Best Fiji Island Hopping Itinerary + Guide (2024)

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Looking for the best Fiji island hopping itinerary? I don’t blame you! Fiji is the ultimate tropical getaway. It’s a destination that’s as picture-perfect as it gets with palm-fringed beaches and the most breathtaking natural scenery.

I’ll never forget the first time I visited – I was blown away by the beaches, the volcanic landscape and the crystal-clear waters. If you’re a beach lover like me, Fiji will be your dream vacation! 

I also love that Fiji is perfect for every kind of traveller. The country has over 300 islands and you’ll find accommodation that suit all tastes and budgets. BUT, I get that it can feel overwhelming planning a trip when there’s all this choice.

To help you out, this Fiji island hopping itinerary shows you all the best bits without feeling too hectic.

Two to three weeks is the ideal amount of time for island hopping in Fiji. But, if you’re limited on time – or want to squeeze a trip into two weeks of annual leave – this Fiji itinerary has you covered! Here’s everything you need to know for a dream Fiji island hopping holiday…

Fiji island hopping Vs choosing one island

Staying on just one island in Fiji is absolutely a dream getaway. But, to maximise your experience, island hopping gives you the chance to explore the best that this beautiful country has to offer.

With so many islands to choose from, Fiji is one of the world’s best island hopping destinations. So if you have the time for it, I definitely recommend island hopping.. It’s a great way to spice up your trip with a bit more adventure and you’ll get to see the most incredible scenery as you travel between islands!

If you’re worried that island hopping sounds a little hectic – don’t worry! You definitely can fit a ton into your trip, but this itinerary has a slower pace so you still have plenty of time to relax.

Fiji island groups

Fiji’s islands can be divided into several groups. Viti Levu is Fiji’s largest island and has over 70% of the country’s population.

It’s here that you’ll find the capital Suva as well as Nadi International Airport – which will be your starting point for your Fiji island hopping itinerary.

Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island, followed by Taveuni which is amazing for rainforests, waterfalls and nature. Kadavu is Fiji’s fourth largest island and is a secluded, off-the-beaten-track destination. It’s one of the more remote and less-visited destinations in the country.

RELATED: Bali vs Fiji: Which Is the Best Vacation Spot?

The rest of Fiji’s islands are divided into groups of smaller islands – including the Lomaiviti group which is located in the central part of Fiji and Lau which is further east. You’ll also find the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands north of Viti Levu. 

If you want the most beautiful beaches, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are the best places to stay on a first-time trip to Fiji.

The Mamanuca chain is the most popular for island hopping. It’s easy to reach from Viti Levu and has tiny white-sand isles with all the cast away, tropical scenery.

RELATED: 15 Best Mamanuca Island Resorts Fiji

Likewise, the Yasawa Islands are all about desert island bliss. They’re further north from the Mamanucas, and slightly more secluded, so you’ll find stunning palm-lined beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

It’s also here that you can explore the famous Blue Lagoon which offers some of the world’s best snorkelling. 

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How to island hop in Fiji

The great thing about island hopping is the freedom it gives you. Depending on where you visit, there are a few ways to travel around Fiji’s islands.

Private transfers

If you’re staying at one of Fiji’s more exclusive resorts, private transfers can usually be organised through their reservations team. You can also find independent companies that offer private transfers to, and between, islands – including seaplanes, helicopters and water taxis. 

Fiji island ferries

If you’re visiting the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, one of the easiest ways to travel is aboard the Yasawa Flyer. The Yasawa Flyer is a high-speed catamaran that departs daily from Port Denarau (near Nadi) and stops at multiple islands across the Mamanuca and Yasawa chain.

You can buy a flexible hop-on-hop-off pass or you can choose a package with extra inclusions, such as accommodation and activities. 

READ MORE: Getting Around Fiji (Fiji Transport Guide)

If you go for the hop-on-hop-off (Bula Pass) option, you can choose passes of 5 to 15 days, but you’ll need to have your resort booked before you get off the boat.

