two nights camping alongside a traditional Fijian village. This was the part I was most excited about.
On our first night in Nadi, we met our guides – Elijah, an Aussie who leads SSV adventures worldwide, and Sione and Sami, our local Fijian guides. Their warmth, anecdotes and local insights would make the experience unforgettable. The next morning, we boarded the Yasawa Flyer bound for Tavewa Island, and our adventure began.
Cultural Connection: Navotua Village
It’s Day 4, and we’ve packed up our gear for the part of the trip I’ve been most eager to experience. After a breakfast of fresh fruit and traditional roti, we set off in our kayaks. The destination: Navotua, a small village on the northern tip of Nacula Island, where we’ll camp for the next two nights.
Though my paddling experience had been limited to a few weekends at home in Sydney, I’m now growing confident. Our guides offer helpful tips on technique, and I feel increasingly comfortable with the rhythm of the daily paddles.
As the tropical sun warms the morning, we take a break to snorkel and swim in the fringing reefs just off the beach. The water is crystal clear, and the marine life is vibrant – this is the Fiji I’ve been dreaming of. We paddle onward, rounding the point of Nacula Island, until Navotua comes into view. As we approach the shore, we spot kids running down the beach, waving and shouting “bula!” in cheerful greeting. SSV has visited this village for over 30 years, forming close bonds with the community that now spans generations.
We unload our kayaks and follow the villagers to a shaded clearing where we set up camp. That evening, we join the village chief for a traditional kava ceremony. Sitting on woven mats, we share stories and sip the earthy drink, followed by a delicious meal of fresh fish, tropical salads, and the sweetest mangoes I’ve ever tasted.
As I lie in my tent that night, the sounds of the village fading into the distance, I feel the rhythm of the island seep into me – the steady flow of the water, the warmth of the people, and the peaceful hum of the tropical night.
A Final Taste of Paradise
The final day seems to arrive far too quickly. There was a collective sense of reflection and slight melancholy as we headed back to base camp from Navotua for a final night before departing the next day. Before we wrap up, we’re spending the morning exploring the reefs off Tavewa Island and I’m eager for one last snorkel before the adventure ends.
As the guides pack away camp and kayaks, I slip back into the warm water one final time. A vibrant world of coral and marine life unfolds beneath me – schools of fish shimmer and clownfish dart between anemones. I feel an involuntary grin spread beneath my snorkel.
And then, the Yasawa Flyer is there, waiting to whisk us back to Denarau Marina. The catamaran speeds across the same azure waters we’ve paddled over for the past seven days and I’m struck by the contrast – where the boat now surges forward with purpose, the kayaks glided steadily, drawing us into the slow rhythm of the islands. As the mainland comes into sight, I resolve to carry that rhythm with me, along with the warmth of Fiji and the new friendships I’ve made. This, I know, won’t be my last paddling adventure.
FAST FACTS
Trip: Fiji Yasawa Tropical Island Dreaming sea kayak adventure with SSV. SSV also offers a longer expedition-style trip in the Yasawas for more experienced paddlers or those seeking a more challenging adventure.
Dates: Frequent departures in May and June
Length: 7 Days
Grade: Easy to moderate
Cost: From AU $3590 (2025)
Find out more & book:
Visit southernseaventures.com or email [email protected]
