Ono Island and the Yasawas, Fiji

We stayed at Oneta Resort on the remote island of Kadavu, reached by a stormy flight and a long, rough boat ride. Once there, its secluded setting, comfortable villas, excellent food, and welcoming staff made it easy to settle into island life. Located near the Great Astrolabe Reef, Oneta provided some of the best snorkeling we have experienced anywhere.

Our days included vibrant coral gardens, colorful reef walls, manta cleaning stations, and memorable sites such as the Cookie Jar, Broken Rock, Split Rock, and Fish Bowl. Rod also enjoyed several dives, including cave dives along the reef. Beyond the water, we joined yaqona ceremonies, kayaked to villages and waterfalls, and spent time with local families. Oneta remains one of our favorite snorkeling destinations in the South Pacific.

We continued to Barefoot Manta Resort in the Yasawas, where excellent snorkeling was paired with marine conservation programs, island hikes, and beautiful sunsets. Our final stop, Coconut Beach Resort, stood out for its exceptionally friendly atmosphere, music, dancing, hikes, and traditional ceremonies. Together, the three resorts offered a wonderful combination of world-class reefs, Fijian hospitality, and quieter island life.