The Top Activities and Attractions in the Lau Group
Those really looking to get off the beaten track can’t get any further off it than the Lau Islands of Fiji! This large group of very tiny islands is home to some of Fiji’s most remote islands, where getting there is all part of the adventure. Untouched reefs with an abundance of marine life, remote villages with a unique Fijian and Tongan culture, uninhabited islands, limestone cathedral caves… Need we go on? Check out some of the experiences the Lau Group has to offer in this list of the best things to do in the Lau Islands.
Remember, the Lau Islands are certainly not touristy. You won’t find any restaurants or shops, and only three of the islands have tourist accommodation. Nevertheless, we’ll list those in our 5 Best Accommodations in the Lau Islands, so you know all your options. Plus, check out our Guide to the Lau Islands for more advice.
Table of Contents
1. Sail Around the Islands
To get to such an isolated part of Fiji, your best option is to charter a sailing vessel and start your adventure from there. That way, everything will be organised for you on stopping off at the Lau Islands. Sailing Fiji offers private charters on their catamaran yacht, Looping, departing from Taveuni. Alternatively, QUIXOTIC is a catamaran yacht charter departing from Port Denarau – learn more in the 10 Best Sailing Charters in Fiji. Otherwise, if you have your own boat, make sure to head to the port of entry, Suva on Viti Levu (main island) or Savusavu on Vanua Levu, before making your way back to the Lau Islands. You will need to seek permission before mooring on the Lau Islands. Learn more about how to sail to the Lau Group in The Sailing Guide to Fiji and the Lau Islands Transport Guide.
Location: Sailing Fiji – Vacala Bay Resort, Matei, Taveuni. QUIXOTIC – Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi, west coast of Viti Levu.
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Scuba Dive in Fiji’s Most Pristine Reefs
Not many people can say they have dived into the untouched reefs of the Lau Islands… Vatuvara Private Islands, the Lau Group’s only resort, has fringing reefs to explore awash with soft and hard coral. They offer PADI instruction so you can gain your Open Water certification in just four days or simply enjoy one of the beginner dives with your guide. Learn more about diving in paradise in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Fiji.
Location: Vatuvara Private Islands Resort, Kaibu Island, Northern Lau Group.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Snorkel and Explore Limestone Caves in the Bay of Islands
The Lau Islands’ unmissable attraction, the Bay of Islands, is a bay dotted with islands, islets and a beautiful limestone cave. It’s located on the northern tip of Vanua Balavu and holds a cathedral cave towering 40 m (131 ft) high with a ceiling full of stalactites. The snorkelling here is sensational, being in a Qilaqila Marine Reserve. Currently, this is a popular anchorage for yachties (contact the government station in Lomaloma on VHF channel 16 for permission to anchor), and it can also be requested to visit during private yacht charters. Day trips from Nadi can also be organised with Pacific Island Air with transport via seaplane.
Location: Bay of Islands, northern coast of Vanua Balavu, North Lau Group.
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Kayak Among the Mushroom Rocks of Fulaga
Located in the distant southern reaches of the Lau Islands, Fulaga is home to some spectacular diving and unusual rock formations. The island, which has a flooded basin, is peppered with mushroom-shaped islets, making it a fun area to explore by kayak. As there is no accommodation on Fulaga, the island is only accessible by cargo ship or private yachts, so request to add Fulaga to the itinerary of your sailing charter (yacht charters usually have kayaks/SUP onboard).
Location: Fulaga Island, Southern Lau Group.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Visit Fiji’s 100% Organic Island
Experience organic paradise on Cicia Island. This remote gem declared itself 100% organic in 2013, with farming practices certified by COMA. You’ll love exploring the island’s five villages, including the chiefly village of Tarakua, and wandering through lush agricultural estates. Don’t miss the chance to join an eco-tour or farm tour to see sustainable practices in action. For a taste of local culture, we recommend catching a meke performance in one of the villages. These traditional dances showcase a unique blend of Fijian and Tongan influences, thanks to past invasions. If you’re travelling with a group, arrange a visit to a local school for a heartwarming cultural exchange.
Location: Cicia Island, Northern Lau Group, Eastern Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.com6. Experience True Serenity with a Private Beach Picnic
Imagine being in your own private corner of the South Pacific for the day… With Vatuvara Private Islands, you and your loved one have the opportunity to be transported to an uninhabited island along with an umbrella, pillows, beach towels, water toys, snorkelling gear and a gourmet picnic. As for the days on Looping with Sailing Fiji or on QUIXOTIC, almost every day on the private yacht involves discovering secluded beaches and indulging in divine meals prepared by your onboard chef.
Location: Vatuvara Private Islands Resort, Kaibu Island, Northern Lau Group. Sailing Fiji – Vacala Bay Resort, Matei, Taveuni. QUIXOTIC – Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi, west coast of Viti Levu.
