Fiji June 2025: Kayaks, Culture & Connection – A WEA Adventure to Remember

Enjoy the amazing adventure journal written by our co-founder, Katrina Croquett!

Saturday 14th June – It Begins

We’re off! After months of planning and daydreaming, our Fiji adventure finally kicked off. I joined 12 incredible women in Nadi—some seasoned WEA legends, some brand new to the group. But just like magic, within minutes it felt like we’d known each other for years. That’s the power of women, and the beauty of WEA—strangers become friends, fast.

A couple of drinks at the bar, a delicious dinner, and then we dove into our trip briefing with our kayak guide, Dan. There was plenty of info to take in—enough to spark a bit of nervous energy and a whole lot of excitement. An early night for most… tomorrow, the real adventure begins.

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Sunday 15th – To Base Camp We Go

An early start saw us making our way to Denarau to board the Yasawa Flyer. In true Fijian style, we were greeted with big smiles and warm hospitality in the Captain’s Lounge—five hours of cruising through paradise. At Coconut Beach, our small transfer boats were waiting, along with our local guides, Semi, Sione and Seta.

We arrived at our base camp on Tavewa Island—our home for the next few days. Bags unloaded, tents set up, and we were straight into the water for our first snorkel just down the beach. The conditions were spot-on—warm turquoise water, calm seas, and so much marine life to discover.

As the sun began to set, we gathered on the beach with drinks and nibbles, raising our glasses to the journey ahead. A traditional Fijian lovo dinner (cooked underground!) was the perfect end to day one—hearty, delicious, and made with love. Briefing done, early night again… because tomorrow, we paddle!

Monday 16th – Postcard Paddling & Magical Mornings

Breakfast was well worth getting up for—think fresh fruit, coconut scones, plunger coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and all the good stuff to fuel our day.

By 8am, we were geared up and ready for our kayaking briefing. At 9am, we pushed off for our first paddle: around the stunning island of Nanuya Lailai Island, through peaceful mangroves, and onto Blue Lagoon Beach for a snorkel straight out of a travel brochure. Thousands of fish and Dan even hand caught a blue swimmer crab for dinner. 7kms paddled this morning. 

After a refreshing lunch back at base camp, some of us took it easy with books and beach chats, while others set off to circumnavigate Tavewa—real ocean kayaking, complete with a little kayak surf back into the bay. Another 7kms paddled, laughs had, and a salty breeze in our hair.

Dinner, sunset, and another dreamy night under the stars.

Tuesday 17th – Stronger Than We knew

Today we left the comforts of Tavewa behind and paddled head-on into one of the most challenging and unforgettable days of our journey.

After a hearty breakfast, we packed our dry bags for an overnight village stay and launched our kayaks along the eastern coast of Nacula Island. What followed was one of the most demanding—and rewarding—days of the trip.

The wind was fierce, the swell rolled in strong, and every kilometre asked more of us. But we dug deep. Arms burned, hair salted, emotions bubbled, but we kept going—pushing through with determination, laughter, and teamwork. It was tough. It was epic. It was something most of us had never experienced before… and we’ll never forget it.

By the time we reached Navotua—18.4kms later—we were exhausted but elated. The children of the village rushed to greet us, lending their little hands to help unload the kayaks and support boat with huge smiles and curious eyes. We then made our way to the chief’s house to take part in a traditional sevusevu ceremony, offering kava and asking for permission to stay. It was a humbling and special welcome—one we all felt honoured to be part of.

Challenge met. Hearts full.

Wednesday 18th – Caves, Culture & Kava

The day kicked off with a 4km paddle through some pretty exciting swell—our arms were definitely awake by the time we reached the stunning Sawa-I-Lau limestone caves. Once there, we swam in the cool, clear water and, for those brave enough, dove through an underwater tunnel into a dark, echoing inner chamber. We sang, we laughed, and we bellowed at the top of our lungs just to hear the echo bounce off the ancient cave walls—pure magic.

