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Yasawas - The Desert islands of Fiji
After an incredible time in Pacific Harbour diving the beautiful coral gardens and the ever so brilliant Shark Dive, it was with heavy HEAVY steps I hauled myself on the local bus going back to Nadi. Everyone was talking about the Yasawas, the islands in the Western part of Fiji. The message was mixed. Some claimed they are the best party islands on the planet, full of backpackers and bad food… others said it is peaceful simplicity with amazing diving and stunning beaches… The local verdict was short and upfront, they call the Yasawas the desert islands of Fiji. Never the less, one of these islands in the Yasawas is hosting a resort called "Manta Ray Island Resort", and apparently the name is well earned… Obviously I had no choice but to go.
Who are these people???
Awesome Adventures is the name of the company who runs the boat trips to the Yasawas. The deal is simple, you buy a pass for x amount of days or jumps, and you get on the boat. I was amazed to see how many people were getting on and off on the islands running up to my Manta Ray Island, and the amount jumping off equaled the amount jumping back on the boat to get taken further up in the Yasawas. I noticed travelers of all ages, but the scene was ruled by dreadlocks, sea-shell ankle thingies, home-made banana leaf hats and some heavy hangovers. Back-packer central. As we made our way up through the islands I understood why they call it the desert islands of Fiji. Some of it does come from the fact that rain is quite scarce and the islands are therefore not as lush as the mainland (don't get me wrong, it is bounty islands all over, but not in a rainforest kind of way) but I believe that it is the lack of people that making them earn this name. The islands were everywhere, each with a little boutique resort and not much else, here and there small local villages would pop up, but besides that… nothing.
Basically, you have a strip of amazing beautiful islands with white beaches and leaning palm trees, lots and lots of backpackers that disappears onto these islands with different purposes. Some islands are known for the maddest parties, some for the swinging hammocks, some for the trekking and a few for the diving. Like mine ☺
The best house reef in Fiji and a lot of mantas… just not for this little diver.
Manta Ray Island Resort was my dream of the perfect island escape. Nice little beach huts and the coolest dorm I've ever seen. The Dorm was actually made up by little sheltered rooms, kind of like in a train, so you had some privacy. But the best part was the Open windows and the sea breeze at all times.
This island is known for having the best food (quite right) a chilled atmosphere with good times in the evening but not massive parties (This is where I keep myself quiet regarding the Limbo contest that made my back act like a 70 year old… Yes… Limbo…) - and the best beach for snorkeling and tanning. But, it is also known for a channel between two islands which is, in the right season, packed with Manta rays (the right season, not my season…) I was two months too early. From May to October the waters around this blessed little island is full of the Mantas, but I was living in March… and I had to do with the "off-season diving". And what diving it is. Jumping in from the beach, I slowly made my way down this perfect white sand bank until I reached the 10 meters and amazing little coral reefs were popping up all over the place. I know because I could see incredible far. The visibility was top on this beach, but then again, Pacific Ocean, what can you expect but prime viz? I felt a tick of jealousy as the Open Water students were getting out of the water. They were learning in one of the coolest places I'd come cross, and I had just discovered it now…
I'll be back for the blue BLUE water, the lovely corals and the Manta Rays, when they decide to come in… But also for a party on the way up or down... Cool people were traveling these islands. Next time I might get over my childish jealousy and get social not just competitive.
Read more about this destination at the Blue Venture Diving website - www.blueventure.net
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