© FijiPocketGuide.com7. Explore Lakeba’s Caves, Hillforts and Fijian-Tongan Villages
Apart from Vanua Balavu, Lakeba (pronounced “Lak-em-ba”) is the Lau Islands’ most accessible island. Plus, with a weekly flight to the island, a guesthouse and homestays, it’s an island worth staying on for a while. The main village, Tobou, is a fascinating place to see, with a strong Tongan influence from the rounded thatched bures to the woven mats called ta’avala that the locals wear around their waists. Exploring the island on foot is easy, thanks to a dirt road following the coastline. Local guides can show you some of the island’s caves with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as the largest hillfort in Fiji located on Ketekete Peak (360 m/1,181 ft). The east coast of Lakeba also holds a collection of small islands that are interesting to explore by boat if you hire a local boatman for the day.
Location: Lakeba, Southern Lau Group. See how to get there in the Lau Islands Transport Guide.
© FijiPocketGuide.com8. Work on Your Wellness
The breathtaking beauty and tranquillity of the Lau Islands make the perfect setting to work on your wellness. Spa treatments and private yoga tuition on your villa’s deck are all included with your stay on Vatuvara Private Islands.
Location: Vatuvara Private Islands Resort, Kaibu Island, Northern Lau Group.
© FijiPocketGuide.com9. Surf Fiji’s Least-Crowded Breaks
If you’re a keen surfer, then don’t miss the awesome breaks on Matuku Island. This island is located in the Moala Group, south of Lomaiviti and east of Kadavu, and experiences incredible swell that surfers in the know die to get to. Of course, the surf breaks are hard to reach and are only available to tourists through Safari Charters Fiji, which offers surf charters organised from Nadi. Find out more about surfing in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.
Location: Matuku Island, Moala Island, Southern Lau Group. Safari Charters – Departs Nadi, west coast of Viti Levu.
© FijiPocketGuide.com10. Experience Authentic Island Life by Staying with the Locals
Unless you have FJ$10,000 to spare for a night on the Vatuvara Private Islands, your best affordable option is to make some connections and stay with the locals through a homestay. Booking a homestay is a breeze, thanks to the Lau Provincial Office. You’ll find them at the top of the multi-storey car park on Struan Street in Suva. They’ll happily make a booking for you, and the best part? There’s usually no waiting time. Check out our advice in How to Choose the Best Homestay in Fiji + 5 Essential Tips.
Location: Homestays are available on Vanua Balavu, Lakeba, and the Moala Islands. See the 5 Best Accommodations in the Lau Islands to learn more.
© FijiPocketGuide.com11. Embrace a Simpler Life
Escape modern-day hassles and enjoy the simpler life on the Lau Islands. The inhabitants live on simpler things, gather their own food and live on Fiji time. Experiencing this way of life might just make you discover another meaning to the word “rich”.
Location: All over the Lau Islands!
© FijiPocketGuide.com12. Experience a Sunday Church Service
Almost all the Lau Island villages have a church that comes alive with heartwarming singing every Sunday. Wear your Sunday best and join in on this cultural experience. Learn more about church services in our Guide to the Religions in Fiji.
Location: All over the Lau Islands!
© FijiPocketGuide.com13. Relax on the Beach
One of the most stunning features of the Lau Islands is the pristine, sandy white beaches. There’s no way you’re not going to spend some time soaking in the sun, going for a swim or taking a stroll to feel the sand between your toes. Spot the black-tip shark fins swimming by and enjoy the serenity of being on an island in paradise.
Location: All over the Lau Islands!
© FijiPocketGuide.com14. Embark on an Island Excursion
Accommodations and villages all have their own boats and are often more than happy to take you island hopping to the nearest neighbouring islands. You’ll visit other villages, where you’ll need to bring kava, a local root crop used for crushing and making into an earthy traditional drink so that they can perform a kava ceremony for the island visitors. Find out more about visiting villages in our Guide to Fijian Village Etiquette.
Location: All over the Lau Islands!
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© FijiPocketGuide.com15. Reel in the Big Ones with Some Game Fishing
There sure is some exciting fishing on offer in the Lau Islands, especially off Vatuvara Island. Vatuvara Private Islands takes guests out in the 11 m (36 ft) Naiad boat for trolling, popping, jigging and/or deep-sea game fishing, catching some of the world’s most sought-after game fish. Think mahimahi, yellow-fin tuna, giant trevally, sailfish and much more (see What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Fiji?) The private sailing charter, QUIXOTIC, also has fishing gear onboard, should you want to cast a line during your voyage. And don’t worry, the resort promotes sustainable fishing so operates on a catch and release policy. For more ways to incorporate fishing into your getaway, check out The Complete Guide to Fishing in Fiji.
Location: Vatuvara Private Islands Resort, Kaibu Island, Northern Lau Group. QUIXOTIC – Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi, west coast of Viti Levu.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About the Lau Islands
That’s it for our guide to the Lau Islands; for more information about this remote archipelago, check out the following articles:
- Lau Islands Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to the Lau Islands
- The Luxury Guide to the Lau Islands
- 5 Best Accommodations in the Lau Islands
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to Lau Islands.
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 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])
Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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