Transport to Ovalau and the Lomaiviti Islands
Located off the eastern shores of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, the Lomaiviti Islands are some of the easiest islands to get to from Fiji’s capital city, Suva. Flights, ferries, and resort transfers all provide transport to the Lomaiviti Islands. Find out how to get to the Lomaiviti Islands with the list below, including a point on how to get around Ovalau Island.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Complete Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands and the Information, Shops & Services in the Lomaiviti Islands.
First Step: Get to Suva
All transport to the Lomaiviti Islands (except charter flights) departs from Suva. Therefore, if arriving in Fiji from Nadi International Airport or elsewhere, you’re going to need to find your way to Suva. See our Suva Transport Guide: 8 Ways to Get to (& Around) Suva for all of your options.
Table of Contents
1. Lomaiviti Islands by Plane – How to Get to Levuka (Ovalau), Koro and Gau
As Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, is where most travellers arrive in Fiji, here is how to get to Lomaiviti from Viti Levu. Flights depart from Nausori Airport in Suva. Find out more about getting to Suva from Nadi in 5 Ways to Get to Suva.
Ovalau – Northern Air operates flights between Nausori and Ovalau, taking approximately 12 minutes. Flights operate once a day, from Monday to Friday. Ovalau’s airstrip is in Bureta on the southwest side of the island, where a shuttle connects passengers on incoming flights to Levuka.
Koro Island – Fiji Link (Fiji Airways) operates flights between Nausori and Koro once a week, taking approximately 45 minutes.
Gau – Northern Air also operates flights between Nausori and Gau once a week.
Learn more about flying in Fiji in What Are the Airports in Fiji? and The Complete Guide to Domestic Flights in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Lomaiviti Islands by Ferry – How to Get to Levuka (Ovalau), Gau and Koro
A more economical way of getting to the Lomaiviti Islands is via ferry. Ferry services to the Lomaiviti Islands depart from Natovi Wharf, just north of Suva, as well as Walu Bay in Suva. Bus transport from Suva Bus Station is typically included in ferry tickets.
Ovalau – Ferry services with Venu Shipping Limited offer a bus/ferry service three days a week from Suva Bus Station to Levuka via Natovi Wharf, taking approximately four hours to reach Buresala on Ovalau. There is a connecting bus service between the Suva city bus stand and Natovi Landing.
Gau and Koro – The “Lomaiviti Princess” or “Lady Daya” ferries with Goundar Shipping departs from Narain Wharf, Walu Bay, in Suva, to Koro and Gau once a week. There are “first-class” and economy tickets available for this journey, which takes approximately 12 hours.
Learn more about taking ferries and cargo boats around the islands in our guide, How to Take the Ferry to the Lomaiviti Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Lomaiviti Islands by Charter Flights – How to Get to the Lomaiviti Islands
Charter flights offer a convenient way to reach the Lomaiviti Islands, particularly for those heading to exclusive resorts like Wakaya Resort & Spa. The resort arranges private Cessna Caravan flights for guests departing from Nadi International Airport. These 45-minute flights cover 100 mi (161 km), whisking you away to paradise in no time. For other islands in the group, Northern Air provides private charters, while Pacific Island Air offers a variety of options, including helicopters, seaplanes, and aeroplanes. They service all Fijian islands with airports or landing strips, including some Lomaiviti Islands.
For more information on chartering flights in Fiji, check out our guides on Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji and Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Lomaiviti Islands by Resort Transfer – How to Get to the Lomaiviti Resorts
To get to some of the less-visited islands in the Lomaiviti Islands, resorts operate boat transfers between Suva (Viti Levu) and their islands.
Leleuvia – Leleuvia Island Resort offers morning boat transfers between Bau Landing and Leleuvia, as well as Saturday to Thursday afternoon transfers. The resort also runs boats to and from Levuka.
Toberua and Wakaya – These high-end resorts on Toberua and Wakaya islands offer personal 24-hour transfers between Viti Levu and their island resorts. Toberua Island Resort offers transfers between Suva City and Nausori Airport, while Wakaya Club & Spa arrange transfers from Nadi International Airport via charter flight or road and boat.
Learn more about resort transfers in Fiji Airports: Your Airport Transfer Options.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Public Transport – How to Get Around Ovalau
We’ll quickly mention ways of getting around the Lomaiviti Islands’ most popular island, Ovalau. Road transport is available, with a road running around the perimeter of the island. Taxis and carrier vans are based beside the seawall, opposite the church, in Levuka. Alternatively, there is a school bus that runs around the island, which also picks up passengers for super cheap (around FJ$2-$5). The bus runs between Bureta to the St John’s Catholic Mission via Levuka, starting at 6 am and 3 pm each day except Sundays. Shuttle services run between the Bureta Airstrip and Levuka in time for incoming flights. Some accommodation providers also offer transfers between Levuka and the Bureta Airstrip if booked in advance.
Learn more about taking taxis in the 10 Things You Need to Know About Taxis in Fiji and carriers in our guide, Minivans & Carrier Vans in Fiji: What You Need to Know.
© Merbabu on Wikipedia6. Guided Tours – How to Get Around Ovalau
Exploring Ovalau is best done with a knowledgeable guide. Most accommodations in Levuka offer private tours of the town and island or can connect you with local experts. It’s easiest to arrange these once you’ve arrived. For a comprehensive list of tour options and accommodations, check out our guide to the 20 Best Things to Do in Levuka & the Lomaiviti Islands. If you’re looking for more flexibility, the Levuka Museum & Community Centre can help you find local guides to tailor your experience. These tours offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring you don’t miss any of Ovalau’s hidden gems.
© Captain Cook Cruises7. Sailing – How to Get Around the Lomaiviti Islands
The Lomaiviti Islands offer a variety of anchorages for sailors to explore. Levuka, on Ovalau, provides a convenient stop close to town, though it can be somewhat exposed to southeasterlies. Just north of Levuka, you’ll find another possible anchorage, while the southern part of Ovalau offers a more protected “Hurricane Hole” for stronger winds. Don’t miss the charming anchorage off Caqalai Island, a small islet with rustic accommodations.
Makogai Island is another sailor’s delight, with Dalice Bay being a popular choice. Protected by a small off-lying island and reef, it offers a beautiful setting with verdant hills and palm-covered flatlands. The bay provides varying water depths and two entrance passes, but be cautious of hidden reefs.
For those seeking a bit of luxury, consider anchoring near Toberua Island Resort, conveniently located between Ovalau and Viti Levu. Remember, each anchorage has its unique characteristics, so always approach with caution and enjoy the diverse sailing experiences the Lomaivitis have to offer!
While the Lomaiviti Islands aren’t an official port of entry for Fiji, don’t let that deter you from your sailing adventure! You can easily arrange clearance at nearby Suva before setting sail for the Lomaivitis. If you’re new to Fijian waters or want to ensure you’re well-prepared, we highly recommend checking out our comprehensive The Sailing Guide to Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About the Lomaiviti Islands Transport and Ways to Get to the Lomaiviti Islands
That’s it for our guide to the Lomaiviti Islands transport and ways to get to the Lomaiviti Islands; for more information about travelling in this stunning archipelago, check out the following articles:
- 20 Things to Do in the Lomaiviti Islands
- 5 Best Resorts in the Lomaiviti Islands
- 20 Ways to Get Around Fiji
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to the Lomaiviti 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:
- Levuka Tourism Association (Regional tourism website)
- 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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