Long Beach, Nakula
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Long Beach, Nakula |
Nakula, a hilly volcanic island, is the third largest in the Yasawas group of islands. Covered with rugged hills and soft peaks, its interior is dotted with well-trodden paths leading to villages and small coves.
The island is also home to Long Beach, one of the best stretches of the Yasawasa coastline. It is a long strip of sand jutting out into the azure sea. Unlike many other nearby beaches, you can swim here at low tide without having to climb over an open coral shelf.
Caqalai
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| Caqalai |
Little Caqalai (pronounced "Tangalai") is perhaps the most prominent member of the Lomaiviti group of islands, a region often overlooked by tourists. A walk around the perimeter of the island takes only 15 minutes, with beautiful golden sand beaches, spreading palm trees, blue waters and impressive reefs.
For the best snorkeling in Fiji at low tide, walk up to Snake Island (so named for the many black and white striped sea snakes) and swim around the reef, home to a mind-boggling array of fish, including Napoleon's massive sea serpent. Keep an eye on the currents, however, and be sure to enter and exit in a designated area (indicated by a buoy) so as not to harm the environment.
Blue Lagoon Beach, Nanuya Lailai
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| Blue Lagoon Beach, Nanuya Lailai |
The most famous of all Yasawa beaches, the Blue Lagoon is crystal clear, glistening, and deserves its stellar status (and a role in the 1980's classic teen movie of the same name). She does not disappoint the multitude of swimmers, snorkelers, divers and people on cruise boats and yachts who dive into her gorgeous, transparent depths.
The snorkeling here is rich in fish, but corals have been hit hard in recent years - be careful not to exacerbate the problem.
Lavena beach, Taveuni
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| Lavena beach, Taveuni |
Taveuni has acquired a mythical status among divers who come to the Somosomo Strait to see vibrant corals, an abundance of fish and the occasional shark, turtles or pilot whale.
But there are also many interesting things above the waves. Lavena's golden sandy beach is perhaps the best place on the island to spread a towel. Like many other beaches in Fiji, this beach boasts cinematic virtues: it served as the setting for the little-known and even more criticized sequel to the movie Blue Lagoon (Return to the Blue Lagoon). Off the coast is the tiny island of Kamea, which is also rich in deep blue coves and victorious white sand beaches.
Monuriki
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Monuriki |
The tiny uninhabited island of Monuriki got its moment in the sun when it was featured in the 2001 Tom Hanks film Cast Away, and now every resort with booths and cocktails sells day trips to the island increasingly referred to as Tom Hanks Island. "(A bit confusing, he's also known as Modriki).
The island is incredibly beautiful - it's a Hollywood star after all - and the wide lagoon is perfect for snorkeling. Take a volleyball for selfies with Wilson.
Natadola beach, Viti Levu
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| Natadola beach, Viti Levu |
The magnificent Natadola Beach is one of the best on Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island. Its vast strip of white sand slopes down into the cobalt sea for good swimming regardless of the tide.
However, the strong currents in Natadol often don't match the advertisements: instead of smooth, stationary conditions, you can find enough wave for good body surfing - just watch the underwater currents. There is also some serious surfing here. Natadola Inside - which is inside the bay (surprise) - is suitable for beginners, while Natadola Outside - at the canal entrance - is for experienced surfers.
Completion
Dazzling sands, perfect palm trees and blue waters that glow like that - Fiji's beaches are legendary. Although the main islands of the country have surprisingly few world-class beaches, almost all of the small islands have beaches so ideal that they seem fabulous (and many of them have been featured in Hollywood blockbusters).
With so many gorgeous sandy beaches to choose from, it seems unfair to single out just a few names for praise (and part of the fun of traveling here is stumbling across your own island idyll!) However, there are some places that are simply impossible to miss in any decent tour of the country.