Transport to Kadavu
Kadavu is often seen as a final frontier for visitors to Fiji. But how do you get to Fiji’s fourth largest island? Kadavu is located some 100km/62miles south of Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island) across the Kadavu Passage. There are both flight and ferry options to get to Kadavu, suiting a range of budgets and styles. We’ll go through your options in this list of ways to get to Kadavu. Plus, we’ll quickly go over your transport options once you arrive on the island.
For more information, see The Complete Guide to Kadavu. Plus, get inspiration for activities in 10 Things to Do in Kadavu.
1. Kadavu by Plane
A quick and easy way to get to Kadavu from Viti Levu is via a domestic flight with Fiji Airways. Flights from Nadi International Airport depart four to six times a week and from Nausori Airport in Suva on Mondays. The flight from Nadi take approximately 40 minutes, or 30 minutes from Suva, including stunning views of coral reefs beneath the clear water, as well as islands. All flights arrive at Vunisea Airport on Kadavu, which has limited facilities. Learn more in What Are the Airports in Fiji?
© Craig Spurrier on Wikipedia2. Kadavu by Ferry
Providing a cheaper but a far more time-consuming passage to Kadavu, ferries from Viti Levu depart from Walu Bay in Suva. The ferry with Goundar Shipping departs every Wednesday night at around 11pm (but be prepared that this is often delayed because, ya know, “Fiji time“) and usually arrives at Vunisea at 6am. The journey takes approximately seven hours where you’ll share the passage with livestock, cargo and locals. Check out the typical prices to Kadavu in How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji?
© Stemoc on Wikipedia3. Charter Flights to Kadavu
While at a more premium rate than scheduled domestic flights, charter flights provide the most convenient way to get to Kadavu. Charter flights are scheduled to fly at your selected time, usually soon after your arrival flight into Nadi. Small plane flights from Nadi International Airport to Vunisea Airport are available with Island Hoppers Fiji. Alternatively, seaplane flights take you from Nadi International Airport to the waters outside of your chosen resort with Pacific Island Air.
© Lamity on Wikipedia4. Cruises to Kadavu
One more way to get to Kadavu and some of Fiji’s more remote islands is on a cruise with Captain Cook Cruises. The 11-Night Lau & Kadavu Cruise only departs once a year (so book as early as you can) but takes passengers to visit Kadavu on the last full day of the cruise. They visit Nalotu village to see traditional fishing methods and clay pottery making. The cruises are all-inclusive with cabins suitable for couples, families and small groups. Find out more about Captain Cook Cruises on Viator and Tripadvisor.
© Captain Cook Cruises5. Getting Around Kadavu
Kadavu has two dirt roads winding across Central Kadavu and West Kadavu. Needless to say, road transport is very limited, with just a few minivans and trucks shuttling people across the island from Vunisea. Most transport occurs on the water. All resorts offer boast transfers between the resort and Vunisea. Depending on the time, this may require you to wade out in shallow water so be prepared. If you’ve organised a village stay, it is likely that you will also be transported by boat. Note that not all village boats have life jackets. Boat transfers take approximately 35 minutes from Vunisea to the west point of Kadavu and one hour to reach Ono Island and the Astrolabe Reef on the east point of Kadavu.
For more about Kadavu’s services, head over to the Information, Shops & Services on Kadavu.
© UN WOMEN Pacific on WikipediaMore About Kadavu Transport and Ways to Get to Kadavu
