things-to-do-on-suncoast-with-children-© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji
things-to-do-on-suncoast-with-children-

10 Things to Do on the Suncoast with Kids

© Mark Snyder – Tourism Fiji

Family Activities on the Suncoast

When landing at Nadi International Airport, families flock south to the manicured resorts complete with kids’ clubs on the Coral Coast or out to the Mamanuca Islands to get some beach hours. Meanwhile, the limited few who head north to the Suncoast will find an alternative family Fiji experience. Those travelling to the Suncoast are those who would rather spend their family holiday together. Whether it’s cruising the waters looking out for dolphins or delving into the highlands to be welcomed into traditional Fijian villages, there are plenty of things to do on the Suncoast with kids! Check out your options in the list below.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Guide to the Suncoast for Families.

1. Play on a Waterfall Slide at the Narara Village

Combine culture and adventure with this waterfall tour available at Wananavu Beach Resort and Dolphin Island. Travel to Narara Village where you will be welcomed with a kava ceremony. Then, you and your family will be guided by foot or horseback for 15 minutes to a cascading waterfall slide plunging into a freshwater pool. Once is never enough so you’ll get ample time here before having the opportunity to shop local crafts in the village. Check out more excursions like this in The Best Day Trips from the Suncoast.

things-to-do-suncoast-with-kids-© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

2. Snorkel Among Vibrant Fish on a Snorkel Trip

Fiji is dubbed the “soft coral capital” for a reason, so discover that reason for yourselves with a snorkelling trip on the Suncoast. Accommodation such as the Bularangi Villa, Dolphin Island and Betham’s Beach Cottages all have snorkelling masks available, but we fully recommend a boat trip to the outer reefs to maximise your snorkelling experience. Snorkelling boat trips are available with Volivoli Beach Resort, Dreamview Villas and Wananavu Beach Resort.

-family-activities-suncoast© Captain Cook Cruises

3. Experience the Excitement of a Dolphin Cruise

Dolphins are regular visitors to the Bligh Water just off the Suncoast, so join Wananavu Beach Resort for a 2h30min boat trip watching them in their natural habitat. The resort’s activities team will take you to a special location where it’s common to see pods of up to 40 dolphins! After watching the dolphins, who often interact and jump around the boat, you’ll enjoy 30 minutes of snorkelling among the colourful fish and corals of the outer reefs.

-family-activities-on-the-suncoast© Wananavu Beach Resort

4. Teach the Youngsters to Kayak

Watersports equipment such as kayaks are free to use at the Suncoast’s beach resorts, so there’s no excuse not to get out there and explore the bays. It’s a great way to bond, teaching the youngsters how to kayak or get together in a double kayak and take them on an adventure. For example, the waters around the Volivoli Beach Resort are crystal clear to see fish swimming beneath you or you might enjoy an adventurous paddle through the mangrove forests.

suncoast-with-kids-© Mark Snyder

5. Have a Cultural Experience at the Navala Village

The Fijian culture is extremely accessible on the Suncoast, whether you’re travelling independently on a family road trip or visiting villages as a resort activity. One of the most intriguing villages is in the highlands: Navala Village. This village is one of the few remaining villages in Fiji with traditionally thatched bures. Visit the village yourself in a 4WD vehicle on the inland road from Ba. There, you will be welcomed by the village elder on presentation of your sevusevu (gift) – as explained in Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village. It’s also a small fee to enter the village and hire a guide there, costing around FJ$30 each. Alternatively, guided tours to the village are available with pick-up from Lautoka with Fiji Eco Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

things-to-do-on-suncoast-with-children-© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

6. Enjoy a Handline Fishing Trip

A family fishing trip might be the most cliche thing in the world but you’ll hardly find a more exciting fishing trip than in Fiji. The best fishing option to do with kids is the traditional Fijian method of handline fishing. Dolphin Island offers 2-hour handline fishing trips taking you to sheltered reefs to catch coral cod, sea trout and snapper, with boat transfer and refreshments included. Dream View Villas also offer coastal fishing trips, while resorts such as Wananavu and Volivoli provide sports fishing trips to catch tuna sailfish, marlin and more in the Bligh Water.

things-to-do-suncoast-children-kids© FijiPocketGuide.com

7. Walk to Picturesque Waterfalls in the Koroyanitu National Park

More inland adventures await at the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park! The national park offers some of the most accessible hikes in Fiji, with the most family-friendly being the 1h30min loop walk to a stunning waterfall. Either hire a 4WD rental vehicle and make your way there yourself via Tavakuva Road off Drasa Avenue in Lautoka or take a taxi/tour to Abaca Village where all the walking trails start. One of the locals at the village will find you where you’ll pay a small fee – around FJ$15 for a map and directions and FJ$25 for a guide.

-things-to-do-suncoast-kids© Rickard Törnblad on Wikipedia

8. Get the Imaginations Running at the Tomb of Udre Udre

We all know that dragging your kids to historical sites isn’t exactly the highlight of their holiday, but things are a little different at the Tomb of Udre Udre. Once one of the most feared cannibals in Fiji, Udre Udre now lies tucked away on the side of the road just before turning off to Rakiraki. The chief was famous for terrorising his opponents and eating his victims. His tomb is surrounded by 870 stones to represent each of his victims. How about that for a story?! For more sightseeing activities, check out 15 Things to Do on the Suncoast.

things to do with kids suncoast fiji© Stemoc on Wikipedia

9. Get Some Pool Time in

Let’s be honest, most kids love spending time at the pool, which gives them time to embrace “Fiji time” in their way while you embrace yours. Unsurprisingly, almost all of the accommodation listed in our 10 Best Family Resorts on the Suncoast have outdoor swimming pools which are family-friendly.

-kids-suncoast-fiji© Pxhere

10. Play Tennis, Volleyball, Board Games or Crab Racing

Apart from all the tours and family experiences already discussed in this list, the Suncoast resorts also have a few complimentary activities to keep the little ones entertained. The Wananauvu Beach Resort is particularly good at keeping things exciting for the kids, including fish feeding, coconut tree climbing demonstrations, beach games and crab racing. Those staying on the luxurious Dolphin Island can treat their kids to snorkelling instruction, tapa-making (Fijian crafting) or a children’s cooking class.

-children-kids-suncoast-fiji© Pxhere

More Things to Do on the Suncoast with Kids

That’s it from the things to do on the Suncoast with kids. Get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families. Plus, discover more remarkable places to stay in the 20 Best Family Resorts 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.

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