What Can You Do on Fiji’s Suncoast for Free (or Even Cheap)?
If you want to experience culture and nature in Fiji, then set your sights on the Suncoast. The main island of Fiji, Viti Levu’s, sunny side is located on the northern reaches of the island, boasting authentic Fijian villages, historical sites and breathtaking natural attractions.
Independent travellers on a budget can visit vast limestone caves to a feared cannibal’s grave along the Kings Road, stopping a night or two on the affordable island of Nananu-i-Ra or a Fijian village homestay in Rakiraki.
Check out some of our top recommendations in this list of free and cheap things to do on the Suncoast, from Lautoka to Rakiraki and beyond.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Budget & Backpacking Guide to the Suncoast.
Table of Contents
1. Explore the Towns of Lautoka and Rakiraki – FREE
Rakiraki is the mid-way point on the Kings Road and the main hub of the Suncoast, while Lautoka is a large town marking the beginning/end of the Kings Road on the west side of Viti Levu, 30 minutes’ drive from Nadi.
Both towns offer vibrant Indo-Fijian shopping, eateries (more on that below), but most importantly, great produce markets.
Visiting a Fijian produce market is a must-do in any Fiji town where locals are happy to mingle and share recipe ideas. Not to mention, the array of colourful tropical fruits and vegetables is always an impressive sight.
For a bonus market to check out, stop by the town of Ba.
Location: Lautoka (west coast of Viti Levu) and Rakiraki (north coast of Viti Levu).
© FijiPocketGuide.com
2. Snorkel from the Beach or Outer Reefs – CHEAP
Thankfully, one of the must-do activities in Fiji is extremely affordable. While snorkelling along the coast from your chosen budget accommodation is a free experience revealing a few underwater creatures (the best is from Nananu-i-Ra Island), nothing beats a snorkelling trip to the outer reefs of the Suncoast.
Resorts such as Golden Point Resort and Dua Dua Beach Resort are open to casual visitors offering fantastic boat trips to the coral gardens of the outer reefs a mere 15 minutes away. There’s also the option to snorkel with Ring Gold Divers, offering a whole range of affordable experiences, including a Fijian homestay!
Snorkel gear and boat transport are provided and the experience usually costs no more than FJ$150 per person (but can be cheaper).
Location: Nananu-i-Ra Island; Golden Point Resort is 17 km (10.4 mi) and Dua Dua Beach Resort is 10 km (6 mi) east of Rakiraki. Ring Gold Divers, Rakiraki (take the second dirt road east of Tanoa Rakiraki, towards the coast, then the first right. Look out for dive equipment and/or a boat).
© FijiPocketGuide.com
3. Have a Cultural Experience in a Fijian Village – CHEAP
There are a number of inexpensive ways to enjoy the warm hospitality and cultural immersion of the Suncoast villages.
You can take a taxi, a 4WD car, or a local bus from Ba to visit the picturesque village of Navala, which features traditionally thatched bures set in the Nausori Highlands. Alternatively, you can book a tour with Pacific Valley View Tours (PVV Tours) for a hassle-free experience.
Once you arrive, present your sevusevu (gift) to the village chief – see Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village – and pay a fee of around FJ$30 each to enter the village and hire a village guide.
Alternatively, experience a homestay in a Fijian village with Jioji & Alisi (a.k.a Ring Gold Divers) on Airbnb, which promises to be both authentic and affordable – learn more about Jioji & Alisi’s Homestay the 10 Best Village Stays in Fiji for more information.
Location: Navala is 25 km (15.5 mi) inland from Ba. Ring Gold Divers, Rakiraki (take the second dirt road east of Tanoa Rakiraki, towards the coast, then the first right. Look out for dive equipment and/or a boat).
© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji
4. Visit the Church of the Black Christ – FREE/CHEAP
One of the many sightseeing locations of the Suncoast, the Church of St Francis Xavier, also known as the Naiserelagi Catholic Mission, is well worth visiting.
The church is locally known as the Church of the Black Christ due to its mural of a Fijian-inspired Christ painted by French artist Jean Charlot. Visitors are welcome but a small donation is appreciated.
Location: On top of the hill of Navunibitu, Kings Road, 28 km (18 mi) southeast of Rakiraki. The uphill road access is a rough dirt road and should only be attempted in a high-clearance vehicle. Otherwise, it’s a 400 m (0.2 mi) walk up the hill.
