Transport to the Lau Group
Fiji’s least-visited islands are an intriguing island destination to hit. The sixty 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, with private sailing trips, cargo boats and a cruise liner that departs for the islands only three times a year. Flights depart weekly to the island groups’ three airstrips, while chartered flights from Fiji’s mainland are also available. We’ll go through all your options with this list of ways to get to the Lau Islands.
While you’re here, don’t miss The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands.
1. Scheduled Flights to the Lau Islands
Nausori Airport in Suva is your gateway to the Lau Islands when it comes to domestic flights. 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 1h-1h15mins each way. There are no flights available between the Lau Islands. Be sure to book flights as far in advance as possible, as they fill up quickly, particularly in the Christmas holidays.
© FijiPocketGuide.com
2. Chartered Flights 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.
© Lamity on Wikipedia
3. Cruises to the Lau Islands
Do some island-hopping in the Lau Group on the 11-Night Lau & Kadavu Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises. The all-inclusive cruise includes experiences in remote villages, visiting the Bay of Islands, scuba diving, snorkelling and glass-bottom tours in pristine waters, and much more. The cruise departs from Port Denarau on Viti Levu only three times a year, so ensure to book early to get a place on this exclusive cruise. Find out more about the cruise on Viator and Tripadvisor, as well as more experiences you can have in the Lau Islands in 10 Luxury Activities in the Lau Islands.
© Captain Cook Cruises
4. Sailing Charters to the Lau Islands
Most of the time, the only tourists frequenting the Lau Islands are those with their own yacht. Get in on the action too with a private sailing charter with Sailing Fiji. Trips depart from the island of Taveuni (transfer flights from Nadi can be arranged), sailing across the Lau Islands in a luxury 43′ fast-sailing Catamaran called Looping. The all-inclusive experience includes your own captain, meals, drinks and non-motorised watersports equipment like snorkelling gear, kiteboards and paddleboards. The trip can also be combined with a stay at its luxury villa on Taveuni, Vacala Bay Resort. See more unmissable experiences in the 10 Must-Dos in the Lau Islands. Plus, check Looping out on Airbnb and don’t forget to get your FREE $50 Airbnb credit on us!
© Sailing Fiji/Vacala Bay Resort
5. Cargo Ships to 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 depart from Walu Bay at least once a week. 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 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.
© Qiliho on WikipediaMore About Lau Islands Transport and Ways to Get to the Lau Islands
