Solomon Islands Kayak & Dive Liveaboard Expedition
- 11 Days
- Accommodation: Liveaboard
Scattered across the South Pacific, Fiji’s Yasawa Islands are a true paddler’s paradise—think crystal-clear lagoons, white sandy beaches, and healthy coral reefs teeming with marine life. This remote island chain, stretching northwest of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, is where time slows down, and the rhythm of the ocean sets the pace for adventure.
On this 9-day kayaking expedition, you’ll paddle nearly 90 kilometers through the heart of the Yasawas, gliding past volcanic peaks, stopping to explore hidden coves, and camping on untouched beaches. Along the way, snorkel the reefs, trek to stunning viewpoints, and, if the season’s right, experience the thrill of swimming alongside manta rays.
Beyond the natural beauty, this journey is about connection—meeting the welcoming island communities, sharing in traditional Fijian hospitality, and embracing the island lifestyle. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or an adventurous spirit ready to take on the challenge, this trip blends exploration, culture, and pure tropical bliss. If you’re craving an escape that leaves you both exhilarated and refreshed, the Yasawa Islands are calling.
Arrive Nadi. If arriving by an international flight today, the group hotel will provide a free airport to hotel transfer. Room check in is available from 2pm. The trip briefing with your guide is held at 8pm in the hotel (please advise our office if your flight arrives into Nadi after 6pm). The briefing lasts for around one hour and it’s a good idea to eat dinner prior to the meeting. All your luggage may be taken with you to our base on Tavewa Island. Dinner tonight is not included.
MEALS NOT INCLUDED/TANOA INTERNATIONAL NADI
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to Denarau marina for the 8.45am boat to the islands. The Yasawa Flyer, the boat servicing the Yasawas, is a 267-passenger catamaran. All luggage can be taken with you on the boat, but please keep your valuables on your person during the journey. It’s a good idea to bring some snacks and reading matter for the approximate five hour, 72 kilometre trip north to Tavewa Island. On arrival into the Blue Lagoon, the group transfers from the Yasawa Flyer to our base on Tavewa Island by a small boat. The combination of reefs, close island grouping and shallow waters create the stunning aqua colours for which this area is known. Our base camp is set up with standing bell tents and a dining bure (hut). After customising the kayaks and becoming acquainted with the expedition gear, we'll have an orientation paddling session in the lagoon this afternoon.
Your guide will issue watertight bags to carry your personal gear during the kayak trip. The bags are between 25–35 litres in volume (about 2/3 the size of a pillow case). Luggage that you don’t require while kayaking will be stored and then transported to you at Barefoot Manta resort at the end of the trip.
Watching the sunset from the beach, followed by a delicious tropical dinner, is a great way to end the first day in the islands.
B • L • D / CAMPING
After breakfast and a pack up, we load the kayaks and paddle northwards to Navotua village. With favourable tides, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and swim where fringing reefs run directly off the beach. After rounding the point of Nacula Island we head for Navotua, one of our favourite spots due to the warm welcome and hospitality that we receive from the villagers. SSV paddler’s have have been visiting Navotua for over 30 years and we have forged strong connections to the local families. The young kids that greeted us in the 1990’s are now adults with children of their own! There’s time for a snorkel and to explore the village and surrounds before dinner. Paddle distance today is about 15kms.
B • L • D / CAMPING
Today we paddle to Sawa-I-Lau, a scenic island with sharp limestone peaks and salt-water caves that make for fascinating exploring. Continuing the day’s adventure, we head to an uninhabited island with great snorkelling. Returning to Navotua village, we round out the afternoon with entertainment provided by the village and an invitation to join the chief for a social kava party in the evening (kava is a non-alcoholic drink with mild, numbing effects). Paddling distance today is approximately 11 kms.
B • L • D / CAMPING
Farewelling Navotua, we paddle southwards, exploring the outer coastline of Nacula Island en route (if weather permits). Return to our base on Tavewa Island. Tonight we repack for the southern leg of the journey (luggage not required while kayaking will be transferred to Barefoot Manta resort). Paddle distance today is about 15kms.