After morning tea on the beach, we jumped back in our kayaks for a scenic paddle home, riding the swell and catching waves with big grins on our faces. That brought our total paddle distance to 8kms for the day—not a bad effort for a so-called “rest day!”

The village of Navotua welcomed us back with open arms—and the afternoon that followed was something special.

We visited the local school where we donated supplies and were treated to the most heartwarming performance of songs and dances by the children. Their smiles were contagious, and the joy in the air was impossible not to catch. Then it was time to relax—some of us enjoyed a much-needed massage from the local women (those paddle muscles were well and truly earned), while others joined a guided walk through the village plantations and over the nearby hill for a view that stopped us in our tracks. Lush, sweeping, and completely breathtaking.

Back in the village, the women had set up a little shell market for us. Let’s just say this crew knows how to support the locals… and shop up a storm!

Dinner, lovingly prepared by Sione and his beautiful wife, was next-level delicious. Just when we thought the day couldn’t get better, the Meke began—traditional songs, rhythmic dancing, laughter, and of course, us joining in with all the enthusiasm you’d expect. The evening wrapped up with a kava ceremony under the stars—an unforgettable cultural experience that left us feeling deeply connected, grateful, and still buzzing from a day packed with adventure, heart, and community.

Thursday 19th – Wild Winds & Wow Moments

The day began with bacon and eggs and a bit of a shake-up—Mother Nature had other plans. Strong winds meant we couldn’t kayak back from Navotua as originally intended, so in true go-with-the-flow Fiji fashion, we pivoted. Half the group laced up… or rather slipped on their thongs (Fijian hiking boots)… and hiked over the hill to Naqati Beach, while the rest cruised around by boat—wind in their hair, sea spray in their faces, and a textbook mid-ocean boat swap to keep things interesting (and a little bit hilarious).

But the real magic happened in the water. Our morning snorkel at Naqati Beach was next level. Some of the group called it the best snorkelling of their lives—and they weren’t exaggerating. The water was impossibly clear, the coral bursting with colour, and the sea life was on full display—reef sharks gliding past, fish in every shade of the rainbow, hidden sea caves to explore… it was like swimming in a real-life aquarium.

After that underwater wonderland, those keen to kayak were back on the water, paddling around the coast to meet up with the rest of the crew for lunch at Nacula Beach. While some opted for a relaxing float in the dreamy turquoise water, others took the opportunity to visit the local boarding school, getting a glimpse into daily life for the students who call the islands home.

Back on the water the kayakers couldn’t resist a cheeky detour to Oarsman’s Bay Lodge for a cold, well-earned beer—a perfect little pick-me-up before the final stretch back to base camp. With the wind at our backs and the waves on our side, we surfed our way back to Tavewa like pros, where Semi was waiting with a warm welcome and a big grin. Another 14kms of paddling ticked off. 

The day wrapped up in true WEA style—with chips, dips, and Sione’s famous rum punch flowing freely, followed by a vibrant Mexican-themed dinner. Big day. Big laughs. Big adventure. And very, very big sleeps.

Friday 20th – Farewell, Tavewa

Our final morning on Tavewa began with banana pancakes and plunger coffee—our favourite! A short hike to the top of the island gave us one last look at this paradise from above.

After packing up our tents and saying goodbye to our little patch of sand, we reflected on all we’d achieved together in just five days with a full recap by Dan and the team - talking about what we had achieved, the swell we had battled, the wind we faced, the culture, the caves……. It was fab to go back over our adventure. So many highlights, so many crazy hairy moments, so much laughter, lots of emotion. 

Then it was time for part two: Barefoot Manta.

We were welcomed with music and singing right on the beach—such joy! Real beds, hot showers (for most of us - but at least it was a shower), and space to stretch and move in our new homes? We were in heaven. Sundowners at the Sunset Bar were the perfect way to ease into this next chapter.

