The Complete Travellers’ Guide to Fiji
Peppering the tropical waters of the southern Pacific Ocean, Fiji is an island nation that’s diverse, cultural and beautiful. Each of the 333 islands tells a unique story, whether it has left its made its mark via a rugged volcanic island or a simple sand cay surrounded by azure waters. Between the islands, shallow coral reefs decorate the ocean with diverse marine life making Fiji a diver’s, snorkeller’s and angler’s paradise.
But Fiji certainly isn’t all about coral reefs and sandy beaches. Some of the larger islands have a rugged interior typically awash in a mix of plantations and verdant jungles dotted with remote Fijian villages and dramatic river formations leading to more waterfalls than you can count. That’s Fiji in a nutshell, but if you’re planning a trip to the islands, you’ll want to take a deep dive into Fiji Pocket Guide where this complete guide to Fiji is the ideal place to start…
Learn about the diverse regions and island groups of Fiji and follow our recommendations to various travel guides throughout Fiji Pocket Guide to help plan your trip according to your personal style and interests.
An Intro About Fiji
Location: Fiji is located in the South Pacific in the continent of Oceania. Fiji sits in the centre of Tonga, Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu and New Caledonia and is about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand.
Land size: 18,274 km2 (7,056 sq mi)
Climate: Daily average temperature – 25.5°C/77.9°F, average rainfall 1,826mm/71.9″ – 3,065mm/120.7″. Find out more in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?
Time zone: FJT / GMT+12/+13
Find out more in What is the Fiji Time Zone?
Population: 896,500
Languages: English, Fijian and Hindi
Find out more in What is the Fiji Language?
How to Get to Fiji
First things first, you’ll need to see if you are actually able to travel to Fiji due to restrictions put in place at the borders after the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit Tourism Fiji‘s website for the latest travel information.
Next, what is the best way to get to Fiji? Fiji can be accessed by flight, cruise ship or private sailing yachts. The most popular way to get to Fiji is by international flight, so let’s start with that.
Flying to Fiji
Direct international flights come from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Nauru, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Wallis & Futuna, the US and South Korea. If you are coming from further afield, then you will need to make a connecting flight most likely in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Hawaii. See How Long Does it Take to Fly to Fiji? for more information.
Although Fiji has two international airports, around 97% of visitors to Fiji come via Nadi International Airport on the island of Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island). Learn more in our guide, Which Airport to Arrive in Fiji.
Cruises to Fiji
Fiji is on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises from Australia, New Zealand and French Polynesia. There are five ports of call in Fiji, the main ones being Suva, Lautoka and Port Denarau. Find out about which cruiseliners have Fiji on their itinerary, as well as what to do at each port of call in The Guide to Taking a Cruise to Fiji.
Sailing to Fiji
Fiji is conveniently located at the centre of the Transpacific journey between the US and New Zealand. The yachting season is between May and October. Learn about the sailing formalities and the ports of entry in The Sailing Guide to Fiji.
A Note on Customs Declarations
Fiji has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in Fiji has to declare any “risk items” they have packed in their luggage – even common items like food and sports gear. Be sure to read up on Everything You Need to Know About Arriving in Fiji so you are prepared.
Check out our complete guide on How to Get to Fiji for even more tips on making your way to the islands of Fiji.
When to Visit Fiji
Fiji is a tropical country and experiences warm temperatures throughout the year. It has two distinct seasons, a dry season which is drier and cooler, and a wet season which is hotter and humid. Learn more about the climate in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?
Dry Season (May to November)
The dry season is also known as the winter season in Fiji, although many would not describe it as winter with temperatures around 19-29°C (66-84°F). The rainfall per month is an average of 70-150mm (2.8-6″). The dry season is also the time for swimming with manta rays, surfing big waves, clearer scuba diving conditions and catching sailfish, skipjack tuna and wahoo.
