Kadavu Province: Reef, Islands and Manta Rays

Kadavu Province brings together an archipelago and the Great Astrolabe Reef, which protects the islands, along with distinctive natural attractions: manta rays and seabirds on Yabu. Its features range from the geographic character of the island group to a specific activity offered to guests by some resorts. When planning your trip, you can consider the landscape, the experiences you want and the location of your accommodation together.

An archipelago of several islands

Kadavu Province is an archipelago comprising Ono, Buliya, Yaukuve and other islands, many of which are uninhabited. The name of the province therefore refers to an area with several islands, not just the specific destination known as Kadavu Island. Flights and ferries travel to Kadavu Island. This distinction helps you keep the larger island group in mind alongside the named island destination.

Reef and manta rays

The Great Astrolabe Reef protects the islands and is a defining feature of the landscape. Some resorts offer their guests another way to experience nature: diving and snorkelling with large, gentle manta rays. This option is available to guests of the respective resorts. If manta rays are one of your main interests, ask your chosen resort before booking whether it offers this activity to its guests.

The reef and manta rays play different roles in your trip planning: the reef describes a relationship between the landscape and the islands, while diving and snorkelling with manta rays is a specific resort offering. This can help you decide whether you are mainly interested in Kadavu’s geographic character or in a particular activity.

Yabu and the seabirds

The uninhabited island of Yabu lies north of Ono Island; locally, it is known as “Birdland” because of the many seabird species that breed there. Ono is therefore not only one of the islands in the archipelago, but also the geographic reference point for Yabu’s location. Unlike the manta-ray offering at some resorts, Yabu represents a different focus on nature: seabirds and their nesting sites. This distinction helps you organize your interests: on one hand, an activity for guests at certain resorts; on the other, a named birdlife attraction associated with Yabu.

Getting to Kadavu Island

Fiji Airways offers direct flights from Nadi International Airport to Kadavu Island; the flight takes 50 minutes. The “Lomaiviti Princess” ferry connects Suva with Kadavu Island once a week, stopping at Vunisea and Kavala Bay. Depending on your embarkation and disembarkation points, the trip takes 4 to 8 hours. The comparison of journey times also reflects the different departure points: the flight departs from Nadi, while the ferry departs from Suva. When planning your trip, consider your departure point and the ferry’s embarkation and disembarkation points as well as the journey duration. Check the flight schedule and ferry days before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Kadavu, Lau.

For the broader travel overview: Eastern Division.