10 Things to Do in Savusavu & Vanua Levu with Kids

1. Snorkel at the Famous Rainbow Reef, Split Rock or Namena Marine Reserve

If your kids can swim, snorkelling is a must-do in Vanua Levu! Surrounded by complex and colourful coral reefs, Vanua Levu is the ideal location to see Fiji’s famous marine life. Join Sau Bay Resort for their snorkelling experience at Rainbow Reef or to snorkel with manta rays. Split Rock is another snorkelling hotspot in Vanua Levu with an interesting underwater rock formation and lots of colourful fish. This area is just off the coast of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, while trips there are also available with Koro Sun. Finally, explore the pristine Namena Marine Reserve with resorts such as Savasi Island.

Location: Rainbow Reef – Eastern side of Vanua Levu in the Somosomo Strait. Split Rock – see 10 Best Things to Do in Savusavu. See resort links above for resort locations.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

2. Take a Trip to the Impressive Vuodomo Waterfall

Discover some of Vanua Levu’s stunning inland attractions like the Vuodomo Waterfall, a short drive west of Savusavu. A picturesque 10-minute stroll through a lush valley leads you to the stunning Vuadomo Waterfall, which cascades into a deep, inviting rock pool. The kids will get plenty of time to splash around in the waterfall’s refreshing swimming hole. The village also offers the chance to get your hands dirty with some mangrove planting on the beach (you’ll need to book these in advance through the Muanivatu Trails website).

Alternatively, waterfall tours are available for guests at resorts such as Savasi Island, Daku Resort and Koro Sun.

Location: Vuadomo Village, Savusavu Bay, Vanua Levu. From Savusavu, take Cross Island Road past the village of Jerusalemi and turn onto Vuadomo Road. Follow the dirt road for about 2 km (1 mi) until you reach the village. Visitors are advised to bring a sevusevu (traditional offering) when visiting the village (unless you’re with a tour guide). Additionally, it is important to wear appropriate clothing during the visit. The village is approximately 14 km (8.7 mi) from Savusavu.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

3. Enjoy an Educational Visit to a Fijian Village

Immerse yourself in authentic Fijian culture by visiting one of the many villages scattered across Vanua Levu and its offshore islands. Join Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort for a heartwarming trip to a traditional village without electricity but brimming with community spirit. For independent travellers, Nukubalavu Village offers tours and meke performances every Tuesday from 2 pm to 3:30 pm for a small fee per person. It’s the largest hall in Savusavu, complete with a church, and just a 15-20 minute drive from town near the airport. Almost every resort has connections to local villages, ensuring an educational experience for the whole family. Learn more about visiting a Fijian village here.

Location: Nukubalavu Village, Savusavu. 15-20 minutes drive from Savusavu, near the airport.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

4. Play Beach Games

Sometimes just playing some games together is a great way to relax as a family (or get extremely competitive depending on what kind of family you are). Many of the resorts on Vanua Levu have some sort of beach games, from volleyball to croquet. Koro Sun has a fantastic choice of lawn games, like ladder toss and bocce ball, as well as a couple of tennis courts. Sigasiga Sands has a huge array of games to play on their expansive lawns including badminton, kite flying and frisbee. What’s more, beach game equipment is always free to hire from your resort.

Location: Both resorts are along the Hibiscus Highway, approximately 16 km (10 mi) from Savusavu town.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

5. Bond Over a Fishing Trip

Fishing is a cliche family activity for a reason: it’s the perfect bonding experience! Seeing the faces of the youngsters as you haul up a monster, like mahimahi, wahoo or marlin, is priceless! Fishing charters are available with Immersion Fiji who offer custom fishing charters that provide an exhilarating experience, catering to both novice and experienced anglers year-round. Alternatively, handline fishing is a better option to get the kids involved too. Try handline fishing at resorts like Koro Sun, Savasi Island, Sau Bay and more. Find out more about fishing in The Complete Guide to Fishing in Fiji.