Wet Season (December to April)
The wet season is hotter and more humid, with temperatures around 22-33°C (72-91°F) and an average monthly rainfall of 180-310mm (7-12″). This is also Fiji’s cyclone season, which means there’s a risk of cyclones (but only a risk, which you can learn more about in How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Fiji). The wet season is also the best time for catching Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna and Mahimahi, as well as avoiding other tourists.
Still can’t decide when the best time is to travel to Fiji? Check out our complete guide, The Best Time to Visit Fiji, which dives much deeper into the subject.
What to Pack for Fiji
The main thing you need to keep in mind when packing for Fiji is having a tropical wardrobe that includes some more modest items of clothing for visiting Fijian villages. A packing list for Fiji might look a little something like this:
- Shorts/Skirts/Dresses some below the knee for village visits
- Singlets/T-Shirts
- Light shirts/T-shirts to cover the shoulders for village visits
- Light cotton shirt to cover arms for sun protection
- Sarong (Sulu) to cover your legs on village visits
- Light sleepwear
- Light jacket/Cardigan/Pashmina for cooler evenings
- Outfit for smart/casual dress-code restaurants at luxury resorts
- Underwear
- Bikini/Boardshorts
- One-piece swimsuit for watersports/village stay for women
- Rash vest for sun and surf protection
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Light rain jacket if visiting in the wet season
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Reef shoes
- Walking shoes/sandals
And that’s just clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories and toiletries, check out The Complete Packing List for Fiji.
Health Products
Although the water in towns is generally safe to drink, there is questionable drinking water in Fiji’s villages and more remote islands – see Can You Drink the Water in Fiji? That coupled with high UV levels and the presence of mosquitos means that certain health products are essential to take to Fiji.
Fiji also has a fragile marine ecosystem so natural sunscreens and mosquito repellents are a must, while water purification bottles/tablets are preferable to buying bottled water for obvious environmental reasons. See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Fiji.
Fiji Currency
The currency in Fiji is Fijian Dollars. While credit/debit cards are accepted in major resorts and businesses in Fiji’s towns, you should have cash available for taxis and visiting villages. If you need more information, just head to What is the Currency in Fiji?
How Long to Visit Fiji For
Admittedly, Fiji makes an idyllic getaway for just staying in the same resort for a few days to a week – and that’s fine; we all need some R&R from time to time. More intrepid travellers, however, will find that Fiji is an excellent country not only for island-hopping but road tripping around Viti Levu.
For those of you who want to explore, here’s what you can achieve in certain timeframes… (And don’t worry, we’ll get onto the destinations in the next few sections).
3 Days / A Long Weekend in Fiji
Over a long weekend, you will have enough time to explore Nadi, Denarau and the Coral Coast or perhaps take a quick trip to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. See some example itineraries in The Best Fiji Itineraries for a Weekend.
5 Days in Fiji
Five days is enough time for a quick island-hopping itinerary in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands or check out Fiji’s landscape of resorts and adventure activities along the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour. Alternatively, those with more budget could take a charter flight to and between Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Check out The Best Fiji Itineraries for 5 Days.
7 Days / One Week in Fiji
A week in Fiji gives you time to relax in any one of the island groups, but for those who want to move around, you could take a road trip around Viti Levu or do some island-hopping in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Alternatively, you could explore between the two less-visited islands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. See The Best Fiji Itineraries for 1 Week for trip ideas.
14 Days / Two Weeks in Fiji
14 days allows you to extend itineraries suggested for a week. It will also give you time to explore a mix of Viti Levu and the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands or Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, or a week in Kadavu and a week in Viti Levu… Check out more suggestions in The Best Fiji Itineraries for 2 Weeks.
Where to Visit: Viti Levu
Hardly anyone visits Fiji without spending some time in Viti Levu. Home to the main international airport, Viti Levu might be an obligatory place to visit but at 10,389 sq km (4,011 sq mi), Viti Levu is Fiji’s largest and most diverse island. Fiji’s “main island” is split into several exciting destinations, each with its own unique landscapes, attractions and charm. Dive deeper into what Viti Levu has to offer in The Complete Guide to Viti Levu or connect to our travel guides of each region below.