Saturday 21st – Coral & Connection

Today was something special. After breakfast, most of us made our way to the Marine Centre where we had the chance to learn about the incredible work being done to protect and preserve the reef we’d been exploring all week. It wasn’t just a talk—this was hands-on conservation in action. With Meme, our brilliant marine guide leading the way, we snorkelled out to a coral restoration site and carefully collected broken coral fragments from the ocean floor, then attached them to new spots on the reef to help it regenerate. It felt meaningful, purposeful—and like we were leaving a little piece of ourselves behind in this place that had already given us so much.

And then… came the manta swim.

There are barely words to do it justice. Floating in the deep blue as these majestic, gentle giants glided silently beneath and beside us was both humbling and unforgettable. They seemed to dance through the water, unbothered by our presence, and we were simply there—stunned, silent, and grateful to witness it. Even the abundance of vibrant fish in the channel left us in awe—it was like the entire reef had come to life just for us.

As the sun went down, we gathered once again for a Fijian night filled with music, movement, and joy. Singing, dancing, and sharing stories with the locals made for the perfect way to wrap up an already remarkable day.

Sunday 22nd – Snorkel. Eat. Relax. Repeat.

After days of kayaking, hiking, and reef adventures, today was all about slowing down and soaking it all in.

Some of us rose early for a sunrise hike, catching the golden glow of the morning as it spilled across the island. Others chose paddle boards, a snorkel and fins, or simply a book, a towel, and a shady spot under a palm tree. There was no plan, no rush—just that slow, sun-kissed rhythm of island life.

Snorkel. Eat. Relax. Repeat. That was pretty much the vibe.

As the day wound down, a handful of us geared up for something truly unique—a night snorkel. Torches in hand, we slid into the water and into a whole new world. Crabs scuttled across the sand, colourful crustaceans peeked out from the rocks, and the fish—tucked in tightly like they were sleeping in coral bunk beds—barely stirred. A sleek white tip reef shark cruised by calmly, just doing its thing. Then Meme switched on her UV torch, and the coral lit up like something from another planet—glowing purples, greens, and fluro yellows dancing in the darkness. It was otherworldly.

We ended the night with a relaxed dinner and the sweet harmonies of the Barefoot Manta choir. Another perfect day in paradise—slow, magical, and full of heart.

Monday 23rd – A Sunrise Farewell

Our final morning started early—6:30am to be exact—but it was so worth it. With the tide changing, a few of us decided to head out for one last manta swim… and what a send-off it was. Just five of us in the water, floating silently, and suddenly there they were—three mantas summersault feeding right beneath us. Graceful and powerful all at once, they moved with such elegance it almost didn’t seem real. Even the guides were blown away by how long they stayed, circling back again and again. 

After breakfast, it was time to squeeze every last drop out of our time in paradise. Some wandered down to the beach for one last snorkel. Others joined the locals in a cheeky crab race or tried their hand at weaving headbands from palm fronds. The farewell songs from our friends at Barefoot Manta brought more than a few misty eyes—we weren’t quite ready to say goodbye.

Eventually, it was time to board the Yasawa Flyer for our journey back to the mainland. We travelled in style in the Captain’s Lounge, sharing bevvies, laughs, and stories from the week that already felt like a lifetime of memories.

That night, back at the Tanoa, we shared a quiet dinner, reflecting on the adventure. We were salty, sun-kissed, tired to our bones… and completely full of gratitude. 

Tuesday 24th – Vinaka, Fiji. You’ve Changed Us.

One last breakfast together. A round of hugs, some tears, and hearts so full they were practically bursting.

This wasn’t just a trip—it was a reset. A celebration of courage, connection, laughter, nature, and the beautiful messiness of adventure. Whether we were paddling through wild swells, dancing in a Fijian village, snorkelling alongside mantas, or simply watching the sun rise with a cup of tea in hand—every single moment mattered.

To the incredible women who came along for the ride—thank you. You brought your whole selves to this journey, with open hearts, fierce spirits, and that signature WEA energy. You made this adventure what it was.

Vinaka vaka levu, Fiji. Until we meet again.

We are headed back to do it all again in June 2026...you should join us...https://www.womenembraceadventure.com.au/events-1/fiji-kayaking-2026