Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands located in the South Pacific, famous for its paradisaic rainforests, white sand beaches, crystal clear lagoons, and coral reefs teeming with a vast array of tropical fish, giant stingrays, sharks, and sea turtles. Upon arrival at Nadi’s airport, visitors can expect to be greeted by friendly locals performing a traditional ceremony which includes singing and traditional dress. Once you have settled into your accommodations on one of the islands, you can start the adventure by visiting stunning waterfalls, hiking through rainforests and sand dunes, wandering through botanical gardens, and sailing the turquoise waters in search of spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and migrating humpback whales while en route to private islands for snorkelling excursions. Please check out the list below of the best places to visit in Fiji, to enjoy your visit to nature’s untouched jewel on the South Pacific.
1. Viti Levu Island
Viti Levu Island is a tropical island in Fiji’s island chain offering visitors the chance to explore beautiful gardens, sugar sand beaches, and cities such as its capital Nadi along with connecting Denauru Island. Enjoy taking snorkeling cruises to explore the tropical waters off the island or take in a cultural dance and fire-eating evening performance offered at the Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island. For the truly adventurous at heart, take a shark diving adventure off of the Pacific Harbour where you will be able to enjoy a surreal experience of diving with the largest bull sharks in the world, reef sharks, tiger sharks, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, and more than 300 species of fish. Enjoy free diving around the edge of the reef while bull sharks arrive in numbers, as many as the sands of the sea, to feed alongside tiger sharks and other shark species.
2. Lautoka (from USD 82.0)
Lautoka is Fiji’s second-largest city and it is located in the heart of Sugar City, which is the nation’s sugarcane growing region. Here, visitors can enjoy visiting Lautoka Sugar Mill and its famous Fiji Rum Factory to see how the sugar cane is used in producing products such as rum. Adventurous souls will find themselves located near Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, where they can wander through lush forests, swim in a mountain stream, hike or bike the mountain trails, and discover its numerous waterfalls. For those interested in less strenuous activities, there are the botanical gardens with tropical fauna and Lautoka Market featuring locally grown exotic fruits and vegetables.
Lautoka Sightseeing & Shopping
Duration: 7 hours
3. Levuka
Stroll through Levuka, Fiji’s original capital, with its historic British colonial buildings including churches, schools, and a community center. Visitors can enjoy hiking the challenging mountain behind Levuka to reach the peak to admire the stunning views of the Koro Sea and its coral reefs. History buffs will enjoy the opportunity to tour nearby Lovoni Village which is where, during the Cakobau Wars, the islanders burned down the European settlement three times to show their displeasure with colonization. Book a tour out of Levuka to Bobo’s Farm to visit the farm, eat a delicious lunch, and finish off by venturing into the rainforest to try out the water slides.
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4. Savusavu
Enjoy strolling along the pristine palm-lined beaches of Savusavu, Vanua Levu’s port city, before heading over to the seaside village’s thatched huts to enjoy cultural activities. Take time to visit the J. Hunter Pearl Farm where you will learn about pearl farming and the conservation efforts to keep it viable for the island’s economy. After checking out the metallic chocolate, gold, and turquoise pearls, take a guided hiking tour through Waisali Rainforest Reserve to experience the lush gallery of nature’s fauna and amazing scenic vistas. Before departing Savusavu, spend time snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Rainbow Reef and hike over to Nakawaga Waterfall to swim under the waterfall and to take commemorative photos.
5. Labasa
Labasa is situated on the Labasa River with its dense mangroves on the north-eastern part of Vanua Levu island. Take time to visit the Sangam Temple with its ornate and colorful courtyards before heading over to view the sugar mill. Discover the cryptic and cannibalistic history of Labasa by taking a taxi venture to the city outskirts in Wasavula Village, where a cemetery remains along with an area where cannibalistic ceremonies were once performed. Upon returning to town, take time to dine at a local favorite, Oriental Seafood, to indulge in freshly caught seafood. During your time visiting Labasa, check out the market to browse locally produced arts and crafts while sampling a savory roti.