Nadi
Nadi is the main arrival city in Fiji but is much more with an array of attractions to enjoy. From hot springs to bustling produce and handicrafts, Nadi provides a number of ways to immerse in the diverse cultures and landscapes of Fiji. Take a look at more of what Nadi has to offer in The Complete Guide to Nadi.
Want to explore more of Fiji’s popular arrival town? Start planning your trip in your unique style with the following appropriate guide:
- The Guide to Nadi on a Budget
- The Luxury Guide to Nadi
- The Guide to Nadi for Families
- The Adults-Only Guide to Nadi
- The Food Guide to Nadi
- The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Nadi.
Denarau
Although just a 10-minute drive from the town centre of Nadi, Denarau is a stark contrast to Nadi’s dusty streets and hustle and bustle. Denarau is a manmade island connected to Nadi by a causeway and polished to perfection with five-star resorts, a golf course, a shopping centre and a marina. Learn more about Fiji’s fabulous manmade island in The Complete Guide to Denarau Island.
See yourself relaxing by a luxury resort pool or visiting for the day? Plan your getaway to Denarau using one of the following guides:
- The Luxury Guide to Denarau Island
- The Guide to Denarau Island for Families
- The Adults-Only Guide to Denarau Island
- The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Denarau
- The Food Guide to Denarau Island
- The Guide to Denarau Island on a Budget.
Coral Coast
Viti Levu’s southern coast is a hotspot for beach resort holidays, as well as inland adventures should you want to go chasing waterfalls or take a jet boat ride up the Sigatoka River. Find out more about the resorts, attractions and vibes of Viti Levu’s most popular coast in The Complete Guide to the Coral Coast.
Want to relax by the beach or have inland adventures on the Coral Coast? Plan your trip according to your unique travel style with one of the following guides:
- The Guide to the Coral Coast on a Budget
- The Luxury Guide to the Coral Coast
- The Guide to the Coral Coast for Families
- The Adults-Only Guide to the Coral Coast
- The Food Guide to the Coral Coast
- The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Coral Coast.
Pacific Harbour and Beqa
Situated between the Coral Coast and Suva, the Pacific Harbour and the offshore island of Beqa are where most of Fiji’s adventure activities can be found. Think white water rafting, shark diving, jet boating, river tubing, jet skiing and more. Learn more about the wild side of Viti Levu in The Complete Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa.
Does the Pacific Harbour sound like your kind of adventure? Cater a trip more to your style with the following guides:
- The Guide to Beqa & Pacific Harbour on a Budget
- The Luxury Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
- The Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families
- The Adults-Only Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
- The Food Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
- The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa.
Suva
Fiji’s capital sits on the harboursides of Viti Levu’s southeast coast. The colonial-style buildings offer a different landscape in Fiji, while the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park reminds visitors that nature is never too far away. Find out more about visiting Fiji’s capital in The Complete Guide to Suva.
Whether you’re a couple on a honeymoon, a young family or backpackers on a budget, we have a Suva travel guide to suit most travel types:
- The Guide to Suva on a Budget
- The Luxury Guide to Suva
- The Guide to Suva for Families
- The Adults-Only Guide to Suva
- The Food Guide to Suva
- The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Suva.
Suncoast
The northern side of Viti Levu is the island’s least-visited side, but that by no means means that there are no resorts, luxury villas or budget cottages to base yourself for the inland hiking, Bligh Water scuba diving or simply relaxing in Viti Levu’s sunniest region. Start planning your trip to the sunnier side of Fiji in The Complete Guide to the Suncoast.
Plan your getaway to northern Viti Levu according to your preferred style of travel with the following appropriate article:
Where to Visit: Mamanuca Islands
A scattering of some 20 islands in the glistening South Pacific waters feel a world away yet are conveniently close to Nadi International Airport. A 10-minute helicopter ride or a 30-minute ferry can have you on the idyllic Mamanuca Islands, most of which with just a single resort where you can soak in the sun, feel the sand between your toes and snorkel in the reefs circling the islands.