Location: Koro Sun Resort and Savasi Island Resort, Savusavu. Sau Bay Resort, eastern Vanua Levu. Immersion Fiji, Nawi Island, Savusavu.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

6. Learn How to Cook Fijian Food Together

Get the kids participating in some hands-on experiences like a Fijian cooking class (plus, adults love it too)! Learn how to make banilolo or kokoda with the resort chefs at Savasi Island. Alternatively, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has a dedicated Junior Chef Program especially for youngsters where they’ll help prepare food from the resort’s organic garden. See what type of food you could be treating yourself to in our 10 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try.

Location: Savasi Island and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Savusavu.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

7. Craft Your Own Fijian Souvenirs

If your kids are into arts and crafts then they’ll love the activities available in Vanua Levu. Crafting is an integral part of the Fijian culture, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a cultural experience while making a fantastic souvenir. Resorts such as Savasi Island have Fijian weaving classes to learn how to make your own Fijian hat. Or how about joining Sau Bay on a visit to a village where the locals will teach you all how to weave a basket? If you’re looking for something a little more “pretty”, then do some flower arranging with the florist at the Koro Sun Resort.

Location: Koro Sun Resort and Savasi Island, Hibiscus Highway, Savusavu. Sau Bay Resort, eastern Vanua Levu.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

8. Take the Kids to One of the Fun and Educational Kids’ Clubs

Give everyone their own version of “Fiji time” by taking the little ones to one of Vanua Levu‘s fantastic kids’ clubs. The award-winning Bula Club for Kids at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort runs from 8 am to 9 pm, which involves exploration, educational games, cultural activities and short excursions within the resort. Another option is the Jungle Kids Club at the Koro Sun Resort. Activities include rainforest hikes, Fijian cultural activities, arts and crafts, tidal pool exploration, snorkelling (7+ years) and more! Needless to say, your kids will surely have much to tell you by the end of the day!

Location: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort and Koro Sun Resort, Savusavu. Both resorts are located on the southern coast of Vanua Levu.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

9. Watch Dolphins and Snorkel on a Dolphin Cruise

Dolphins are exciting to see no matter what your age is, so treat yourself and the little ones to a dolphin watching cruise in Vanua Levu! Bottlenose and spinner dolphins are regular visitors to the waters surrounding Vanua Levu, so join a dolphin cruise for your best chance to see them up-close. Savasi Island and Koro Sun offer dolphin sighting and snorkelling cruises within the pristine Natewa Bay ending with a pizza dinner. You’re also likely to spot dolphins on snorkelling trips with Ocean Ventures Fiji.

Location: Koro Sun Resort and Savasi Island, Hibiscus Highway, Savusavu. Ocean Ventures Fiji, Copra Shed Marina, Savusavu.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

10. Get Out on the Kayaks or Paddle Boat

To enjoy with the little ones who can’t swim well or to simply experience a pristine way to get up close to coral reefs, kayaks provide another excellent activity to do on Vanua Levu with kids. Check out resorts such as Koro Sun, Daku Resort and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort for complimentary kayak hire. La Dolce Vita Holiday Villas also has complimentary paddle boat hire.

Alternatively, embark on a family-friendly adventure with Mangrove Jacks’ unique Salt River journey! This exciting paddling experience offers something for all ages, from floating leisurely to kayaking down the fast-moving current. Kids will love the thrill of the ride, while parents can relax knowing a boatman is on hand to store snacks and drinks. The four-hour trip follows the tides, drifting upriver towards the lake or down to the sea, providing a scenic and educational way to explore Fiji’s natural beauty together. Don’t forget your swimming gear, sun protection, and refreshments to enjoy on the pontoon. It’s a perfect day out that combines fun, relaxation, and a touch of adventure for the whole family!

Location: Check the resort links above for locations. Mangrove Jack’s, Hibiscus Highway, Naweni (signposted off the road).

© FijiPocketGuide.com