How to Island Hop in Fiji (Ultimate Guide to Yasawa & Mamanuca Islands)
Trying to figure out how to island hop in Fiji? You’re in the right place! Fiji is one of my favourite places in the world. It’s a tropical paradise with turquoise lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, and over 300 islands to explore.
For honeymooners, couples and luxury travellers, it’s absolute heaven, and island hopping is the ultimate way to experience it.
That said, I totally get that with so many islands, it can be overwhelming knowing how to island hop in Fiji or where to begin planning an island hopping adventure.
So whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended two-week adventure, this Fiji island hopping guide covers everything you need: transfers, accommodations, and insider tips for a luxury Fiji island-hopping experience!
Skip ahead: Island Guides | Transport | Suggested Itineraries
Fiji island hopping Vs choosing one island
While staying on a single Fijian island would be a dream trip, island hopping allows you to experience the full spectrum of what this paradise has to offer!
Each island has its own personality and charm: some have secluded beaches with powdery white sand, others have dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. By visiting multiple islands, you get to maximise your trip and see as much as possible.
READ MORE: Where to Stay in Fiji for First Timers (Best Areas in Fiji Guide)
There are also so many gorgeous resorts and accommodations across Fiji’s islands – so by island hopping, you get to experience more of them! What I really loved about Fiji when I visited was how quiet and peaceful it was. Many islands feature boutique resorts, adults-only retreats, and beachfront bures that provide the perfect sanctuary.
Island hopping also adds adventure to your trip. Even visiting just a handful of islands gives you a rich taste of Fiji’s natural beauty and culture, without feeling rushed. In my opinion, island hopping in Fiji strikes the perfect balance between exploration and downtime!
Overview of Fiji’s islands
Fiji is made up of over 300 islands, but the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are the best places for island hopping in Fiji – especially if it’s your first time visiting.
Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands are closest to the main island of Viti Levu (which is where Nadi International Airport is). The Mamanucas’ small, powdery white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters make them perfect for a luxury stay with idyllic tropical scenery. It’s the most popular place in Fiji for an island hopping itinerary.
Many of the islands here have five-star resorts (some with overwater villas), so it’s an ideal option for honeymooners. If you visit the Mamanucas, you’ll also find so many activities like snorkelling among colourful coral reefs, sunset catamaran cruises, and private beach dinners.
Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands are also great for island hopping in Fiji. These islands are slightly further north so they feel a little more remote and secluded.
Their dramatic volcanic landscapes, palm-lined beaches, and turquoise lagoons are straight out of a postcard. The Yasawas are also home to famous snorkelling spots, including the Blue Lagoon, and the most scenic hiking trails.
Other islands
If you’re planning a longer island-hopping trip, Taveuni, known as the “Garden Island,” and Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island, are amazing for nature lovers.
Taveuni is filled with rainforest trails and waterfalls, and has exceptional snorkelling at Rainbow Reef, while Vanua Levu offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience.
How to get between islands in Fiji
Travelling between Fiji’s islands is part of the adventure and there are options that cater to everyone. Depending on where you visit, there are a few ways to travel around Fiji’s islands.
Private transfers: Seaplanes & helicopters
If you want speed, privacy, and breathtaking views, seaplanes and helicopters are an unforgettable way to move between Fiji’s islands.
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 such as Turtle Airways that offer private transfers to, and between, islands.
This would be my top choice for a luxury honeymoon. It’s not only convenient but so romantic too 😍
Ferry services: Yasawa Flyer & South Sea Cruises
If you want a more eco-friendly option, the Yasawa Flyer catamaran is a popular choice for getting between islands in Fiji. The ferry departs daily from Port Denarau near Nadi and stops at multiple islands along the Mamanuca and Yasawa chains.
The journey is absolutely stunning so it’s still an amazing experience. 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 sell out 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.
Transport booking links
✔️ Seaplanes: Turtle Airways
✔️ Catamaran ferries: Yasawa Flyer, South Sea Cruises, Manolo Cat
✔️ Water taxis: Mamanuca Express, SeaFiji
(Image: South Sea Cruises)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 so you can choose private bures rather than shared dorms!
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!
Check out my full review of Awesome Adventures Fiji here to see if it’s a good fit for you.
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 the Awesome Pass Fiji.
>> Want the easiest, done-for-you option? Check out these amazing Fiji island hopping tours <<
Planning your island hopping trip
Trip lengths
The number of islands you can explore depends on how long you’re in Fiji. A 7-day trip to Fiji is ideal for short honeymoon escapes – especially if you’re travelling from Australia or somewhere closer to Fiji.
In this time, you’ll be able to visit Denarau Island on the mainland as well as the Mamanuca Islands.
If you have 10 days, there’s more room to explore the Yasawa Islands as well as the Mamanucas. I definitely recommend this option if you have the time. The Yasawas were my favourite region in Fiji!