Each island has its own unique vibe largely due to the diverse island resorts, ranging from fun-filled family resorts to exclusive adult-only retreats to budget surf or dive resorts. Some of the islands are open to day-trippers, while others are exclusively for guests.
The Mamanuca Islands has just about every type of island activity available in Fiji, but some of the more unique features include the Cloud 9 floating pizza bar and some of the best surf breaks in the South Pacific including the famed “Cloudbreak”.
So if the Mamanucas are calling to you, start planning your getaway with The Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands.
Plan Your Trip to the Mamanuca Islands in Your Travel Style
Plan a trip to the Mamanuca Islands according to your own unique travel style with one of the following articles:
Where to Visit: Yasawa Islands
The string of the volcanic Yasawa Islands is often what many envision of the Fiji holiday: secluded islands with sweeping beaches, turquoise lagoons and remote villages of Fijian communities. This group of around 20 islands sit off the northwestern coast of Viti Levu just north of the Mamanuca Islands. Getting there requires a slightly longer mission, either from Nadi on a 30-minute helicopter/seaplane flight or between two to four hours by ferry.
The Yasawa Islands has been known as the backpacker hub of Fiji for many years thanks to its array of budget resorts, but more and more luxury boutique resorts have developed on the islands in recent years.
In terms of experiences, scuba diving, fishing, cultural activities are all on the menu as they are across most of Fiji. However, more unique offerings include trips to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves and snorkelling with manta rays between May and October.
Sounds like your type of paradise? Learn more about the Yasawas in The Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands.
Plan Your Trip to the Yasawa Islands in Your Travel Style
Plan your trip according to your interests with the following appropriate guide:
Where to Visit: Vanua Levu
Vanua Levu might be Fiji’s second-largest island and a dot on the Fiji map you can hardly avoid, but the truth of the matter is that only around 2% of visitors travel to the island. That means that tranquillity and unspoiled land and seascapes are easy to find in Vanua Levu, which is home to a variety of accommodations, from luxury boutique resorts to budget holiday homes.
The island might have its fair share of copra and sugarcane plantations, but jungle landscapes are never too far away, where many of Vanua Levu’s resorts can be found nestled among them often with a waterfall or two. Beaches are also never too hard to find but more water exploration can be enjoyed among the coral reefs, where Vanua Levu has some of the most renowned dive sites between the Namena Marine Reserve, the Great Sea Reef and Rainbow Reef.
You don’t have to feel too far from civilisation either on Vanua Levu, which has two major but small towns, Savusavu and Labasa, as well as plenty of quaint Fijian villages.
Learn more about visiting Fiji’s “Friendly North” in The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu.
Plan Your Trip to Vanua Levu in Your Travel Style
Vanua Levu provides all kinds of holiday experiences, which you can read up on in the following guides:
Where to Visit: Taveuni
Sitting off the southeastern tip of Vanua Levu across the Somosomo Strait is the island of Taveuni, also known as the “Garden Island”. Around 80% of the island is made up of the Bouma National Heritage Park, a volcanic formation carpeted in a tropical jungle where small Fijian villages are guardians to its attractions, from the towering Bouma Falls to the coastal journey of the Lavena Coastal Walk. Needless to say, Taveuni is an island for the active traveller.
Aside from seeing verdant forests and authentic villages, Taveuni also makes a great base for scuba diving at the Rainbow Reef or snorkelling in the Waitabu Marine Reserve. Pearl farms, beaches and general “island time” are other ways to enjoy the island.
While there is a spectacular range of resorts, lodges and private villas on the island to suit most travellers, it’s also worth researching the surrounding islands of Qamea, Laucala and Matangi with their spa resorts, surf resorts and even a private island seven-star resort.
For more information on the Garden Island, take a look at The Complete Guide to Taveuni.
