Fiji has been a dream location for almost everyone, but many backpackers get overwhelmed by the challenges of how to travel this country of paradise without a Fiji itinerary.
With over 300 islands to explore these locations become challenging to travel without the right information.
Having backpacked these islands myself, I have put together the ultimate Fiji itinerary for any backpacker’s paradise destination!
Backpacking to new countries around the world is an amazing experience, but it can require a lot of research to avoid overspending and missing out on key activities or locations.
Having backpacked the Yasawa Islands myself, I am giving you my perfect route for backpacking Fiji whether you’re solo or in a group.
You are going to have the ultimate Fiji itinerary for trips between 7 and 15 days, feeling prepared and excited for your next backpacking adventure!
This post is all about the ultimate Fiji itinerary for every backpacker’s bucket list.
Before I travelled to Fiji I felt like there was so much information out there yet nobody gave me a clear guide as to how to do it.
Having spent just over 2 weeks travelling the gorgeous Yasawa Islands, I have compiled the perfect Fiji itinerary for any backpacker looking to spend a couple of weeks in paradise.
In this post, I will explain my itinerary with alterations depending on your schedule, so you can have your dream retreat on your backpacking adventure!
Day 1: Fly to Nadi
Nadi is the closest airport to the Yasawa Islands of Fiji and is a town on the mainland.
It is a great place to fly into, but I would not recommend spending more than one night here as it does not feel completely safe and is not the Fijian dream you’ll be imagining.
Nadi is notorious for bed bugs (or was when I travelled there) so be careful where you stay!
I stayed in a private double room in Bamboo Backpackers as I was travelling with a friend I had met in Australia and we thought we would treat ourselves after our months of staying in hostels.
Even in our private room, we checked for bed bugs thoroughly and luckily didn’t find any. However, as we left we saw the employees laying mattresses in rows outside which I can only imagine were left to dry after cleaning from bed bugs.
I would recommend staying in a private room in Nadi because it’s not much more expensive and will really reduce your risk of bed bugs – we heard some stories on our travels!!
Apart from the horrors of Nadi, we were welcomed with a traditional kava ceremony which was a shock after we had literally just landed from our flight. It was amazing!
We were made to feel right at home with the ceremony being explained to us and songs sung by everyone who joined. I had never experienced such a people focused ceremony with the leader inviting people passing on the street to join.
There was a restaurant and supermarket close to the hostel so we didn’t have to venture far into the town. It was a great location and we had a wonderful welcome to Fiji in this hostel.
Day 2: Ferry from Nadi to Nacula Island
After one night in Bamboo Backpackers, Nadi, we got a taxi to the ferry to start our island hopping adventure!
We got the Bula Pass from Awesome Adventures, which meant that we prebooked all of our ferry journeys and accommodation.
For a more detailed guide to Fiji ferries you can read my 7 crucial tips for Fiji ferries here!
I would STRONGLY suggest you book at least a week in advance. We met some people with a more relaxed itinerary and they ended up being stuck on one island (but there are worse places to be) as there was no room on any other island nearby.
We got the ferry from Nadi to Nacula Island, which is the last stop on the ferry. Although the ferry was 5 hours long and choppy at times, by starting from the top it meant we only had a half an hour ferry back to the mainland after our Fiji adventure.
Blue Lagoon Resort was our accommodation of choice and it was my favourite of all the islands. I met the most incredible people, had crazy experiences (you can’t miss out on the cave trip!) and saw amazing scenery.
I stayed in a 12-person dorm which was lovely. We each got a towel and hooks above each bed which felt like luxury to me.
Day 3-4: Nacula Island exploring
I would recommend spending at least 2 nights at this wonderful resort to explore everything it has to offer.
I spent 3 nights on the island which was the perfect amount of time for my trip, but you may want to spend more or less time depending on how much time you have.
You can explore the island with a guided (or self guided) hike, do daily yoga, partake in quizzes and explore breathtaking caves. This resort really has it all!
Day 5: Nacula Island to Nanuya Balavu Island
Take the ferry from Nacula Island to Nanuya Balavu Island and stay at the Mantaray Island Resort!
I would recommend staying at this resort for 2 nights depending on your time schedule. It is one of the cheaper resorts so, naturally, isn’t as luxury as Blue Lagoon Resort.
If you are wanting a more luxury feel whilst on a budget and limited time, Barefoot Manta Resort might be a more appropriate fit.
The dorm accommodation is interesting. With 32 people in one room, you would think you are in for a sleepless night. However, I got some of my best nights sleep in this dorm!
They are divided into 4 bed sections and noise doesn’t tend to travel as easily as expected. It was a full dorm when I went so if I could sleep then, I’m sure anyone could!