6. Denarau Island
Denarau Island is located a short drive from Nadi International Airport and it is known for its beautiful all-inclusive resorts lining the beaches of the tropical island. Spend your downtime at Denarau Island’s all-inclusive resorts such as the Sheraton Fiji Resort or Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa which both feature golf courses, sandy beaches, beautiful pool areas, and spas to spend a day of relaxation at. If staying at the Sheraton, guests will be able to enjoy dining beachside where they will receive a friendly local welcome and be joined in watching the sunset by geckos. Port Denarau is a short distance to enjoy shopping, dining, and to book catamaran tours to neighboring islands to experience snorkeling or diving adventures.
7. Sigatoka
During a visit to Sigatoka, voyagers will be enthralled by the adventurous prospects that lay ahead of them including taking a jet boat cruise down the Sigatoka River while taking in the stunning scenery of the tropical mountains bordering the river. Sign up for a tour to Kula Eco Park which encompasses three valleys and puts you right in the habitat of doves, parrots, water birds, and reptiles. Visitors to Sigatoka will find an array of activities to enjoy including tours to Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park where they can enjoy walking through the unique ecosystem with the aid of a local ranger. Enjoy visiting the Coral Coast’s capital to spend time on beautiful Natadola Beach with its neverending carpet of white sand and azure waters to swim, snorkel, or kayak.
8. Pacific Harbour
Pacific Harbour is the jumping-off point for adventure seekers since it’s Fiji’s adventure capital. Adventurous visitors have the opportunity to book rafting excursions where they can paddle through the whitewater rapids of the Upper Navua and the Luva River. Other options include a chance to book snorkeling tours to nearby Beqa Lagoon to swim alongside sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and other sea creatures. If you would prefer to take time to chill, nearby Paradise Beach offers a long stretch of sugar sand beach to sunbathe on in a peaceful setting.
9. Navala Village
Navala is situated amongst the lush green mountains bordering the Ba River. Visitors can book tours to this 200-year-old traditional village and upon arrival, can expect to receive a traditional kava ceremony greeting. Spend time walking through the village admiring the thatched huts and interacting with its citizens before taking a dip in the nearby river to cool off. Upon arrival in the village, guests can enjoy stories about the village’s history, witness coconut tree climbing, and sample fresh coconut juice during their time in the picturesque valley.
10. Korolevu
Take a surfing lesson on one of the Coral Coast’s 50 miles (80 kilometers) of white sand beaches before venturing into the waves with your board while visiting beautiful Korolevu. This destination is known as the birthplace of tourism and it operates as an outpost for tour operators on the Sigatoka River and those on the coast. Take time to visit Korelevu’s Eden Biodiversity Park during your vacation to meet park conservationists and admire the stunning coral and sea life. Enjoy visiting nearby villages to experience the local culture and listen to folklore recounting the history of the village and its ancient inhabitants after receiving a friendly ceremonial welcome.
11. Tavua
Visitors to Tavua can enjoy the local markets, friendly culture, and outdoor activities. Those looking for adventure can book tours to engage in world-class scuba diving, snorkeling, spearfishing, and fishing charters. For a laidback day, drive to No Worries Bay where you will experience a peaceful beach day in the tropical paradise setting, in near seclusion, and finish it with a stunning sunset over the forest of palm trees.