Plan Your Trip to Taveuni in Your Travel Style
Start planning your trip to Taveuni according to the style you prefer to travel using the following guides:
Where to Visit: Lomaiviti Islands
Delve into Fiji’s characterful history in the Lomaiviti Islands, home to Fiji’s first capital, Levuka, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small town on the islands of Ovalau is preserved with colonial buildings while surrounding islands provide an alternative island holiday experience much less visited than the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.
The Lomaiviti Islands are located off the eastern shores of Viti Levu, taking only 10 minutes to fly from Suva’s airport or around four to five hours on one of the cargo ferries. Each island has its story, from the historic Ovalau to the luxury private island of Wakaya to the turtle sanctuary on Makogai. Between the islands, the diversity in marine life is astonishing thanks to several established marine reserves where it’s possible to dive with giant clams, turtles and sharks.
Learn more about Fiji’s less-visited island group in The Complete Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.
Plan Your Trip to the Lomaiviti Islands in Your Travel Style
Whatever your style and interest, we have a guide to the Lomaivitis to suit:
Where to Visit: Kadavu
Pronounced “Kan-davu”, Kadavu is a large island in the southern regions of Fiji, accessible by a one-hour flight from Nadi or a lengthy cargo ferry trip from Suva. Either way, the journey is worth the effort to see a side of Fiji that stands still in time. The 75 villages of the island are all on the coast, where boat transport is just about the only way to get around as hardly any roads venture into the thick jungle.
Resorts here are all about experiencing life off the grid, being self-sustainable by growing their own crops and working in harmony with local fishermen. Needless to say, a stay in Kadavu provides a real slice of island life. That’s not to say that there isn’t much else to do than get the Robinson Crusoe experience, as the world’s fourth-largest barrier the reef curves around the island for some epic scuba diving, manta ray snorkelling and even surfing.
For those seeking a real off-the-beaten-track adventure in Fiji, check out The Complete Guide to Kadavu.
Plan Your Trip to Kadavu in Your Travel Style
Kadavu is not a place for adult-only resorts and only has one luxury private island resort among its offering for budget B&Bs and mid-range eco-resorts. Find out more in the following guides:
Where to Visit: Lau Islands
Only a minuscule number of tourists visit the sparse scattering of around 60 islands that make up the Lau Islands, but they are definitely still worth mentioning for the Fiji enthusiast. Almost the entire east side of Fiji is the Lau Islands where many of the islands are closer to Tonga than they are to Viti Levu. With that, the cultures here are unique and unchanged for centuries, where some islanders have traditions from both the Fijian and Tongan cultures.
Visiting the islands and their people requires either one of the weekly flights to Vanua Balavu or Cicia, a multi-day island-hopping cargo voyage from Suva, or one of the few Lau Islands’ cruises with Captain Cook Cruises each year (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor). Alternatively, you can take a charter flight to the island group’s only resort, Vatuvara Private Islands, which provides many of the offerings that we feature in The Luxury Guide to the Lau Islands – the only travel style we curated a guide for in the Lau Islands, as the tourist industry here is so undeveloped.
Intrigued? Check out The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands.
How to Get Around Fiji
Yes, after seeing the number of island groups in Fiji, let alone the different islands and some of the larger islands to explore, you’re probably wondering: how do I get around all of these islands?
Transport differs between island groups. More touristic islands, such as the Mamanucas and Yasawas are well serviced with ferries, seaplanes and water taxis, while the lesser-visited islands may only have transport that is provided by your chosen resort. The main ways to get around Fiji include:
Domestic Flights
There are two scheduled domestic carriers in Fiji, both offering regular flights between Fiji’s most populated islands. Learn more about these flights in The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji.
Charter Flights
Charter flights via fixed-wing, seaplane and helicopter aircraft are available in Fiji to take passengers between Fiji’s island groups, particularly Viti Levu and the Mamanucas, Yasawas, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu. Find out more in Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji and Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji.
Ferries
High-speed catamaran ferries service the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands from Port Denarau in Viti Levu, while the slower passenger, vehicle and cargo ferries run from Suva in Viti Levu to the Lomaiviti Islands, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu. Find out more in The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry.
