Everything You Need to Know About Transport to the Lau Group
Fiji‘s least-visited islands are intriguing island destinations to hit. The 60 islands scattered across the eastern reaches of Fiji offer untouched reefs, a mix of uninhabited islands and remote traditional villages. Getting to the Lau Islands is an adventure in itself, from luxurious private sailing trips to trips with the locals in cargo boats. Flights depart weekly to the island groups’ three airstrips, while chartered flights from Fiji’s mainland are also available. We’ll review all your options with this list of ways to get to the Lau Islands.
While you’re here, plan the rest of your excursions with The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands.
Table of Contents
1. Scheduled Flights – How to Get to the Lau Islands
Nausori Airport in Suva is your gateway to the Lau Islands when it comes to domestic flights – see 8 Ways to Get to Suva. Fiji Link (Fiji Airways) operates scheduled flights to Cicia in Northern Lau on Tuesdays, Lakeba in Southern Lau on Thursdays, and Vanua Balavu in Northern Lau on Wednesdays, all returning the same day. Flights take approximately 1 hr 15 mins each way. Northern Air flies between Suva and Moala three times a month, usually on a Wednesday. Be sure to book flights as far in advance as possible, as they fill up quickly, particularly in the Christmas holidays.
For more details on what to expect from domestic flights, check out The Complete Guide to Domestic Flights in Fiji.
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2. Chartered Flights – How to Get to the Lau Islands
If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, consider a chartered flight to the Lau Islands, where flights depart on your schedule. Guests staying on Vatuvura Private Islands, the Lau Group’s one and only resort, have a private flight in the resort’s Twin Otter aircraft to and from the resort included in their stay. This option is available either from Nadi or Suva. Alternatively, Pacific Island Air offers private charter flights by seaplane or helicopter, including day trips to the Bay of Islands.
Find out more about luxury experiences like this in our The Luxury Guide to the Lau Islands. Plus, learn more about flight charters in our guides, Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji and Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji.
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3. Sailing Charters – How to Get to and Around the Lau Islands
For a unique Lau Islands experience, consider a private sailing charter with Sailing Fiji. Departing from Taveuni, their luxury 43′ Catamaran, Looping, offers all-inclusive trips with a captain, meals, drinks, and watersports equipment. Combine your sailing adventure with a stay at the luxurious Vacala Bay Resort on Taveuni. Alternatively, explore the Lau Group aboard QUIXOTIC, a 43-foot catamaran offering bespoke liveaboard charters from Port Denarau. This floating luxury haven provides premium amenities, including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, kiteboarding, and private shore excursions via rigid inflatable tender, allowing you to discover Fiji’s hidden gems in style. Finally, Safari Charters Fiji offers sailing packages on the yacht Stellar, a 2005 Sun Odyssey 49 Fast Cruiser. With four en-suite double cabins accommodating up to six passengers, they specialise in surf charters but also offer snorkelling, diving, and island cruising from Port Denarau.
For more on Fiji’s charters, check out the 10 Best Sailing Charters in Fiji. Plus, see more unmissable experiences in the 15 Best Things to Do in the Lau Islands
© QUIXOTIC
4. Cargo Ships – How to Get to and Around the Lau Islands
Travel like the locals by taking one of the cargo ships from Suva on Viti Levu around the Lau Islands. There is no real fixed schedule, so it’s best to inquire once you arrive in Suva, but cargo ships with Goundar Shipping depart from Narain Wharf, Walu Bay, fortnightly. The round-trip usually takes six to seven days, visiting anywhere between three to eight islands before heading back to Suva. Ships stay at each port for up to six hours, giving you plenty of time to stretch your legs and explore the immediate area. While sailing the Lau Islands by cargo ship is a cheap way to visit the Lau Islands, note that onboard facilities are extremely basic. Some boats have cabins available with bunks, but most passengers sleep out on the open deck under the stars. Basic meals are also served on board. Essential things to pack if going on a cargo ship include a pillow, mat to sleep on or a sleeping bag, snacks, water and toilet paper, as cargo toilets can get pretty gross.
For more about sailings to the Lau Islands, check out The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Sailing Yachts – How to Get to and Around the Lau Islands
For adventurous sailors with their own yachts, the Lau Islands offer a paradise of secluded anchorages and pristine waters. The northern Lau’s Vanua Balavu boasts the stunning Bay of Islands, where you can drop anchor amidst limestone islets and turquoise lagoons. Other popular spots include Ships Sound, a protected cove surrounded by dramatic pinnacles, and Nabavatu‘s fjord-like harbour. In the southern Lau, Fulaga‘s lagoon beckons with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. You’ll also find excellent anchorages at Lakeba, Oneata, and Komo Island, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. Before setting sail for the Lau Group, it’s crucial to stock up on supplies, as provisions are limited once you arrive. Ensure you have ample food, water, and fuel for your journey. A cruising permit is required, and you may encounter anchorage fees at some locations.
For more detailed information on cultural sensitivity, customs procedures, and navigating the Lau Islands, we recommend checking out The Sailing Guide to Fiji. This comprehensive resource will help you make the most of your sailing adventure in this remote and beautiful part of Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About Lau Islands Transport and Ways to Get to the Lau Islands
That’s it for our guide to Lau Islands transport; for more information about getting around and visiting this remote archipelago, check out the following articles:
- 15 Things to Do in the Lau Islands
- 5 Best Accommodations in the Lau Islands
- The Complete Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to the 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])
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