Where was Survivor Filmed in Fiji?
“Survivors ready!” Hell yeah! If you’re a fan of the castaway reality TV show, Survivor, then you’ll already know that Fiji is one of the most popular countries for filming the hit TV series. In the US version alone, Survivor has been filmed for seven seasons and counting. The show’s presenter, Jeff Probst, famously said that he would be happy to film Survivor in Fiji for the rest of his Survivor career – that’s got to count for something. The US version is not the only version of Survivor with Fiji fever, as the Australian version and French version have been captivated by Fiji’s magical tropical islands also. So put on your buffs and head out to these amazing Survivor filming locations!
By the way, you might also be interested in scouting out the 10 Movies Filmed in Fiji too!
1. Macuata
Survivor US’s long relationship with Fiji starts right here in Macuata, the northern region of Vanua Levu. Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second-largest island lying north of Viti Levu (main island) and was one of the first Fiji locations used for Season 14, known simply as Survivor: Fiji. The region of Macuata encompasses stunning islands, such as Nadogo Island, Talailau Island and Mali Island, as well as many Fijian villages, the main town of the region called Labasa, and the untamed forest of the Waisali Rainforest Reserve. Find out more about exploring this exciting province yourself in our Complete Guide to Vanua Levu.
2. Mamanuca Islands
Ideally situated off the main island of Viti Levu, you can definitely see why the team at Survivor US chose to film their last six+ seasons on the paradise islands of the Mamanucas. Easy to get to and dotted with more than 20 islands, the Mamanuca Islands is the envision of everything we think about Survivor in Fiji: volcanic islands topped with lush rainforest, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters with coral reefs… The Mamanuca Islands is the most-used island group for filming in the show’s nearly 40-year history. Find out more in our Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands.
3. Mana Island
On the subject of the Mamanuca Islands, if you want to search for an exact Survivor US filming location then a great one to pick in the Survivor challenge area on Mana Island. Located at the eastern end of Mana Island, the Survivor challenge area is a fun spot to visit for any Survivor geeks. What’s more, you can even stay in the island resort that the cast (or at least some of the cast) and crew used, the Mana Island Resort. However, if the luxury resort is beyond your budget, there are other accommodations on the island, including the Tadrai Resort, Ratu Kini Backpackers and Mana Lagoon Backpackers.
4. Yasawa Islands
In the French version of Survivor, Koh-Lanta, both Season 5 and Season 18 were filmed in the Yasawa Islands. This small island group stretched north of the Mamanuca Islands feeling a lot more isolated and “wild”. However, they are still very accessible islands to get to onboard ferry services leaving the mainland every day. Visiting these islands, a mix of inhabited islands of small Fijian villages and resorts and deserted islands, will really put you in the Survivor spirit, especially as the island group is famous for some of Fiji’s more adventurous activities, such as shark diving! Find out more about visiting the Yasawa Islands in our Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands.
5. Kadavu
Located 100km (60 miles) south of Fiji’s mainland, Kadavu is a group of islands centred by Fiji’s fourth-largest island of the same name. The stunning location was the set of the French Survivor Koh-Lanta‘s 19th and 20th season. With large tracts of native forest, pristine beaches and close to the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef, the Great Astrolabe Barrier Reef, Kadavu is definitely a place you wouldn’t mind getting stranded. Find out more about the island group in our Complete Guide to Kadavu.
6. Savusavu
The Australian version of the show certainly doesn’t miss out on the Fiji action! Survivor Australia Season 5 was primarily filmed in Savusavu, the main hub of Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu. With an airport, plenty of nearby accommodation and the Hibiscus Highway, Savusavu makes an excellent base to pick up a rental car and start exploring Vanua Levu. You’ll find it a world away from the tourist hotspots of Viti Levu. Check out our 10 Things to Do in Savusavu D243!
More About Survivor Locations in Fiji
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.