Car Rental
Rental cars are available in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Learn more about hiring a car in The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji.
Public Buses and Express Buses
Public buses are the cheapest type of transport available in Fiji. They are available in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. Find out more in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.
Taxis
Taxis in Fiji can be identified by their “Taxi” signs and “LT” at the beginning of the registration plate. They offer affordable metered fares within towns, while fares for sightseeing or going between towns can be negotiated. Find out more in The Guide to Taxis in Fiji.
There are a lot more ways to travel around Fiji so be sure to browse our Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji for more advice.
Accommodation in Fiji
First and foremost, Fiji is a country of resorts. In most cases, resorts handle everything: accommodation, entertainment, tours and sometimes even transport. For these reasons, one of the most important decisions you can make for a trip to Fiji is where you are going to stay.
That’s not to say that Fiji solely has resorts. If that’s not your style, then you have lodges, hotels, homestays, holiday homes, villas and even small-ship cruises to choose from.
Resorts
The most abundant accommodation type in Fiji, resorts are typically complexes with hotel-style rooms or freestanding bure (bungalows) and facilities such as a restaurant and swimming pool. Many resorts across Fiji, especially on remote islands, offer an entertainment schedule, as well as optional paid tours, such as scuba diving, fishing, massages and more. Note that there are also adults-only resorts in Fiji, as well as family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs. Dive deeper into what a resort entails in How to Pick the Best Resort in Fiji for You. Plus, don’t miss The Top 50 Resorts in Fiji.
Hotels
International-style hotels can be found in Fiji’s largest towns, such as Nadi, Suva and Lautoka. The rest of Fiji’s hotels are typically budget hotels found across Fiji’s smaller towns on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Learn more in How to Pick the Best Hotel in Fiji for You. Plus, browse our 10 Best Hotels in Fiji.
Holiday Homes and Villas
For a more intimate style of accommodation in Fiji, choose a holiday home or villa. Note that these are some of the very few self-catering accommodations available in Fiji and can usually only be found on Fiji’s larger islands, like Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Learn more about what holiday homes are like in How to Pick the Best Holiday Home in Fiji for You and villas in How to Pick the Best Villa in Fiji for You. Plus, find the ideal stay in the 10 Beautiful Holiday Homes in Fiji and 10 Best Luxury Villas in Fiji.
Homestays
Becoming more and more abundant in Fiji with the popularity of booking websites like Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia, homestays are where locals open up their spare room to visitors. With many homestays available in Fijian villages, this can be a truly authentic way to experience the Fijian culture. Note, however, that this is not an appropriate accommodation choice for travellers who like their luxuries and modern comforts. Find out more about what a homestay is like in How to Pick the Best Homestay in Fiji for You. And pick a homestay from the 10 Best Homestays in Fiji.
Small-Ship Cruises
Fiji has two small-ship cruises sailing primarily to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands and less frequent sailings to other island groups throughout the year. Each offer cabin accommodation along with the opportunity to visit different islands, free and optional paid activities, and meals. Learn more about these cruises in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji.
Things to Do in Fiji
Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to do in Fiji than drink cocktails and sit by the pool. Fiji exceeds at adventure, relaxation and culture. There’s so much to do that we could hardly fit it all into our 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List.
The thing to remember is that resorts offer most of the activities in Fiji, especially those in the outer islands. The sort of activities available at resorts include:
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Swimming with sharks or manta rays
- Spa treatments
- Fijian village visits
- Fijian cultural dancing (meke)
- Fijian crafting lessons
- Cooking classes
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Parasailing
- Fishing
- Walking/hiking
- Surfing
That’s not to say that there are no exciting experiences outside of the resorts. Especially on the islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, there are independent tours and activities to try. For instance:
Again, you’ll find much more inspiration from our 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List so get on there!
Food and Dining in Fiji
From the menus of the restaurants in Fiji’s major towns to the resort restaurants, a wide range of international cuisine is represented in Fiji. Fijian foods are also easy enough to come by especially on resort menus, while Indo-Fijian cuisine is best sampled at town curry houses.