Day 6: Explore Nanuya Balavu Island
Mantaray Island Resort has a lot to offer, with activities such as sunset tubing and jewellery making. There are also evening activities which were, admittedly cheesey and very difficult to get out of.
It was also a place where we reunited with friends we had made from the previous island. This was one of my favourite parts about backpacking the Yasawas.
Day 7: Nanuya Balavu Island to Drawaqa Island
A short boat ride from Mantaray Resort is Barefoot Manta Island Resort, located on the gorgeous Drawaqa Island. Boasting their gorgeous scenery and beaches for both sunrise and sunset, Barefoot Manta really has it all.
The dorm accommodation is in quaint tents with at least one fan but these do get hot at times.
The staff were all so welcoming and made you feel part of the family, particularly at their wonderful ‘family dinners’. All guests eat together, tucking into any dish you desire on the table.
This resort is a great way to meet new people as the meal environments really spark conversation.
This resort is also a great place to snorkel and dive, with a marine biologist on site giving free talks daily.
I believe this resort also gave a free introductory scuba diving lesson which is an amazing opportunity to try this out!
Day 8: Exploring Drawaqa Island
I would recommend spending 2 to 3 nights on this island. There is so much to see, both land and see, and it was my favourite resort to relax in.
There is a gorgeous hike on the island where you can witness an incredible sunrise. I didn’t manage to do this but heard amazing things from other guests.
Day 9: Drawaqa Island to Kuata Island
On day 9, take a short ferry ride to Barefoot Manta’s neighbouring resort, Barefoot Kuata Island Resort.
This resort is a MUST for visiting Fiji’s Yasawa Islands. Barefoot Kuata Island Resort has the most incredible views of all the resorts on the Yasawas (in my humble opinion).
It was simply breathtaking and I felt so privileged to watch the day go by over the crazy scenery.
Day 10: Explore Kuata Island – Bull Shark Dive
Barefoot Kuata is an incredible place to relax, with multiple different pools and hidden nooks to explore. It is the perfect place to read, sleep, or do a bull shark dive…
Barefoot Kuata’ famous bull shark dive is a MUST for adrenaline junkies!!
It is one of very few places in the world where you can scuba dive with bull sharks having had no previous diving experience.
There is a short briefing on all the safety information you need and have a guide with you the whole time. Each person gets their own guide.
It was the most incredible experience of my life.
They also different snorkelling activities such as a night snorkel and reef snorkel where you can swim with reef sharks!
Day 11: Kuata Island to Waya Island
After another ferry to Waya Island, you will be entering the most gorgeous resort on the Yasawas: Octopus Resort.
This multi award winning resort is exactly what you picture when you think of Fiji. It has a gorgeous beach, comfy beds (dorm rooms of 8 people) and luxury meals with a palate cleanser!!! It was a different world from my other backpacking experiences.
I would recommend spending 2-4 nights on this island (I wish I could have stayed there forever to be honest).
Day 12-13: Exploring Waya Island
If you visit this resort (which you really should), I would highly recommend you take the free village tour.
After a short hike across the island (and through an adorable farm with pigs running around) you will reach the local village.
A resident guides you through the village where you are taken to a school before being seated outside the village hall for a kava ceremony.
After the kava ceremony where the village are summoned with a call from a shell, you will be invited into the hall for a showcase.
We were privileged to see traditional Fijian dances and songs, ending with everyone invited up to dance. It was an experience I will never forget.
Day 14: Waya Island to South Sea Island
Just 30 minutes from Port Denerau lives South Sea Island Resort.
Skip this island in your Fiji itinerary if you do not have time!!
Due to its close proximity to the mainland, South Sea Island Resort brings every day trip you can imagine.
The island itself is tiny (you can walk around the whole thing in about 2 minutes) and the dorms are the opposite of luxury. This is quite a contrast coming from Octopus Resort.
I mainly enjoyed this island because it was the last full day I was going to spend with my friend before we both continued on with separate travels… and the free bar.
Yes that’s right. There is complimentary alcohol at this resort.
Despite the lack of luxury, this resort did provide the best sunset I have ever witnessed. It was simply incredible.
If I were to do this trip again I’m not convinced I would go to this resort, but it’s definitely a fun one for one night.
DO NOT SPEND MORE THAN ONE NIGHT AT THIS RESORT!!
Day 15: Return to Port Denerau
After your crazy Fiji adventure across the Yasawa Islands, it is time to say goodbye to this gorgeous country.
I would recommend staying one night in Nadi before flying the next day.
Fiji is an incredible country and I wish I could have spent more time there. There is so much more to explore, I fear I have only scratched the surface.
I hope this Fiji itinerary has been useful to you. I will be writing more blog posts on Fiji in the coming weeks to give you the ultimate Fiji guide!
This post was all about the ultimate Fiji Itinerary