Resorts can be booked on board, but it’s best to sort in advance as many are small and can get booked up fast!

The Yasawa Flyer offers transfers to most of the Yasawa island resorts as well as a selection within the Mamanuca Islands. The sister company, South Sea Cruises, also offers an extensive service to islands in the Mamanuca chain. 

The Yasawas are the focus of this Fiji island hopping itinerary so you can take advantage of the Yasawa Flyer. It stops at each of the listed resorts on its 2024 schedule. 

Fiji island hopping packages

If you want a more inclusive option, Awesome Adventures Fiji have different packages that include island hopping transfers, accommodation and activities. You also get to choose your accommodation type – from shared dorms to private bures.

This is definitely one of the simplest way to travel around Fiji’s islands. It does mean you are a bit more restricted with the islands and resorts you get to visit, but all are incredible, so it’s not much of a problem 😉

Fiji Explorer is the company’s 12-day package. It visits 5 islands across the Mamanuca and Yasawa chain and includes activities like snorkelling with reef sharks, visiting the Sawa-I-Lau Caves and swimming with manta rays.

If you have less time, other packages from Awesome Adventures include the Yasawa Wanderer (8 days), Coconut Cruiser (7 days), Island Adventure (5 days) and Tropical Tempter (4 days).

You can also create your own island hopping Fiji package with Awesome Pass Fiji.

Best time to visit Fiji

With a tropical climate year-round, there’s no bad time to visit Fiji. However, the wet season runs from November–April with higher temperatures that can bring storms.

Although it’s the least popular time to visit, the storms can be short and you’ll still get plenty of sunshine. The best part is, there will also be fewer crowds and prices tend to be lower. 

That said, the recommended time to go island hopping in Fiji is during the dry season from May-October. It will be less humid with temperatures around 25 to 30°C.

READ MORE: Fiji Weather by Month: When’s the Best Time to Visit Fiji?

If you travel between May and October, you’ll also catch manta ray season, which is a must on a Fiji holiday!

Getting to Fiji

Nadi International Airport (NAN) is Fiji’s main airport and is located on Viti Levu. 

If you’re flying from the UK, flights usually transit in Los Angeles or San Francisco but there are also options via Hong Kong and Singapore. You also have a choice of airlines that codeshare with Fiji Airways – including British Airways and American Airlines.

Economy flights to Fiji from the UK typically cost around £1,500 and take 25-30 hours.  

12-day Fiji island hopping itinerary

Ok, let’s get to it! Here’s my suggested 12-day Fiji island hopping itinerary. Obviously it can be adjusted to suit you, but these were my favourite spots and is a route that covers all the best bits!

Day 1-2: Viti Levu Island (2 nights)

Bula and welcome to Fiji!  

If you suffer from jet lag, I found that Fiji wasn’t the easiest destination to acclimatise to. For travellers from the UK, it might take a few days to adjust to your new time zone and climate. 

Most long-haul flights arrive early morning which can be a struggle after a sleepless flight. If you’re anything like me and can’t sleep on planes, you’ll be thankful for a few rest days in Nadi, or Denarau, before your Fiji island hopping adventure begins!

Denarau is an upmarket tourist area near Nadi with plenty of beautiful resorts – it’s a great place for relaxing. Some hotels might be able to arrange early check-in or you should be able to leave your bags if you want to lounge by the pool or visit the local area once you arrive.

Top things to see & do near Nadi / Denarau

• The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is around 20 minutes from Nadi at the foothills of the Nausori Highlands. It’s a lovely botanical garden with rainforests and landscaped lawns filled with orchids.

• If you want to relax, the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool is a great place to visit. It’s an outdoor, therapeutic ‘spa’ setting where you cover yourself in mud before washing it off in natural thermal pools. You can also have massages afterwards.

• Cloud 9 is an iconic floating bar in the middle of the sea in the Mamanuca region. It’s a great experience with DJ sets, drinks and pizza. You can book your day pass tickets to Cloud 9 here – it includes transfers from Denarau and a $60FJD bar tab!