There are no major health concerns to be worried about when it comes to food in Fiji. Resort restaurants have a high standard. However, one should be a little wary when it comes to street food – it’s best to try food that is cooked and to avoid drinking tap water (or treat it) if you’re unsure of the quality.
Self-catering is rarely available in Fiji, only in villas, holiday homes and apartments. See the Guide to Food Shopping in Fiji for purchasing groceries.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Fiji, but those with other dietary requirements should contact their resorts prior to arrival. Although most resorts can cater to just about any dietary need, they tend to need notice in order to prepare.
For more food-related advice, check out The Complete Guide to Food in Fiji and see what to try in the 18 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try.
Typical Costs and Budget – Is Fiji Expensive?
We all travel very differently. Therefore, making a precise budget for everyone is a, quite frankly, impossible task. Nevertheless, you can work out your own needs, thus budget, by simply looking at the typical prices listed below or in Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost?
The Cost of Accommodation
- Dorm bed/night – FJ$25-$100
- Homestay private room/night – FJ$30-$100
- Budget double private ensuite room/night – FJ$86-$200
- Mid-range double private ensuite room/night – FJ$150-$250
- Luxury double private ensuite room/night – FJ$250+
- Family rooms/night – FJ$140-$1,000
The Cost of Food
- Indian & Chinese restaurant mains – FJ$6-$15
- Restaurant mains – FJ$20-$30
- Restaurant breakfast meals – FJ$6-$15
- Resort breakfasts – Free
- Resort lunch meals – FJ$16-$25
- Resort restaurant mains – FJ$25-$70
- Resort meal plans/day – FJ$58-$250
- Bottle of water – FJ$1.60-$4
- Bottle of wine – FJ$15-$30
- Pint of beer – FJ$4-$8
- Cocktail – FJ$10.50-$30
Grocery prices for self-catering can be found in What is the Cost of Food in Fiji?
The Cost of Tours and Activities
- Day cruise – FJ$150-$250
- Swim with sharks – FJ$200-250
- Shared half-day fishing charter – FJ$360-$500
- Snorkel tour – FJ$70-$120
- Two tank scuba dive – FJ$280-$320
- River tubing – FJ$190
- Cultural night tour – FJ$160
- Beach horse riding – FJ$190
- Half-day zipline tour (transfer included) – FJ$260
- Jet boat safari – FJ$280
- Skydive – FJ$850
- Kula Eco Park admission – FJ$50
- 45min helicopter scenic flight – FJ$580
- Massage – FJ$80-$190
The Cost of Transport
- Ferries to the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands (one way) – FJ$80-$135
- Water taxis to the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands (one way) – FJ$575-$9,618
- Cargo ferries to other outer islands (one way) – FJ$25-$68
- Flights to outer islands (one way) – FJ$92-$600
- Public buses – FJ$1-$5
- Express buses (Nadi to Suva) – FJ$20-$30
- Multi-day tour bus – FJ$780
- Private resort transfer – FJ$50-$200
- Car rental/day – FJ$180
- Private taxi driver/day – FJ$150
- Taxi (20 minutes) – FJ$30
Again, check out our guide, Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost? for more budget tips and costs.
