How to Island Hop in Fiji: The Ultimate Guide to the Yasawa & Mamanuca Islands
Trying to figure out how to island hop in Fiji? You’re in the right place!
After volunteering and island hopping around Fiji, I can honestly say it’s one of my favourite places in the world.
That said, with more than 300 islands scattered across the South Pacific, planning a trip can feel overwhelming – but that’s exactly why I wrote this guide!
If you’re planning to go island hopping in Fiji, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know; including the best islands to visit, how to get around, how many islands to include in your trip and the mistakes I’d avoid.
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to start planning your own Fiji island-hopping adventure!
Is this guide for you?
✅ You’re visiting Fiji for the first time and aren’t sure which islands to choose.
✅ You’re planning a honeymoon or special trip and want to make the most of your time.
✅ You’d love to visit more than one island without feeling rushed.
✅ You’re trying to decide between booking everything yourself or choosing an island hopping package.
If that sounds like you, I’ll walk you through exactly how I’d plan a Fiji island hopping trip, from choosing the best islands to deciding how long to stay and the transport options I’d recommend.
TL;DR: How to island hop in Fiji?
The easiest way to island hop in Fiji is by taking the Yasawa Flyer ferry from Port Denarau, which connects many of Fiji’s Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. I’d recommend spending 10–14 days visiting 2–3 islands for the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
If you’re short on time, here are the quick details:
🏝️ The best islands for island hopping are the Mamanuca Islands and Yasawa Islands, thanks to their stunning beaches, excellent snorkelling and regular ferry services.
⛴️ The easiest way to island hop is by taking the Yasawa Flyer, a ferry that connects the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands from Port Denarau near Nadi International Airport.
📅 I’d recommend spending at least 7 days in Fiji, although 10–14 days is ideal if you want to explore at a relaxed pace.
❤️ For most travellers, visiting 2–3 islands is perfect. You’ll experience different resorts and landscapes without spending too much of your holiday travelling between islands.
✈️ If you’re celebrating a honeymoon or special occasion, consider taking the ferry one way and returning by seaplane or helicopter. It’s a splurge, but the views over Fiji’s turquoise lagoons will be unforgettable!
💛 My recommendation
If this is your first trip to Fiji, I’d plan a 10-night itinerary visiting 2–3 islands across the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. You’ll have enough time to enjoy Fiji’s beautiful beaches, snorkelling and luxury resorts without feeling like you’re constantly packing up and moving on.
Skip ahead: Best islands • Transport • Costs • Where to stay • Itineraries
Should you island hop in Fiji or stay on one island?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your trip to Fiji is whether to stay on one island or split your time between several.
Personally, I’d recommend island hopping if you have at least 7 days.
Staying at just one resort is great for a relaxing holiday, but visiting two or three islands will give you a much better feel for Fiji without spending your entire trip in transit.
One of the things I loved most when I went island hopping in Fiji was seeing how different each island felt. Some have tiny boutique resorts and secluded beaches with powdery white sand, others have dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls.
No two islands feel exactly the same.
That said, it’s way better to spend three or four nights on two beautiful islands than try to squeeze five islands into one week. Fiji is all about slowing down, and constantly packing and catching the ferry can quickly take away from that.
Still deciding where to base yourself? Read my guide to Where to Stay in Fiji for First Timers to compare the best islands and regions.
Which islands can you island hop between?
Fiji is made up of over 300 islands, but the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are the best places for island hopping in Fiji.
These are the easiest islands to explore because there are regular ferry services from Port Denarau near Nadi. They’re easily the best choice for first-time visitors and anyone planning a classic Fiji island-hopping adventure.
Mamanuca Islands
If it’s your first time visiting Fiji, I recommend starting with the Mamanuca Islands.
The Mamanuca Islands are near the main island of Viti Levu and are the closest islands to Nadi International Airport. They’re the easiest islands to reach after a long-haul flight, so you can settle quickly into island life.
The Mamanuca Islands are known for their palm-fringed beaches, glassy lagoons and some of Fiji’s best luxury resorts. It’s one of the top places I recommend for honeymooners.
What I really loved about the Mamanucas is how small these islands are – they truly do give castaway vibes! When I stayed on South Sea Island you could walk around the entire island in about 10 minutes!
Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands (& Yasawa Islands) are completely different from bigger islands in places like the Caribbean or Southeast Asia where there are roads and vast neighbourhoods. These islands in Fiji are small, car-free and all about getting back to simple island life.
If you visit the Mamanucas, you’ll also find so many activities to enjoy like swimming among colourful coral reefs, sunset catamaran cruises, and private beach dinners.
Yasawa Islands
If you’re looking for an even more remote experience, I recommend heading further north to the Yasawa Islands.
If I had to choose just one part of Fiji to visit again, it would have to be the Yasawas! These islands are still easy to reach from Fiji’s main international airport, but they feel much wilder and more secluded than the Mamanucas.
It’s where you’ll find dramatic volcanic peaks, long stretches of untouched coastline and some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen.
These were hands down my favourite islands in Fiji and they’re where I’d spend most of my time if I went back tomorrow!
I loved waking up in a simple bure on the water’s edge to the sound of the waves, spending my days swimming straight from the beach and watching the sunset in the most idyllic surroundings.
One of my favourite islands in Fiji was Drawaqa in the Yasawas!
In the Yasawas, you’ll also find famous spots like the Blue Lagoon, incredible snorkelling and diving, scenic hiking trails and a mix of boutique resorts and laid-back island retreats.
If you’re hoping for a classic “desert island” feeling, the Yasawas are hard to beat!!
What about Fiji’s other islands?
Fiji has so many other beautiful islands, including Taveuni and Vanua Levu, but they aren’t usually included in an island-hopping itinerary through the Mamanucas and Yasawas.
Reaching these islands typically involves a domestic flight rather than a ferry, so they’re better if you have a longer trip or want to explore a specific region of Fiji in more depth.
💛 My tip: If you only visit Fiji once, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are your best and easiest option. They offer everything you’d imagine with untouched beaches, tropical waters, colourful coral gardens and beautiful resorts.
How does island hopping in Fiji work?
I know when I was planning my own trip to Fiji, island hopping sounded really confusing. But it’s pretty straightforward once you understand how the transport system works.
Most island hopping itineraries in Fiji focus on the Mamanuca Islands and Yasawa Islands, which are connected by regular ferry transport from Port Denarau, near Nadi (where Fiji’s main international airport is).
Rather than returning to the mainland after each stay, you’ll simply travel along the island chain, getting on and off at the resorts you’re staying at.
It sounds complicated, but it’s way easier once you’re there. The resorts communicate with the ferry, luggage is loaded for you and after your first transfer you’ll quickly get into the rhythm of island hopping!!
(Image: South Sea Cruises)The best ways to island hop in Fiji
There are several ways to travel between Fiji’s islands, from scenic ferry journeys to luxury seaplane transfers. The best option for you will depend on your budget, itinerary and the kind of trip you’re planning.
Yasawa Flyer (best for most travellers)
If I was planning your island hopping trip in Fiji, I’d recommend travelling on the Yasawa Flyer. This is the transport I used and I would use it again if I went back!
This high-speed catamaran departs daily from Port Denarau, stopping at multiple resorts throughout the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Rather than arranging separate transfers between each island, you simply board the ferry and hop off at your next resort.
The journey is absolutely stunning and part of the experience. For me, it was actually a big highlight of the whole experience because you get the most beautiful views of tiny tropical islands, postcard-perfect lagoons and white-sand beaches along the way.
If you’re visiting multiple islands, I recommend buying a Bula Pass, which is a hop-on, hop-off pass that allows you unlimited travel for a set number of days. Just keep in mind that you need to have your resort booked before you get off the boat.
If you want a more inclusive option, you can choose a package with extra inclusions, such as accommodation and activities.
💛 My tip: Don’t try to change islands every day just because you can. The Yasawa Flyer only visits each resort once a day, so I recommend spending at least two to three nights on each island to make the most of your time.
South Sea Cruises (best for the Mamanuca Islands)
If you’re planning to explore just the Mamanuca Islands, South Sea Cruises is another great option.
This is the sister company of the Yasawa Flyer, and operates daily services from Port Denarau to many of the Mamanuca Islands. South Sea Cruises also offers a range of day trips from Denarau if you don’t want to stay overnight.
I’d recommend South Sea Cruises if you’re focusing solely on the Mamanucas. If you’re planning to continue north into the Yasawa Islands, the Yasawa Flyer is more convenient.
