Drawaqa Island: A Family and Backpacker’s Paradise

In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies a collection of islands brimming with budget-friendly resort options, making them an ideal getaway for both families and backpackers.

Fiji is a country composed of over 300 islands, each more stunning than the last. After exploring several of these islands, I can confidently say Fiji is the perfect destination for everyone. The islands boast breathtaking beauty and offer a wide range of activities and experiences. What truly stands out is the charm and friendliness of the local people. Among all the islands, one particular resort shines as the ultimate tropical vacation spot for anyone seeking a memorable getaway.

Nestled on Drawaqa Island in the stunning Yasawa Islands chain, the breathtaking Barefoot Manta Island Resort offers an idyllic getaway.

Barefoot Manta Island Resort serves as the ideal retreat to unwind and savor all that Fiji has to offer. With accommodations and activities suited for visitors of every age, it’s a prime spot for a memorable island escape.

The island resort exudes a unique and enchanting ambiance that I absolutely adore. From the friendly locals to the dive shop staff and yoga instructors, everyone was incredibly welcoming and eager to share their history and culture with us. After spending just a few days on this island paradise, I felt like I had truly immersed myself in the authentic and memorable Fiji experience.

Each day, the resort’s staff would post a comprehensive schedule packed with a variety of activities, both complimentary and paid, catering to all interests. From exhilarating manta ray dives to serene yoga sessions, immersive traditional Kava ceremonies, enriching local language and history classes, visits to nearby villages and schools, and an array of other engaging options—there’s something for everyone. For the complete list of activities, click HERE. Additionally, guests have access to a fully equipped dive shop onsite, offering complimentary snorkels and fins, as well as the option to rent paddle boards, kayaks, oxygen tanks, and other diving gear.

At the heart of the resort lies its restaurant and bar, the hub for all dining experiences. Given the island’s secluded location, guests are enrolled in a daily meal plan covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While beverages are not included, they are affordably priced. The culinary offerings are exceptional, catering to all dietary preferences. As a pescatarian, I discovered an array of satisfying options, and each meal left me thoroughly content.

The resort offers complimentary Wi-Fi access in its main areas, ensuring you can stay connected if needed.

There are three distinct beaches to explore on the island, each offering its own unique charm and amenities. Whether you prefer lounging in a hammock or relaxing in a beach chair, you’ll find plenty of comfortable seating options at each beach. From Sunrise Beach to Sunset Beach and the captivating Manta Beach, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What sets this island apart is the opportunity to witness the incredible manta rays that frequent the channel just off the coast of Manta Beach. With luck, you might have the chance to dive alongside these majestic creatures during your stay.

The staff members at the resort are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share their insights with guests. In particular, Rob, the Marine Biologist on site, provided us with invaluable information about the island’s marine life. We learned that Sunrise Beach boasts some of the most impressive coral reefs in the entire country, a fact that I wholeheartedly agree with after exploring them myself. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the staff—they’re passionate about ensuring you have an unforgettable experience on the island.

When it came to our accommodations, we opted for an eight-bedroom dorm situated in cozy tents. We had a designated drawer for our belongings, along with a comfortable bed with pillows and blankets. The dorms were exactly what we needed—perfectly sized and accommodating. 

Priced at around $28 per night, excluding meals, the dorms provided access to ample shared bathrooms equipped with toilets and showers. Additionally, there was plenty of space around the dorm to hang our towels and bathing suits. This resort offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit different preferences. From private bungalows catering to various budgets, ranging between $130 and $250 USD per night, it ensures a well-rounded experience for all guests.

How to Reach the Island:

Arriving at this island paradise is quite straightforward, especially if you opt for a Bula Pass. Situated off the coast of Vitu Levu, the Yasawa island chain is easily accessible. The nearest airport is located in the city of Nadi, from where you can take a ferry to the islands. In my experience, we decided to purchase a Bula Pass for the week, allowing us the flexibility to hop on and off the ferry to explore multiple islands. This simplified our travel arrangements greatly, with Awesome Adventures Fijihandling our itinerary meticulously. They ensured that each resort was informed of our travel plans, making the transition between islands seamless. The pass is reasonably priced, depending on the duration of usage, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for island hopping adventures.

As we bid farewell to the island, we were serenaded with an array of heartfelt songs, a beautiful gesture of gratitude for our visit and immersion in their local culture. Witnessing their genuine happiness and zest for life nearly brought tears to my eyes. Their hospitality was unparalleled—an experience truly beyond compare. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the Barefoot Manta Island Resort. Without a doubt, it’s secured a top spot on my list of travel accommodations thus far.