The Must-Do Experiences in Fiji
What can’t you miss in Fiji? Of course, we all have our own personal travel styles, which we help you plan your trip with extensively on Fiji Pocket Guide. However, just about everyone will find something to suit their style, budget and interests in this list of the must-dos in Fiji.
The islands of Fiji are awash in the things you probably know about, from coral reefs to sandy beaches, but also the things you might be surprised exist here in Fiji, such as glorious waterfalls, hot springs and limestone caves. Whatever we don’t list here in this Fiji must-dos, we probably refer to in the 101 Best Things to Do in Fiji.
1. Scuba Dive in the Soft Coral Capital
Before we get into the amazing attractions above the Pacific Ocean’s surface, arguably some of the most impressive Fiji attractions are in the deep. Dubbed the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” by Jacques Cousteau, Fiji is a have for colourful coral networks harbouring all sorts of life. While scuba diving is pretty sensational just about anywhere in Fiji, the main hotspot is arguably the island of Vanua Levu which is surrounded by the Namena Marine Reserve, Rainbow Reef and the Great Sea Reef. Learn more about scuba diving in Fiji here and check out more must-dos in Vanua Levu here.
2. Do an Island-Hopping Cruise
You can’t come all the way to the remote island archipelago of Fiji’s 333 islands and only stay on one island! Luckily, there are plenty of island-hopping cruises to help you take in the beauty of Fiji’s idyllic islands, which we list in the 9 Best Island-Hopping Cruises in Fiji. A good place to base yourself for island-hopping is Denarau, which has a good selection of boat tours departing the marina for the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Check out the 10 Must-Dos on Denarau Island for more things to do while you’re there.
3. Have a Private Island Experience
Visiting Fiji for a romantic occasion? A must is a private island or private beach picnic experience. While many resorts across the islands offer you the opportunity to hop on a boat to be marooned on an uninhabited island, deserted beach or sand cay for the day, one of the best places for this experience is the Mamanuca Islands. Resorts can organise a gourmet picnic, beach furniture and snorkelling gear for you to take to the island. Check out more experiences in the Mamanucas in the 10 Must-Dos in the Mamanuca Islands.
4. Lather in Mud at the Sabeto Hot Springs
Located just outside of the arrival town of Fiji, the Sabeto Hot Springs in Nadi is a must for when you’re either arriving or before departing from Fiji. The locally-run hot springs complex is where you go to lather yourself in wet mud, let it dry on your skin and wash it off in various natural hot spring-fed pools. The experience is super relaxing or ridiculous fun, depending on what mood you’re in. Check out other must-dos in Nadi here.
5. Chase Waterfalls
Fiji isn’t just about sandy beaches and coconut palms. There’s a whole other side to Fiji which is rugged, wild and beautiful, where an ideal example of this is the waterfalls. There are oh-so-many waterfalls in Fiji, but some of the most stunning can be found on the island of Taveuni. Also known as the “Garden Island”, Taveuni is mainly blanketed in the protected jungle of the Bouma National Heritage Park where you will find two fantastic walks to inland waterfalls. Check out more must-dos in Taveuni here.
6. Combine Nature and Adventure at Kula Wild
The Coral Coast on the southern shores of Viti Levu is full of amazing attractions, beaches and resorts, but one of the unmissable features is the Kula WILD Adventure Park. It’s the only captive breeding centre in the world for Fiji’s endemic species, giving visitors a chance to see and even hold crested and banded iguanas, see Fiji’s colourful doves and parrots, as well as take part in turtle conservation. After you’re done admiring the animals, head to the park’s waterpark and ziprail rides for more fun for the whole family. Learn more and book tickets on Viator or Tripadvisor. Plus, check out more things to do on the Coral Coast in the 10 Must-Dos on the Coral Coast.
7. Snorkel or Scuba Dive with Sharks
The Pacific Harbour in Viti Levu is known in Fiji as the “Adventure Capital”, with its array of adrenaline activities from white water rafting to jet boating. Another adventure activity on the menu is scuba diving with Bull Sharks! Join the team from Aqua Trek (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) for one of their daily shark feedings and watch a shark-feeding frenzy right before your eyes with no cage! You can also experience this from Barefoot Kuata Resort in the Yasawa Islands, which also offers snorkelling with sharks if you’re not a certified diver. Check out more activities in the 10 Must-Dos on the Pacific Harbour & Beqa.
8. Visit a Fijian Village
The Fijian culture is so welcoming, so intriguing and so accessible that it would almost be a crime to visit Fiji without visiting a village. Resorts across the islands work with local villages to offer tours to guests, which are a down-to-earth and humbling experience to see how simple yet how happily these Pacific Islanders live. One of the famous villages to visit, however, is Navala Village on the Suncoast of Viti Levu – one of the last remaining villages with traditionally thatched bures. See more Suncoast activities in the 10 Must-Dos on the Suncoast.
9. Swim in the Sawa-i-Lau Caves
The Yasawa Islands are known for their idyllic islands, sandy beaches and the Blue Lagoon, but one of the hidden gems worth discovering is the Sawa-i-Lau Caves. Resorts in the northern Yasawa Islands offer boat tours out to this sea cave weathered into the cliffs of an island. The stunning limestone formations make for a fun photo opportunity while swimming through an underwater tunnel that will open up another glorious cavern. Check out more attractions in the Yasawas in the 10 Must-Dos in the Yasawa Islands.
10. Delve into the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
Finally, if you find yourself in Fiji’s capital city, don’t miss the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. Like Suva’s own tropical backyard, the protected area has around 6.5km (4 miles) of walking trails to explore. Venture to picturesque waterfalls and swim in various freshwater swimming holes in the picture-perfect spot just outside of Suva. Get inspiration for more activities in the area in the 10 Must-Dos in Suva.
More Must-Dos 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.