Water taxis (best for flexibility)
If you’d rather avoid fixed ferry schedules, a private water taxi offers the most flexibility.
Companies like SeaFiji and Mamanuca Express can transfer you directly between many islands and resorts at a time that suits you. They’re faster than the scheduled ferries and can be useful if your resort isn’t served by the main ferry routes.
Water taxis are a lot more expensive than shared ferries, so they’re best if you value convenience over budget.
Seaplanes or helicopters (best for luxury)
If you’re celebrating your honeymoon or simply want to make your journey unforgettable, travelling by seaplane or helicopter is a bucket list option!
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.
Flights are much quicker than travelling by ferry, and the aerial views of Fiji’s lagoons, coral reefs and tiny tropical islands are absolutely amazing.
This is one of the best luxury upgrades you can make in Fiji. If your budget stretches to it, I’d consider taking the ferry one way and returning by air to enjoy the best of both experiences!
Should you book a Fiji island hopping package?
If you’d rather not organise the transfers, accommodation and activities yourself, a Fiji island hopping package can make planning a little easier.
If you go for an island hopping package, it will combine your transport, accommodation and selected experiences into one itinerary, so all you need to do is turn up and enjoy your trip.
I recommend this if you’re a first-time visitor and want a stress-free way to explore multiple islands. It’s definitely one of the simplest ways to travel around Fiji’s islands.
That said, it does mean you are a bit more restricted with the islands and resorts you’ll get to visit. These packages can also be a lot more full-on with itineraries that visit more islands in fewer days.
My recommendation: Awesome Adventures Fiji
If you’re looking for the best package, Awesome Adventures Fiji is the company I’d recommend.
They offer a range of island hopping packages that include ferry transfers, accommodation and optional activities across the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Unlike many packages, you can select your accommodation type so you can choose private bures rather than shared dorms.
Their most comprehensive itinerary is the Fiji Explorer 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.
Check out my full review of Awesome Adventures Fiji here to see if it’s a good fit for you.
If you have less time, there are shorter itineraries ranging from 4 to 8 days, or you can build your own trip using the Yasawa Pass, which gives you more flexibility while simplifying the planning process.
💛 My tip: I recommend booking a package if you don’t want the hassle of organising every transfer yourself. However, if you’re planning a honeymoon or want to stay at some of the more luxurious resorts, it can be better to arrange your itinerary independently as you’ll have far more choice.
>> Want the easiest, done-for-you option? Check out these amazing Fiji island hopping tours <<
Planning your Fiji island hopping itinerary
How many days do you need in Fiji?
Rather than trying to squeeze in as many islands as possible in Fiji, I recommend slowing down and spending longer on fewer islands. Fiji is all about switching off, and you’ll enjoy your trip far more if you aren’t constantly packing and catching boats.
7 days
If you only have a week in Fiji, I’d stick to two islands. A combination of the Mamanuca Islands and southern Yasawa Islands gives you enough time to experience Fiji without feeling rushed.
10–14 days (my recommendation)
If you have 10 days, there’s more room to explore the Yasawa Islands as well as the Mamanucas.
You’ll have enough time to visit 2–3 islands, experience both the Mamanucas and Yasawas, and still have plenty of downtime. The Yasawa Islands were my favourite part of Fiji, so I’d definitely include them in your itinerary!
Two weeks or more
If your stay extends to two weeks or more, you could venture further to Taveuni or Vanua Levu. There’s so much to do in Fiji and these islands will give you things like rainforest hikes, waterfalls and remote retreats.
💛 My tip: If it’s your first visit, don’t feel like you need to see everything. It’s much better to spend four nights on one dream island than move every other day.
Getting around
Most island hopping trips begin at Nadi International Airport, followed by a transfer to Port Denarau, where ferries depart for the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.
If you choose to travel by ferry, I recommend staying the night before in Denarau as the boat only departs once per day. I stayed at the very simple Bluewater Lodge before island hopping and Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort afterwards.
If you’re travelling by seaplane or private water taxi, you’ll have a little more flexibility, but it’s still a good idea to coordinate times before you travel.
>> You can check out the latest Yasawa Flyer timetable here <<
When is the best time to go island hopping in Fiji?