12. Viseisei
Viseisei is considered to be the first area that was inhabited by the seafaring Fijian people. The location is ideal for those arriving late from Nadi en route to the Yasawa Islands or elsewhere in Fiji’s archipelago since it’s a 15-minute drive away from the airport. When visiting this centuries-old village known for its ancient buildings and churches, it is advisable to dress modestly by keeping your knees and shoulders covered at all times. To work on achieving that sun-kissed glow, there are many beautiful beaches nearby where wearing your bikini won’t garner unapproving remarks from villagers. Also, there are traditional boats departing from Vuda Harbour, which offer visitors the chance to sunbathe while taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
13. Biausevu
For those staying in Biausevu, the main draw is its majestic waterfall which you can book various tours to see. Those heading to the waterfall should be in relatively good shape since there are 12 river crossings to cross prior to arriving at the waterfall. Upon arrival at Biausevu Waterfall, take time to rejuvenate your tired body in the therapeutic waters. Since Biausevu is located near the Sigatoka River, visitors can easily access the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park and book tours for exciting jet boat cruises on the river.
14. Schooner Island (from USD 110.0)
Schooner Island is one of four of the paradisaic Mamanuca Islands in the island chain. Located off of Denarau Island, the island is exclusively used by boat tours to provide visitors a chance to snorkel its turquoise waters. The island also offers visitors a white sand beach to enjoy time spent sunbathing or playing beach volleyball. There is a glass-bottom boat for those who have no experience snorkeling but are interested in getting an up-close and personal view of the reef’s tropical inhabitants. A traditional thatch-roofed hut is available for guests to experience a soothing beachside massage during their time on the secluded island which provides a nice break between activities.
Fiji: Mamanuca Islands All-Inclusive Sailing Cruise
Duration: 1.0 day
15. South Sea Island (from USD 128.03)
South Sea Island is one of the hidden treasures of Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands and it is a short 30-minute ferry ride from Denarau Marina. Boat tours for snorkeling on the crystal clear waters leave Denarau Island for this beautiful isolated island offering visitors the chance to check out the vast coral reefs in search of colorful tropical fish. For those who enjoy sunbathing, the beach is a pristine carpet of white sand lined with palm trees to provide shade from the constant sunshine. The waters surrounding the island are perfect for those taking diving lessons, as they are particularly shallow and offer the chance to explore an old shipwreck.
South Sea Island: Full-Day Cruise
Duration: 7 hour
16. Suva (from USD 42.0)
Suva is the capital city of Fiji and it invites visitors to walk its broad avenues to admire its historic British colonial buildings which include the Suva City Library. Delve into the nation’s history at the Fiji Museum which houses traditional canoes, war clubs, tattooing tools, and more. After admiring the exhibits at the museum, make certain to wander through Thurston Gardens’ Victorian-era gardens. For a truly unique experience, check out Orchid Island with its towering, seashell decorated temple standing as a reminder of Fiji’s history of offering enemies as sacrifices to its gods.
Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour to Fiji's Capital City, Suva with Transfers
Duration: 8 hours
17. Nadi (from USD 73.0)
Those embarking on their adventure in Fiji will find Nadi to be an excellent choice to start their vacation since it’s the country’s main transportation hub. Wander through the colorfully decorated Hindu temple, Sri Siva Subramanya Swami, to check out the stunning architecture before burning incense alongside others. Make sure to take time to visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant to hike its trails and gaze upon its beautiful orchids before traveling to nearby Sabeto Hot Springs to unwind in the mud pools. Enjoy strolling through Nadi’s shopping district before taking a taxi over to Denarau Marina to book a sailing excursion to explore one of the nearby Mamanuca Islands.
Half-Day Colors of Nadi Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Explore this South Pacific paradise
A vacation in Fiji’s tropical garden setting wouldn’t be as beautiful had the country not pushed to protect many of its mountain ranges, rainforests, river gorges, mangrove forests, and stunning coral reefs. After visiting Nadi, Denarau Island, and other island communities, visitors can reflect on their amazing adventures discovering waterfalls, strolling through national parks to encounter wildlife such as iguanas, parrots, lizards, and other species, and sailing the turquoise waters on excursions for snorkeling on private islands or diving with sharks. These once in a lifetime experiences will most likely influence visitors to make plans to return to the blue lagoon to explore more of the South Pacific paradise.
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