B • L • D / CAMPING
We’ll aim for an early start as we head south along the Yasawa island chain. Our paddling route takes us along Matacalevu Island, where we can explore bays and beaches en-route to our first night’s campsite on Yaqeta Island. After the short crossing between the islands, we’ll pull up at Yaqeta school beach and meet the chief for our sevu sevu (offering of kava for camping on traditionally owned land). The group will sit down with members of the community and take part in the sevu sevu and then share lunch together. On Yaqeta, we set up our beach camp and spend the afternoon exploring, including the chance to hike to a cave or visit the school and spend time with the local kids, who love a game of rugby! Paddling distance approximately 15 kms.
B • L • D / CAMPING
This morning we break camp and paddle the length of Yaqeta Island and cross the strait to the large island of Naviti. On our crossing there’s an opportunity to troll a line and catch fresh fish for dinner! On our paddle south along Naviti Island we can explore sea caves and discover prime snorkel sites. We’ll either set up an overnight camp on a remote beach or by a village. Paddling distance is around 15-20 kms.
B • L • D/ CAMPING
We continue our paddle along Naviti Island, stopping for a lagoon swim or snorkel en route, with lunch enjoyed under shady palms. We cross the short passage from Naviti island to Barefoot Manta Resort, located on the northern tip of Drawaqa Island. On arrival, we’ll settle into our island accommodation and enjoy a fresh water shower in private ensuites. The group relaxes tonight with a tropical dinner at the resort’s restaurant. Paddling distance approximately 15kms.
B • L • D/ RESORT ACCOMMODATION
Today the group will have the opportunity to snorkel with the magnificent manta rays that feed in the narrow channel between Drawaqa and Naviti Islands, an amazing experience and a highlight of the trip. After lunch it’s time to farewell your guides before departing on the Yasawa Flyer at 3pm. The Flyer arrives at Denarau Marina in Nadi at approximately 6.00pm. Trip concludes.
B • L/ NO ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED
Janeu Tarzan
There is no doubt SSV knows how to deliver an amazing trip. I had been wanting to do the Yasawa Paddle since I had seen it in a brochure years ago and was reinspired when we sailed through in 2017. It was every bit as spectacular and fun as I had hoped. Once again EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED! Sea kayaks were the perfect was to explore these islands and SSV’s relationship with the area makes it extra special.
Once again we stepped to the edge a bit, like every good adventure should! SSV sets the bar very very high! The guides were a great team and managed a pretty diverse group of paddlers through the changing waters from flat calm to big ocean to get us all the way to the caves at Sawa-I-Lau. A fantastic adventure with stunning scenery on and under water, lots of paddling, great snorkelling, well set up camp spots, ridiculously good food, great company – every box was ticked. Thanks again.
Jennifer D.
Is it possible to give 6 stars?
There is no possible way to pick out one single highlight of this trip, as there were so many, every day. Of course the location is amazing, but the experience of seeing it all from sea level, with our brilliant guides made it all the more astounding.
I was expecting to have to put up with some discomfort, but everything was taken care of. The food prep, the delicious dinners and snacks, the little add on experiences (land crabbing!) that *just happened*. I had thought snorkelling may have been a quick 20 minute dip, but we were at leisure to see all manner of sea life (turtles! Giant clams! Lionfish!). We were never in need of anything. A shower at the end of a long day at sea? You bet. Hot fresh coffee in the mornings? Yep. Silly word games? Of course. Laughs? Much rambunctiousness? Io.
Sammy and Russell were the perfect guides, both with exceptional experience (Got home and googled Russell- OMG). I wish I could bottle Russell’s enthusiasm and bring it home with me to get me through the dullest of days at work. Sammy’s calm reassurance and local knowledge were amazing. The fact that they were able to coach my shy and generally timid kid into an underwater cave without having to bribe or cajole him speaks volumes about their skill as guides and supporters.
As a natural introvert I wasn’t sure I’d cope with village life, but it was seriously one of the best parts of the trip, and seeing our teens getting into village kid life so seamlessly will surely be something they remember life long. (As well as all the hermit crab races, “thunderdomes” and other general silliness they could muster).
This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Don’t delay, book it now. You will not regret it. The only downside? You have to come back to real life.
Vina du riki!
…Off to book Tonga for next year…
Tracy H
Excellent trip – 9 days kayaking the Yasawa Island with local and western guides. Fantastic scenery, snorkelling, adventurous, cultural engagement, educational,food and much much more.
I cannot imagine doing Fiji any other way. Highly recommend this company this was my 1st trip and it won’t be my last.
Thanks Elijah, Sonnie and the office team.