If your stay extends to two weeks or more, you can venture further to Taveuni or Vanua Levu. There’s so much to do in Fiji and these islands offer rainforest hikes, waterfall visits, and remote retreats. Longer itineraries also allow you to experience Fiji’s full range of landscapes, combining beaches with adventure and culture 😍
Travel logistics
Most island-hopping trips start at Nadi International Airport, with transfers to Denarau Port as the main gateway.
From there, ferries, seaplanes, and private boats connect the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Just make sure you check schedules in advance to coordinate transfers with your accommodation. If you’re travelling on the Yasawa Flyer – the boat only departs once per day!
>> You can check out the latest Yasawa Flyer timetable here <<
Best time to visit Fiji
Fiji has a tropical climate year-round, so there’s no bad time to visit. 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 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.
Fiji island hopping cost
Island hopping in Fiji isn’t the cheapest, which is why it’s a great choice for a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list honeymoon!
A big cost to consider is the transport between islands. If you go for the cheapest Fiji island hopping pass (Bula Pass Fiji), it’s around £290 + an admin fee for 12 days. Seaplanes will be significantly more. Packages like the Fiji Explorer cost £1,649 for a double room, plus you’ll pay for compulsory meals on top.
There’s a choice of hotels at different price points in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. However, I recommend staying in the higher-end accommodation for the best honeymoon 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.
Sample itineraries + island hopping routes
7 days:
Denarau → Mamanuca Islands
Ideal for couples wanting a short luxury escape with beaches, snorkelling, and downtime
10 days:
Denarau → Mamanucas → Yasawas
10 days offers a balanced experience with opportunities for adventure and exploring
2+ weeks:
Denarau → Mamanucas → Yasawas → Taveuni
Perfect for rainforest hikes, remote beaches and more cultural immersion
>> Read the full itineraries here: 7-Day Fiji Island Hopping | 10-Day Fiji Island Hopping | 14-Day Fiji Island Hopping <<
Top tips for Fiji island hopping
- Stay in Denarau: 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.
- Book resorts ASAP: Always 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 still be available when you get there!
- Travel light: 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 if you travel by ferry. You’ll want to make sure everything is secure and sealed.
- Buy a waterproof bag: It’s 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!
Where to stay while Fiji island hopping
There are so many amazing places you could stay while island hopping in Fiji. That’s why it’s so great– you can experience a few of these dream places in one trip! Below I’ve listed my three favourite Fiji resorts, but make sure you also check out my guides to the best Mamanuca island resorts and Yasawa islands resorts.
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
>> Check out the best Mamanuca resorts and Yasawa resorts here <<
FAQs about island hopping in Fiji
How do you get between islands in Fiji?
You can travel between Fiji’s islands by ferry, seaplane or private boat. Ferries like the Yasawa Flyer connect the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, while Turtle Airways offer fast and scenic transfers by air.
How easy is it to island hop in Fiji?
Island hopping in Fiji can be easy if you’re prepared and plan ahead! There are daily ferry and seaplane services across the islands and some resorts can arrange your transfers, too.
What is the best way to travel around Fiji?
The best way to travel around Fiji is by seaplane or high-speed ferry. If you want a bucket list experience, seaplanes are fast and scenic with the most stunning views.
What island in Fiji is best to visit?
For first-time visitors, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are best – they’re easy to reach and offer turquoise waters, gorgeous resorts and world-class snorkelling.
Final thoughts: How to plan a dream Fiji island hopping adventure
Island hopping in Fiji is one of the best experiences the planet has to offer. Whether you spend your days exploring the crystal-clear waters of the Mamanucas, unwinding on the remote beaches of the Yasawas, or venturing further to the lush rainforests of Taveuni, each island has its own kind of magic.
For honeymooners and luxury travellers, I can’t recommend Fiji enough! It delivers the perfect blend of romance, relaxation and adventure. You’ll get everything from seaplane transfers and beachfront bures to candlelit dinners under the stars – it’s a similar option to the Maldives (but much cheaper!)
Whether you’re planning a short island-hopping getaway or an extended adventure, I hope this guide gives you everything you need to plan your dream trip!
Ready to start booking? Check out these posts for more details:
- Fiji Weather by Month: When’s the Best Time to Visit Fiji?
- Where to Stay in Fiji for First Timers (Best Areas in Fiji Guide)
- Getting Around Fiji (Ultimate Fiji Transport Guide)
- Best Fiji Island Hopping Itinerary: 7-, 10- & 14-Day Honeymoon Ideas
- Best 7-Day Fiji Itinerary Ideas (5x Options)
- Best Romantic Yasawa Islands Resorts, Fiji
- Best Mamanuca Island Resorts for Honeymooners in Fiji
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