Fiji, an archipelago of 333 islands, is known to be the best travel destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tropical weather lovers. From enjoying Fiji’s rich biodiversity to exploring local culture and engaging in countless outdoor activities, you have many things to do during your trip. For your help, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 things to do in Fiji. So let’s dive into the article.
7 Things to Do in Fiji
Here is the list of the things to do in Fiji that can enrich your cultural exposure and make your holiday memorable:
-
Island hopping
Island hopping is a must-do activity when you’re visiting an archipelago. Fiji, home to over 300 islands, attracts tourists from all over the world. Because of insurance and safety protocols, rental cars and taxis generally don’t take tourists to far-off islands. So boats and helicopters are the only options left. You can either take domestic flights or book private charters to hop from one island to the other.
However, boats give you a more close-off experience of seeing the beautiful Fiji waters, lush islands, coral reefs, and stunning sunsets and sunrises. Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the largest islands covering over 50 percent of the Fijian landmass.
Apart from them, some of the popular stops include the Mamanuca Islands, Taveuni, Lau Islands, the Yasawa Islands, and the Coral Coast. Each island offers unique experiences, from pristine beaches and lagoons to secluded resorts and cultural villages.
-
Enjoy beaches
Fiji’s islands are dotted with hundreds of stunning beaches. No Fiji holiday is complete without immersing yourself in these beaches’ clear blue waters and soft sands. Natadora Beach along the coral coast, Volivoli Beach along the Suncoast, Sunset Beach on Mana Island, Mamala Beach Club, South Sea Island, and a circle of white sand beaches in Tivua Island are some of the most famous and prettiest beaches in Fiji.
-
Explore Fiji’s villages to dive into Fijian culture
Fiji is a country with rich cultural and traditional values. Experiencing local Fiji culture can enlighten you on the country’s history and traditions. Many Fijian villages and towns still offer insights into the raw and native Fijian life.
Navala village, present on mainland Vitu Levu, is a hub of ancient Fijian customs and places of architectural value. Sawa-i-lau is another picturesque village located on the Yasawa Islands, which are termed one of the most beautiful islands of Fiji. The village is famous for its caves, a sacred site with clear blue waters, heaven for swimmers.
Taveuni, RakiRaki (located on the mainlands of Viti Levu), and Buca Bay villages are some other Fijian villages known for their cultural significance, hospitality, and traditional farming and fishing sights.
-
Enjoy local Fijian festivals
Local Fijian festivals are not to be missed when visiting the country. Fijian people take pride in their local traditions and celebrate their important historical days and festivals with zeal and zest. Starting from Fiji’s Independence Day, observed on October 10th each year, countrywide parades, cultural performances, and ceremonies are observed.
Another big festival is Hibiscus Festival which is the largest festival in Fiji. It features beauty pageants, traditional Fijian dances, and colorful events celebrating Fijian culture. The celebration of Diwali, the famous festival of Hindu culture, shows that Fiji being a multi-ethnic country, believes in cultural harmony.
The Fijian Hindu community lits up the streets and cherishes the true essence of Diwali: the victory of light over darkness. Bula and Fiji International Jazz and Blue festivals are also worth seeing Fijian festivals.
-
Indulge in Fijian cuisine
Fiji is a multi-ethnic country so its food like its culture is a delightful blend of traditional Fijian, Indian, and other international influences. Lovo is one of the traditional Fijian feasts which is a tasteful blend of meats and root vegetables. Another dish is Kokoda which is fresh fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. Some other tasty Fijian dishes include Palusami, roti and curry, fresh seafood, and Fijian sweet treats.
-
Snorkeling
Fiji’s clear blue waters and rich biodiversity make it one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world. You can explore fiji’s vibrant underwater worlds in its stunning islands like Mamanuca Islands, Castaway Island, the Yasawa Islands, and Rainbow Reef.
Blue Lagoon and Sawa-i-Lau Caves are famous for their excellent snorkeling spots, where you can swim with schools of fish and colorful corals, and even encounter reef sharks and rays. Also, Viti Levu’s Coral Coast has a range of snorkeling spots, including Sunset Reef and Fiji Hideaway Resort’s Reef.
-
Other outdoor activities
Apart from the above mentioned things to do in Fiji, there’s a list of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Starting from hiking and nature walks, you can never go wrong with the hiking trails in Bouma National Park and Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park on Viti Levu. Frigates Passage and Namotu Left are known to be the surfing hubs in the world. Scuba diving, white water rafting, ziplining, and fishing are a few of the most enriching activities you can do during your holiday in Fiji.
FAQs:
- Is Fiji expensive for tourists?
Yes, Fiji is considered an expensive tourist destination, especially if you are planning to do island hopping and staying in Fiji’s world-famous luxury hotels and private villas.
- Can you swim at Fiji beaches?
Swimming at Fiji’s beaches is always recommended under the guidance of a lifeguard and keeping all the safety measures in mind.
- What is Fiji best known for?
Fiji is famous for its beautiful lush green islands with beeches filled with crystal clear water and soft sand.
- How many days in Fiji is enough?
It depends on your expectations from the trip. However, a quick gateway can be done in 5-7 days but for a deeper and true Fijian experience, over 10 days is required.
- What is the best month to go to Fiji?
You can visit Fiji anytime during the year, but by visiting the country during its warmest months (from May to October) you can enjoy the ideal Fijian temperature.
Bottom line!
In short, exploring Fiji completely in one trip is almost impossible as it’s home to over 300 islands with plenty of beaches and hidden gems. Fiji’s breathtaking coral reefs and rich biodiversity require the eyes of a true nature lover. However, there’s a list of things you can do in Fiji to make the most of your trip. These include island hopping, beach time and swimming, snorkeling, local food and festivals, and other outdoor activities. Naturally, you cannot cover every single thing in your trip, but you can plan your stay to explore as many things as possible.