You can visit Fiji year-round, but May to October is considered the best time for island hopping.
During the dry season, you can expect warm temperatures of around 25–30°C, lower humidity and calmer seas that will give you the best snorkelling conditions.
I went in July but if I visited again I’d probably visit in June or September as this is slightly off-peak so you’ll be able to find better deals.
The wet season in Fiji runs from November to April and brings higher temperatures, tropical showers and the occasional risk of cyclones. That said, rainfall often comes in short bursts, so it’s still possible to enjoy plenty of sunshine. You’ll also benefit from lower prices and fewer visitors!
If you’re hoping to swim with manta rays, aim to visit between May and October, when they’re most commonly spotted in the Yasawa Islands.
How much does island hopping in Fiji cost?
Island hopping in Fiji isn’t a budget holiday, but it’s one of those trips that’s absolutely worth saving for!
Your biggest expenses will usually be the transport between islands, along with compulsory resort meal plans, so it’s worth factoring these into your budget from the start.
As a rough guide:
- Yasawa Flyer ferry pass: from around £275 for up to 12 days (plus booking fees)
- Luxury resorts: typically £250–£800+ per night
- Island hopping packages: from around £1,600 per person, depending on the itinerary
- Return flights from the UK: often start from £1,400–£1,800, depending on the season
You can definitely travel more cheaply by staying in basic accommodation, but if it was my trip, I’d choose at least one luxury island resort because it’s one of the best places in the world to splurge!
How to book your Fiji island hopping trip
If you’re wondering where to start, this is the order I’d book everything.
1 Decide how long you’re staying
Your trip length determines how many islands you can realistically visit. I’d recommend two islands for a week or three islands if you have 10–14 days.
2 Choose which islands you want to visit
For most first-time visitors, I’d stick to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Decide on your favourite islands or resorts and then check what your transport options are to get there.
3 Book your accommodation
This is the step many people get wrong! A lot of resorts in Fiji are small and book out months in advance, so I’d always secure your accommodation as soon as possible – especially if you have your heart set on somewhere.
4 Book your ferry, seaplane or transfers
Once your resorts are confirmed, book the Yasawa Flyer, domestic flights or private transfers that fit your itinerary.
5 Arrange your airport hotel and transfers
I’d finish by booking your airport hotel in Nadi or Denarau for the night before your ferry departs, along with any airport transfers you need.
Recommended island hopping itineraries
7 days:
Denarau → Mamanuca Islands
Ideal if you want 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
Whether you have 7, 10 or 14 days, choosing the right route makes all the difference. I’ve put together detailed itineraries for different trip lengths, including exactly which islands I’d recommend, where to stay and how to plan your ferry transfers.
>> Read the full itineraries here: 7-Day Fiji Island Hopping | 10-Day Fiji Island Hopping | 14-Day Fiji Island Hopping <<
Where to stay while island hopping in Fiji
There are so many amazing places you could stay while island hopping in Fiji but choosing the right resorts can make or break your trip.
Below are three of my favourite places to stay while island hopping in Fiji. If you’re looking for more options, I’ve also put together guides to the best resorts in the Mamanuca Islands and the best Yasawa Island resorts.
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
>> Check out the best Mamanuca resorts and Yasawa resorts here <<
What to know before island hopping in Fiji
Stay in Nadi or Denarau before and after your trip
If you’re travelling on the Yasawa Flyer, I recommend spending your first and last nights in Nadi or Denarau. 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. It’s much less stressful than trying to catch an international flight straight after returning from the islands.
Book your resorts ASAP (and before your ferry)
It can be tempting to book transport first, but I always recommend securing your accommodation before arranging your transfers. Many of Fiji’s best resorts book up well in advance, especially during the dry season.
Pack a backpack instead of a suitcase
I recommend travelling to Fiji’s islands light – with a backpack rather than a suitcase. You’ll be getting on and off boats from the beach rather than a jetty, and wheeling a suitcase through 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.
Bring a waterproof dry 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!
Whether you’re boarding tenders, kayaking or getting on and off boats, there’s a good chance your bag will get splashed. A small dry bag is perfect for protecting your phone, camera, passport and other valuables.
Don’t underestimate compulsory meal plans
One thing that surprises a lot of travellers to Fiji is that many island resorts require you to buy a daily meal plan. These aren’t always included in the room rate, so make sure you factor them into your budget before booking.
