The Bay of Islands (aka Qilaqila) is one of the most sought after cruising grounds in Fiji. But they are not frequently visited a they are hard to get to. These islands are located in the northern Lao Group just off the coast of Vanua Balavu. This pristine area is largely untouched by humans.
The bay is dotted with mushroom-shaped, limestone islands that rise straight out of the sea like something in a dream.
They don’t just sit quietly either. Jutting skyward, bold and breathtaking, weathered by time, tide, and wind.
They feel like ancient sentinels standing guard over the pristine waters.
So many stunning limestone formations, overhangs, above and below water.
Each one unique and stoic as it resists the elements to stand strong.
The Anchorage Views
Aerial Views
If you try really hard you can capture photos of us all alone hidden behind the mushroom-shaped islands.
But reality there are over a dozen boats around us. The only boat we see from our boat is our neighbors (catamaran). We cannot see the 5 boats in front of us or the 2 boats to the side of us. They are all hidden by the island pillars.
Exploring
Matt took the paddle board out daily. He loved gliding between the towering formations uncovering new hidden gems.
Every island held a secret – a cove, a tunnel, a quiet corner. We explored through the nooks and crannies that felt like nature’s secret rooms.
The water is so clear it feels like you are floating in air. The waters expose coral gardens blooming beneath you. And when the sunlight hits just right it plays off the surface like living glass.
We first wrote about the Lau group three years ago. Be sure to check the blogs posts out:
Our blog posts run 6-8 weeks behind actual live events. We were in the Bay of Islands in early June 2025 for about 10 days. Because we were not on a schedule.
Find the Bay of Islands on No Foreign Land
Did you meet the locals of Qamea from our last blog post?