Where to stay near Nadi

It’s best to stay in Nadi or Denarau so you’re close to Port Denarau for when you begin island hopping. I stayed at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, which has everything you’d expect from a five-star complex – spacious suites, multiple restaurants and lagoon-style pools.

Day 3-5: Waya Island (3 nights)

Today’s the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early start, you’ll head to Waya Island in the southern part of the Yasawas. If you’re using the Yasawa Flyer, the boat will leave Port Denarau at 8:45am and you can get a coach transfer there from most resorts.

The boat takes around two hours, so you’ll be able to soak up the scenery as you cruise past the Mamanuca Islands and on to the Yasawa gateway. There’s an outdoor deck on the Yasawa Flyer which is the best spot to enjoy the views!

As your first introduction to Fiji’s islands, Waya is truly breathtaking. As with all Yasawa Islands, there are no cars or roads on the island, but there are four villages on Waya connected by footpaths – it’s a great island to experience authentic Fijian life.

Waya Island is also known for its hilly terrain so it’s a great choice if you love hiking. Idyllic, golden beaches also come as standard, so if all you want to do is relax in a hammock with a good book, Waya has you covered! Plus, there’s amazing snorkelling and diving at some of the nearby reefs.

Top things to see & do on Waya Island

• Visiting a local village is a must on your Fiji island hopping itinerary. On Waya, there are several villages where you can mix with locals and experience genuine Fijian hospitality. This is also a great opportunity to support the communities, experience a village meke and buy handmade arts and crafts. 

• You can’t go to Fiji and not experience a kava ceremony. Kava is the national drink of Fiji and is a huge part of Fijian culture. The kava ceremony is a significant ritual to be a part of. 

• Waya is the perfect tropical island for guided hiking – you’ll find cross-island hikes and hikes to the highest peaks. The southern Yasawas have incredible rugged landscapes, so you’re guaranteed amazing views!

Where to stay on Waya Island

Octopus Resort is a peaceful spot for your first few days in the Yasawas. This resort is a beach lover’s paradise and has a colourful reef just metres from the shore. Different types of accommodation are available from dorms to premium bures and suites. 

Day 6-8: Drawaqa Island (3 nights)

From Waya Island, the next stop on this Fiji island hopping itinerary is the gorgeous Drawaqa Island. This postcard island is about 40 minutes north of Waya and it’s one of my favourite spots in Fiji!

Drawaqa is surrounded by a marine protected area, so this island is a dream if you want to dive or go snorkelling. You’ll find reefs right off the beachfront and the area around Barefoot Manta Island Resort is a declared no-fishing zone. 

With a focus on sustainability, this island is great if you want to learn more about marine conservation and what’s being done to preserve the reefs. If you visit between May and October, it’s also here that you’ll have the chance to swim with manta rays!

Top things to see & do on Drawaqa Island

• Drawaqa Island has some of the most impressive snorkelling and diving spots. You’ll be able to hire snorkelling gear from your resort and you could also take an introductory dive. For experienced divers, there are over 40 dive sites surrounding the island. 

• The island is surrounded by calm crystal waters so paddle boarding and kayaking is a fun way to spend your free time.

• One of the top things to do while island hopping in Fiji is swimming with manta rays. Manta rays feed in the channel between Drawaqa and Naviti Island between May and October. Swimming with them here is a magical experience!

Where to stay on Drawaqa Island

For an authentic, tropical retreat, I highly recommend Barefoot Manta Island Resort. It’s situated on the island point, so you get three paradise beaches on your doorstep. There’s also just a handful of rooms, so there’s plenty of privacy to enjoy it all.

If you’re interested in conservation, Barefoot Manta Island Resort is also the only resort in Fiji with a dedicated Marine Conservation Centre. 

Day 9-11: Tavewa Island (3 nights)

Moving north, the next stop on your Fiji island hopping itinerary is extra special. Fiji’s Blue Lagoon is known for its paradise beaches and vibrant coral. So, to make the most of your last few days, the final island is the beautiful Tavewa!