FAQs about island hopping in Fiji
Is island hopping in Fiji worth it?
Absolutely! Island hopping is the best way to explore Fiji and is one of my best ever travel experiences!
Each island has its own personality and you’ll find everything from luxury resorts in the Mamanuca Islands to dramatic scenery and incredible snorkelling in the Yasawas. Staying on two or three islands will give you a much more varied experience than spending your entire trip in one place.
How do you get between islands in Fiji?
The easiest way to island hop in Fiji is by ferry, with services like the Yasawa Flyer connecting many of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. If you’re looking for something faster or more luxurious, you can travel by seaplane, helicopter or private water taxi.
How many islands should you visit in Fiji?
I recommend visiting two islands if you have a week, or two to three islands if you’re staying for 10–14 days. This gives you enough time to enjoy each destination without spending too much of your trip travelling.
Can you island hop in Fiji without a tour?
Yes. Most travellers plan their own itinerary by booking accommodation and ferry transfers separately. However, if you’d prefer everything organised for you, companies like Awesome Adventures Fiji offer island hopping packages.
What is the best island in Fiji for a honeymoon?
This depends on the kind of honeymoon you’re looking for! For luxury and overwater bures, I’d choose Likuliku Lagoon Resort. For barefoot island life at its best, I’d head to the Yasawa Islands. For most first-time visitors, combining the Mamanucas and Yasawas Islands offers the best of both worlds.
What is the best way to island hop in Fiji?
For most first-time visitors, I recommend using the Yasawa Flyer. It’s affordable, reliable and connects many of Fiji’s most beautiful islands. If you’re celebrating a honeymoon, you could upgrade one leg of your journey to a seaplane for incredible aerial views.
What is the best time of year to island hop in Fiji?
The best time to visit Fiji is during the dry season (May to October), when you’ll have warm temperatures, lower humidity and calm seas. This is also the best time for snorkelling and swimming with manta rays in the Yasawa Islands.
How much does island hopping in Fiji cost?
The cost depends on your accommodation and transport choices. Budget-friendly trips are possible, but luxury island hopping can quickly add up once you include ferry or seaplane transfers, compulsory meal plans and premium resorts. I recommend setting a realistic budget before you start planning your itinerary!
Before you book your trip…
If I could give you just one piece of advice, it would be not to rush Fiji! It’s way better to enjoy fewer islands properly than to squeeze in as many islands as possible.
Some of my favourite memories from Fiji were the slow mornings watching the sunrise from the beach, afternoons exploring colourful marine life and evenings spent with a cocktail watching the sun disappear over the Pacific.
Every island is a little different, but they all have the same laid-back atmosphere that makes it so easy to switch off.
If you’re planning a honeymoon or celebrating a special occasion, I genuinely don’t think there’s a better destination!
If you’ve still got questions about planning your Fiji island hopping itinerary, drop me a message and I’ll do my best to help! Or, if you’re ready to start booking, check out these other post for more details:
- How to Island Hop in Fiji: The Ultimate Guide to Yasawa & Mamanuca Islands)
- Best Fiji Island Hopping Itinerary: 7-, 10- & 14-Day Honeymoon Ideas
- Awesome Adventures Fiji Review: Is This the Best Way to Island Hop in Fiji?
- 3 Best Fiji Island Hopping Tours (2026)
- Where to Stay in Fiji for First Timers (Best Areas in Fiji Guide)
- Is Fiji in French Polynesia? (+ Other Facts You Need to Know!)
- Getting Around Fiji (Fiji Transport Guide 2025)
- Fiji Weather by Month: When’s the Best Time to Visit Fiji?
- 12 Best Romantic Yasawa Islands Resorts, Fiji (2026)
- 15 Best Day Tours From Denarau, Fiji
- Best 7-Day Fiji Itinerary Ideas (5x Options)
- 15 Best Mamanuca Island Resorts for Honeymooners in Fiji
- Is Suva or Nadi Better? (2026 Fiji Guide)
- Is Fiji Boring or Worth Visiting on Honeymoon?
- Bali vs Fiji: Which Is the Best Honeymoon Destination?
- 22 Most Romantic Things to Do in Fiji on Honeymoon
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