© FijiPocketGuide.com
5. Check Out the Tomb of Udre Udre – FREE
On the way into Rakiraki, take a quick pit stop at this fascinating historical site. Udre Udre was once the most feared cannibal in Fiji, now laid to rest at this tomb surrounded by 872 stones – a stone for each of his victims.
Location: Just off the Kings Road, 100 m (109 yd) west of the Vaileka turn-off.
© FijiPocketGuide.com
6. Visit a Cave Known as the Home of the Snake God – CHEAP
Delve into the labyrinth of the Wailotua Snake God Cave, one of the real hidden gems of the Suncoast. The cave, also known as Nakoroloaloa Cave, was once where villagers sought shelter in times of war, sharing the chamber with bats and six sparkling stalactites in the shape of snakes’ heads.
The cave is accessed through the village of Wailotua, where you need to inquire with one of the villagers about the cave and you’ll be guided to the cave.
Admission is around FJ$15 per person. Sometimes a torch is provided, but it is recommended to bring your own light source.
Location: Wailotua Village (the westernmost village of the two with the same name), signposted just off the road soon after crossing the village’s bridge, 23 km (14 mi) north of Korovou.
© FijiPocketGuide.com
7. Hike in the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park – CHEAP
Accessed from the town of Lautoka, Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is a place of rugged inland natural beauty and cultural preservation in Viti Levu. Walking trails begin from Abaca Village where someone at the Visitor Centre (just shout bula! if no one is there) will provide information and take a small fee.
Then you can enjoy one of the amazing walks that this stunning national park has to offer. There’s a 1 hr 30 mins loop walk to a stunning waterfall and swimming hole. For something a bit longer, hike up Mt Koroyanitu (Mt Evans) Fiji’s fourth-highest peak taking around 4 hours to complete. Mt Batilamu is also another option, which is a 3-5 hour hike.
Find out more about these hikes in the 10 Best Walks on the Suncoast.
Location: Tavakuva Road, 15 km (9.3 mi) inland from Lautoka. Note that the road is a gravel road that is best done with a high clearance vehicle (although the road has been upgraded in recent years). Carriers and some taxis from Lautoka provide transport.
© FijiPocketGuide.com8. Kayak and Wander Around Nananu-I-Ra Island – FREE/CHEAP
An island paradise for budget travellers, Nananu-I-Ra is a hilly 3.5 km² (1.35 sq mi) island with white sand beaches, mangroves and simple budget accommodation. The island is good for trekking offering amazing views of the mainland and the Nakauvadra Ranges.
At low tide, it’s possible to walk around the perimeter of the island in about 4-5 hours. Kayaking is also another free and popular activity here where accommodations like McDonald’s Nananu Beach Cottages offer complimentary use of their kayaks. Snorkelling can also be enjoyed in the marine sanctuary just off the beach and jetty.
Location: Boat transfers depart from Ellington Wharf, 11 km (6.8 mi) east of Rakiraki. Organise transport with your chosen accommodation, costing FJ$30-$70 return.
© FijiPocketGuide.com
9. Take a Picture of Navatu Rock – FREE
They say a picture paints a thousand words, but at least it doesn’t cost a thousand dollars to take one. Snap up a photo of the large and impressive outcrop known as Navatu Rock, which is one of the oldest known human settlements in Fiji.
Navutu Rock used to hold a fortified village where it was believed that spirits departed from here to the afterlife. Artefacts from the village have been found here dating back to 1,000 BC. That’s worth a photo, right?
Location: Seen along the Kings Road near Vitawa Village, 10 km (6 mi) west of Rakiraki.
© FijiPocketGuide.com
10. Scout Out the Cheap Local Cuisine – CHEAP
Food is kind of an event here in Fiji, whether it’s indulging in Fijian cuisine at a village homestay or trying some flavoursome Indo-Fijian delights in town.
What’s more, you don’t have to break the bank to eat well on the Suncoast with the towns from Lautoka through to Rakiraki all offering incredibly affordable food.
Check out the details in our Top Cheap Eats on the Suncoast!
Location: All over the Suncoast – but check the link above for specific recommendations.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore Free and Cheap Things to Do on the Suncoast
That’s it for the free and cheap things to do on the Suncoast. For more ways to spend your time in paradise, check out the following guides:
- 15 Things to Do on the Suncoast
- The Food Guide to Lautoka, Rakiraki and the Suncoast
- 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji
Don’t forget to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget. Trust us, there’s a lot of useful tips in there!
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism Suncoast (Regional tourism website)
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Suncoast (Regional tourism website)
Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
