The Barefoot Collection’s Barefoot Kuata Resort in the southern Yasawa Islands is in a particularly beautiful part of this string of islands. The view from the small island resort, beyond the white sandy beach and turquoise water, is of tall striking rock formations on Waya Island across a narrow channel.
Most importantly it’s the place to go to do the Awakening Shark Dive – the best shark diving experience in the Yasawas.
Breakfast and lunch are both buffet-style, and you will usually be asked to choose your dinner options at lunch (a choice of two dishes).
There are plenty of other activities on offer as well, including snorkeling, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. The resort is also famous for its Shark Snorkel, a shark experience for non-divers.
For an extra cost, a village visit can also be organized. A local guide will take you through the village and explain what is going on. Certain dress and behaviour codes are relevant so you will be advised on these prior to leaving for the village.
While Barefoot Kuata is on the beach, there is also plenty to do on land. There are some fabulous walks to do, ranging from easy to energetic. Many of these will open out on spectacular views and all will enjoy the spectacular scenery. Caves, jungles, beaches, and rock pools to name a few. A walk with one of the local staff to learn about the history of the island is fascinating, and you can also join a walk with the resident botanist to learn about plant life.
There are other activities that can be enjoyed such as basket weaving or coconut jewelry making classes. If you have an interest, ask the staff and they will be happy to help.
Kuata is one of the more southern of the Yasawa Islands, and accessible via the Yasawa Flyer or seaplane.
Barefoot Kuata offers a small selection of traditional Fijian-style bures and dorm accommodation located either directly on the beachfront or within garden areas a short walk from the shore. All rooms are fan and sea-breeze cooled and include linen, towels, daily servicing, and complimentary bathroom amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Accommodation types cater to couples, families, and independent travellers depending on configuration.
Beachfront Rai Ki Waya Bure
These bures are positioned directly on the beachfront and measure approximately 24m² with an additional 10m² private deck. Each includes a queen bed with the option to add a single bed or bunk configuration, accommodating up to two adults and two children. The bure features a handcrafted outdoor tropical bathroom enclosed with tall reeds for privacy, including an elevated sandstone bath open to the sky.
Beachfront Levu Bure
The Beachfront Levu Bures are the largest accommodation type at the resort, measuring 34m² with an additional 8m² private deck. Each bure includes a queen bed with additional bedding options and accommodates up to two adults and three children. The bures are set within a garden setting with private beach access and include an ensuite bathroom featuring an outdoor shower.
Beachfront Siga Bure
Beachfront Siga Bures measure 24m² with an additional 8m² private deck and offer direct beach access. Each bure includes a queen bed with additional bedding suitable for families and accommodates up to two adults and two children. These bures include an ensuite bathroom and outdoor seating area.
Tei Tei Bure
Tei Tei Bures are located in the resort’s garden area approximately one minute’s walk from the beach and measure 26m². Each bure includes a queen bed with additional bedding and accommodates up to two adults and two children, with a private ensuite bathroom.
Kuata Dorm and Girls-Only Dorm
The Kuata Dorm and Kuata Girls-Only Dorm provide shared dormitory accommodation designed for independent travellers or groups on a budget. Each dorm accommodates up to seven guests, is fan-cooled, and uses shared bathroom facilities with hot showers. The dorms are located within the garden area less than a minute’s walk from the beach.
Barefoot Kuata Resort’s dive shop here is an SSI training facility and offers all the introductory SSI courses if you want to learn to dive there. Diving and snorkeling activities are managed by a resident marine biologist, who also looks after the island’s marine conservation projects, so if you want to know what you’ve just seen, you know who to ask.
The mornings here are usually the Awakening Shark dives, with an 8 am shark dive for certified divers, and a shallower shark dive at 11 am for Discover Scuba shark dives. The afternoon is reserved for reef dives. There are over 10 dive sites to choose from, including Sea Fan City, Coral Garden, Pinnacles and a Cave Dive. The House Reef is also great to explore as a day or night dive.
Tanks and regs need to be carried to the boat, where they are laid on the floor of the boat for the (very short) trip to the first dive site, which could be the very pretty Seafan City or the Pinnacles – well known for white tipped reef sharks. Entry is a backward roll over the side, and exit is via the ladder at the rear. Even after two dives, and a surface interval, you will be back at the resort in time to catch lunch.
The Shark Snorkel is very popular, and day-trippers will also join you, so often two boats are used to take you out to the reef.
Pricing for Barefoot Kuata Resort
| Valid to March 2026 | AUD | FJD | |||
| 7 Nights Beachfront Rai Ki Waya Bure (Double / Twin Share) with 14 dives including fullboard meal | 5996 | FJD | | | 5996 | |
| 7 Nights Beachfront Rai Ki Waya Bure (Double / Twin Share) with 14 dives including fullboard meal | 8271 | FJD | | | 8271 | |
| 7 Nights Tei Tei Bure (Double / Twin Share) with 14 dives including fullboard meal | 5117 | FJD | | | 5117 | |
| 7 Nights Tei Tei Bure (Single) with 14 dives including fullboard meal | 6514 | FJD | | | 6514 | |
| This resort's prices are in FJD and inclusive of all Fijian Taxes (totalling 25%). The AUD prices shown are based on the current exchange rate. The price paid in AUD will be based on the actual exchange rate at the time any payments are made. | |||||
| Inclusions: Accommodation as specified, 14 dives, 7-day mandatory island package and return transfers from Port Denarau. Room rate includes free daily scheduled activities, internet in restaurant & bar area, use of non-motorised water sports. Desalinated drinking water is available 24 hours from the bar/restaurant area. |
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| Important Information Mandatory Island Package(meal package) are compulsory - It includes three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Straws are not offered for all beverages and guests are discouraged to bring bottled water to the resorts. Bottled water is available to purchase at the resort should this be guest preference. |
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| The per person pricing above is indicative only: we show 7 night with 14 dive packages at high-end and lower-end rooms (singles & doubles) for the purposes of comparison. We can give you a price (and availability) for any combination of nights/dives you wish to undertake, which will include any discounts due to you as part of that package, and any exclusions, or items payable at the resort. Please use the [Enquire Now] tab to give us your exact requirements and we'll give you the best deal we can. | |||||