Tavewa is in the heart of the remote Blue Lagoon region and it’s basically heaven. As well as some of the best beaches, this area boasts some of the clearest waters. When I visited, it was in this region that we experienced the best snorkelling!

Top things to see & do on Tavewa Island

• Visiting the Sawa-I-Lau Caves is a must-do if you’re travelling to the Yasawas. You’ll be able to take a resort tour to the caves from Tavewa.

• Water activities like swimming and snorkelling are obviously a big part of a visit to Tavewa – you can snorkel straight off the beach.

• If you want to head further afield, you can visit the famous Blue Lagoon beach from Tavewa Island.

• For romantic things to do in Fiji, the remote Yasawa Islands are brilliant for stargazing. It’s a pretty perfect place for watching the stars with the sounds of waves lapping the shore.

Where to stay on Tavewa Island

Coconut Beach Resort is a magical option for your time on Tavewa Island. This little resort is a tropical gem and offers a a front-row seat to the Blue Lagoon. The resort only has 11 bures (nestled amongst coconut groves), so you can expect the best hospitality and the most peaceful setting.

Day 12: Onward travels

I know you won’t want to leave, but on the last day of your Fiji island hopping itinerary, you’ll journey back to Viti Levu.

It’s around a 4 ½ -hour journey from Tavewa to Port Denarau (you’ll arrive back in the early evening). Unless you have a late flight, it’s worth staying an extra night in Nadi to avoid delays before flying home.

Fiji island hopping itinerary map

Other islands & resorts to consider in Fiji

South Sea Island (Mamanuca Islands)

South Sea Island is one of the easiest islands to reach from Port Denarau. It’s a popular choice with day trippers staying on the mainland – you can get there in 30 minutes. 

I stayed here for one night when I was island hopping in Fiji. The island is tiny and essentially like a sandbank! There’s only one resort – South Sea Island Resort – and it’s surrounded by crystal waters so there’s lots of opportunity for things like snorkelling and kayaking.

Malolo Lailai Island (Mamanuca Islands)

Malolo Lailai is the second largest of the Mamanuca Islands. It’s home to four resorts and has everything you’d expect from a Fijian island with stretches of soft white sands, coconut palms and clear waters. 

$$$ Lomani Island Resort ⭐️ 9.6/10
$$$ Musket Cove Island Resort ⭐️ 8.4/10
$$ Plantation Island Resort ⭐️ 8.1/10

Malolo Island (Mamanuca Islands)

Next to Malolo Lailai is Malolo Island. It’s the largest Mamanuca Island and has some of the dreamiest resorts. It’s also one of the few islands in the Mamanucas to have traditional Fijian villages.

$$$ Likuliku Lagoon Resort ⭐️ 9.5/10
$$$ Six Senses Fiji ⭐️ 9.2/10
$$ Malolo Island Resort ⭐️ 9.4/10

Tokoriki Island (Mamanuca Islands)

Tokoriki is a gorgeous island that’s home to two resorts. This is a ridiculously beautiful destination and is brilliant for honeymooners and luxury travellers.

$$$ Tokoriki Island Resort ⭐️ 9.1/10
$$ Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island ⭐️ 8.3/10

Vomo Island (Mamanuca Islands)

If you’re dreaming of a luxury private island – Vomo is for you! The entire island is owned by VOMO Island Resort Fiji and it’s a paradise destination.

You’ll find secluded sandy beaches, swaying palms, hammocks and crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect island for a honeymoon or extra special vacation.

Naukacuvu Island (Yasawa Islands)

Naukacuvu Island has all the castaway vibes with palm-fringed beaches, sugar sands and coral reefs. It’s home to Paradise Cove Resort which is a laid-back option with garden bungalows and beachfront villas.

Turtle Island (Yasawa Islands)

Turtle Island is a private island that’s amazing for luxury travellers. Occupied by the all-inclusive Turtle Island Resort, this is a destination that’s the epitome of paradise! The resort has 12 private beaches and only 14 bures so it’s all about seclusion, privacy and having the most idyllic experience.

