Two hours boat ride off the northwest coast of Fiji’s main island, lies the breathtaking Yasawa Islands archipelago comprised of around 20 volcanic islands. Remarkable for their long stretches of palm-studded white sand beaches, turquoise water and coral reefs teeming with exquisite marine life, the Yasawa’s are the epitome of everyone’s image of a South Pacific paradise.
We here at Bay Tours invite you to join us, in September 2025, for a 9 Day tour centred around 5 days/4 nights exploring this tropical wonderland aboard the intimate cruise vessel M.V. Fiji Princess. Beforehand, we’ll also enjoy a few days of relaxation at the sumptuous Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa in Fiji’s most renowned holiday destination, Denarau.
THE TOUR
Days 1 & 2: After overnighting in Auckland we’ll catch our morning flight to Fiji arriving at Nadi where we’ll be greeted by our hosts in the traditional Fijian fashion before they take us on a guided tour of this western end of Viti Levu. The South Pacific’s largest Hindu temple and the famous Gardens Of The Sleeping Giant will be highlights before we arrive at our splendid home for the next 3 nights, the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort.
Day 3: A chance to enjoy everything our resort has to offer. Perhaps begin with taking in the scenery outside your Beachfront Guestroom before a relaxed wander around Denarau looking at all the sights in this playground of the wealthy. Grab a bite for lunch at one of the 4 restaurants in the resort before a dip in one of the many pools or perhaps treat yourself at the spa. Dinner is at Denarau’s legendary Bonefish Seafood restaurant tonight.
Day 4: Grab your sunglasses and sun hat because today we take the short boat ride to Malamala, the world’s first private island Beach Club. Here’s the spot to maybe practice your snorkeling technique or have a first go at paddleboarding before we set out on our cruise. Relax in a sun lounger on the pristine beach or by one of the pools and maybe order a cocktail and bite of lunch from the roaming wait staff. This private island always limits its numbers, so it’s never crowded.
Day 5: This morning we’re collected and transfer the short distance to Denarau Marina where a high-speed catamaran will take us out to meet our cruise vessel, the M.V. Fiji Princess at anchor at the Sacred Islands.
This wonderful small ship will be your home away from home for the duration of the cruise. Measuring 179 feet (55 metres), she can access bays and islands impossible to reach in larger vessels. She can get so close to shore that she can tie up to a coconut tree and you can swim to the beach. With 32 air-conditioned cabins across three decks, there’s a maximum of 64 guests and 30 Fijian crew, so we’ll be well looked after with famous Fijian hospitality. All our cabins are the larger Orchid category cabins on the upper two decks and feature windows with ocean views. Dining is a true delight onboard due to the skilled work of the chefs, the variety of delicious dishes, and the beautiful locations you dine in. Exotic barbeques, magnificent buffets and beautifully designed traditional Fijian meals are all on the menu.
Settle into your cabin and explore the ship as we cruise to Yalobi Bay, at the southern end of the Yasawa Group, where we’ll anchor for the night and enjoy the ‘Captain’s Welcome’ with drinks & canapes on the Sky Deck before he hosts us at dinner.
Day 6: Over breakfast we start our cruise to Blue Lagoon Beach on Nanuya Lailai Island. Here we’ll enjoy a BBQ lunch on the beach and have our first opportunity to explore the stunning waters and coral reefs. Swim or utilize the snorkel and paddleboard gear or take a kayak out for a spin. Tonight, we’ll experience a traditional Lovo dinner and a Meke performance from local villagers.
Day 7: Stretch your legs this morning with a guided walk to Lo’s Tea House on the other side of Sawa-I-Lau Island from where we drop anchor. The tender boats will whisk us back to the ship where there’s time for a quick beach swim before we depart. After lunch we explore the sacred Sawa-I-Lau Caves and later visit Tamasua Village for a tour and traditional seafood dinner.
Day 8: There’s time to visit a local school this morning before we raise anchor and cross over to the western side of the Yasawa Group. A marine biologist will join us at Drawaqa Island to showcase the marine life and coral reefs. There’s an opportunity to fish with hand lines and swim with the Manta Rays this afternoon. A farewell BBQ dinner and dance on the Sky Deck this evening is the chance to strut our stuff!
Day 9: We enjoy a last leisurely breakfast as we cruise back to Denarau where we disembark and transfer to Nadi International Airport in time for our 2pm flight back to Auckland and our domestic flight home to Hawke’s Bay.
The Yasawa Islands are renowned the world over for their beauty and we can’t wait to explore them. Come and experience a part of Fiji accessed by only a few and enjoy a winter escape with a difference.