Fiji Accommodation
Viti Levu
- Smugglers Cove Beach Resort
- First Landing Beach Resort
- Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
- Nadi Nalagi Hotel
- Tanoa International Hotel
- Mercure Nadi
- Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
- The Palms Apartments
- The Terraces Apartments
- Sheraton Fiji Resort
- Sheraton Denarau Villas
- Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
- Radisson Blu Resort Fiji
- Mango Bay Resort
- Bedarra Beach Inn
- Wellesley Resort Fiji
- Tambua Sands Beach Resort
- InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
- Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa
- The Warwick Fiji
- Crusoe’s Retreat
- The Beachhouse
- Namuka Bay Lagoon
- Nanuku Auberge Resort
- The Pearl Resort
- Royal Davui Island Resort
- Beqa Lagoon Resort
- Quest Suva
- Holiday Inn Suva
- Grand Pacific Hotel
- Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel
- Tanoa Waterfront Hotel
- Volivoli Beach Resort
Mamanuca Islands
- Plantation Island Resort
- Castaway Island Resort
- Treasure Island Resort
- Malolo Island Resort
- Sheraton Resort & Spa Tokoriki Island
- VOMO Island Resort
- Six Senses Fiji
- Beachcomber Island Resort
- Mana Island Resort
- Serenity Island Resort
- Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina
- Funky Fish Resort
- Ratu Kini Dive Resort
- South Sea Island Resort
- Tokoriki Island Resort
- Matamanoa Island Resort
- Likuliku Lagoon Resort
- Lomani Island Resort
- Tropica Island Resort
- Tadrai Island Resort
- Mana Lagoon Backpackers
Yasawa Islands
- Barefoot Kuata Resort
- Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
- Navutu Stars Resort
- Naqalia Lodge
- Mantaray Island Resort
- Barefoot Manta Resort
- Long Beach Escape
- Boathouse Nanuya
- Nabua Lodge
- Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
- Octopus Resort
- Safe Landing Eco-Lodge
- Coralview Island Resort
- Viwa Island Resort
- Paradise Cove Resort
- Coconut Beach Resort
- Nanuya Island Resort
- White Sandy Beach Resort
- Gold Coast Resort
- Oarsman’s Bay Lodge
- Sunrise Lagoon Homestay
- Yasawa Homestays
Vanua Levu
- Savasi Island Resort
- Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
- The Remote Resort
- Nukubati Private Island
- Sigasiga Sands Resort
- Koro Sun Resort
- Palmlea Farms
- Emaho Sekawa Resort
- Island Breeze Fiji
- Naveria Heights Lodge
- Grand Eastern Hotel
- Daku Fiji Resort
- Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat
- Fiji Lodge: Vosa Ni Ua
- Gecko Lodge Fiji
- Korovesi Sunshine Villas
- The Friendly North Inn
- Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel
- Sau Bay Retreat
Taveuni
- Taveuni Island Resort & Spa
- Taveuni Palms Resort
- Raiwasa Grand Villa
- Vacala Bay Resort
- Matangi Private Island Resort
- Tides Reach Resort
- Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages
- Taveuni Dive Resort
- Garden Island Resort
- Qamea Resort & Spa
- Aroha Taveuni Resort
- Paradise Taveuni
- Maqai Beach Eco Resort
- Makaira Resort
- Maravu Lodge
Lomaiviti Islands
- Toberua Island Resort
- Wakaya Club & Spa
- Leleuvia Island Resort
- Ovalau Holiday Resort
- Caqalai Island Resort
- Bobo’s Farm
- Royal Hotel
- Kauwai Guesthouse
- The Baystay
Kadavu
- Kokomo Private Island
- Oneta Resort
- Matava Resort
- Matana Beach Resort
- Mai Dive Astrolabe Reef Resort
- Tiliva Resort
- Navutovuto Accommodation
Lau Islands
- Vatuvara Private Islands
- Moana’s Guesthouse
- Lakeba Guest House
For more information on our top picks, take a look at the 50 Best Resorts in Fiji, 10 Beautiful Holiday Homes in Fiji and more in our Accommodation category.
Plan a Fiji Trip According to Your Travel Style
Finally, this wouldn’t be the best travel guide to Fiji without taking into account that everyone likes to holiday differently. Here at Fiji Pocket Guide, we have travel guides for all styles of travel, including budget travellers, luxury travellers, honeymooners, families, adults-only and foodies. If one of these fits your style, then jump ahead to the appropriate travel guide:
- The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget
- The Complete Luxury Travel Guide to Fiji
- The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families
- The Complete Adults-Only Vacation Guide to Fiji
- The Complete Foodie Guide to Fiji
- The Complete Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Fiji
Happy travels and thanks for reading this travel guide to Fiji! You might also like our 31 Tips for Travelling in Fiji.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.