Nanuya Lailai (Yasawa Islands)

Just north of Turtle Island is Nanuya Lailai. This is a pristine island with all the paradise vibes. The island was one of the film locations for The Blue Lagoon and is an amazing place for tropical beaches and snorkelling.

$$ Nanuya Island Resort ⭐️ 9.2/10

Nacula Island (Yasawa Islands)

Further north in the Yasawa chain is Nacula Island. This hilly, volcanic island is picture-perfect and has loads to love. It’s one of the largest Yasawa Islands and has traditional villages as well as a few resorts. 

$$ Oarsman’s Bay Lodge ⭐️ 9.5/10
$$ Blue Lagoon Beach Resort ⭐️ 8.8/10

Best Fiji island hopping tours

If you don’t want the stress of organising everything yourself, an organised tour or island hopping cruise in Fiji could be a great choice. Rather than massive cruise ships, these options are a lot more intimate and take you to some of the best spots across the Mamanuca and Yasawa region!

• 4-Night Blue Lagoon Cruises – Wanderer Cruise ⭐️ 4.5/5
• 7-Night Blue Lagoon Cruises – Escape to Paradise Cruise ⭐️ 4.5/5

>> I recommend checking out TourRadar for more organised tours <<

Fiji island hopping cost

Island hopping in Fiji isn’t the cheapest but it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list experience! 

A big cost to consider is the transport between islands. If you go for the Bula Pass Fiji option, it’s £322 + an admin fee for 12 days. Packages like the Fiji Explorer cost £1,646 for a double room, plus £585 for meals, per person.

There’s a choice of hotels at different price points in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. If you’re on a budget, you can go for dorms, but I recommend staying in some of the higher-end accommodation for the most heavenly experience! Many of these hotels are £250+ per night, with some above £800.

If you’re travelling from the UK, your flights will also be a big consideration. My return flights from London to Nadi (via Los Angeles) cost £1,600.

Top tips for island hopping in Fiji

• Make sure you book accommodation in Denarau or Nadi for before and after your island hopping adventure. There’s only one ferry per day so you’ll need to be at the port early if you’re catching the Yasawa Flyer. It’s also a good idea to have a night close to the airport in Nadi before flying home.

• Try to book your island hopping accommodation in advance. Many of the resorts and islands are small so this will save you the stress of worrying if it’ll be booked up when you get there!

• I recommend travelling to Fiji’s islands with a backpack rather than a suitcase – dragging a suitcase over sand isn’t fun! Your luggage will also be thrown around a lot when it’s taken from the ferry to the smaller boats that take you to each island. You’ll want to make sure everything is secure and sealed!

• It’s also a good idea to buy a small waterproof bag for your valuables. I didn’t have one of these but I wish I did… there were too many times when I nearly dropped everything in the sea!

Island hopping Fiji FAQs 

>> Check out the best Mamanuca resorts and Yasawa resorts here <<

And that’s it! I hope this Fiji island hopping guide helps you plan the trip of a lifetime! Want more Fiji advice and tips? I recommend reading my Fiji weather by month guide so you can decide when to go. You can also check out the best areas to stay in Fiji if you want something different to island hopping in the Yasawas.

READ MORE ON FIJI:

• Best 7-Day Fiji Itinerary Ideas (5x Options)
• Getting Around Fiji (Fiji Transport Guide 2024)
• Best Mamanuca Island Resorts Fiji
• 12 Best Yasawa Islands Resorts Fiji
• 22 Most Romantic Things to Do in Fiji
• 7 Best Places to Propose in Fiji
• Is Fiji Boring or Worth Visiting?
• Is Fiji in French Polynesia? (+ Other Facts You Need to Know!)
• Where to Stay in Fiji for First Timers (Best Areas in Fiji Guide)
• Fiji Weather by Month: When’s the Best Time to Visit Fiji?

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