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The Travel Guide to the Coral Coast for Families

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Family Guide to the Fiji Coral Coast

Long white-sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, rugged inland landscape and a tremendous choice of quality family-friendly resorts… The Coral Coast is an ideal holiday destination for families who want an easy-to-organise trip while still having some variety. The Coral Coast is a mere hour away from Nadi International Airport, making it one of the easiest places in Fiji to get to while feeling a world away from modern-day stresses. The Coral Coast is quite simply paradise. For the kids, choose between wildlife parks, jet boat rides, scuba diving and more, or simply enjoy some pool time together. We’ll go through some of the best locations on the Coral Coast for families in this guide!

Plus, because the best things in life are free, here’s a list of the 10 Free & Cheap Things to do in Coral Coast.

10 Things to Do on the Coral Coast with Kids

  • Waterslide, zipline and check out the wildlife at the Kula Wild Adventure Park
  • Go horse riding on Natadola Beach
  • Let your kids loose in the kids’ clubs of the Coral Coast’s family-friendly resorts
  • Jump on a jet boat tour and discover the villages, scenery and high-speed thrills of the Sigatoka River
  • Do some sightseeing from a railbike on an old sugarcane railway line
  • Try out glassblowing and let the kids make their own Fijian-inspired creations
  • Watch a cultural show or fire dancing performance at your resort
  • Do a beginner’s scuba diving lesson for children aged 8 and above
  • Go for a dip at the Biausevu Waterfall
  • Go for a walk at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes.

For more inspiration, check out 10 Things to Do on the Coral Coast with Kids.

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How to Get to the Coral Coast

Just a 1-hour drive between the Coral Coast’s main hub, Sigatoka, and Nadi International Airport, the Coral Coast is one of the easier holiday destinations in Fiji to get to, especially for families. There are no complicated logistics to work out, such as boat transport. Just pick your choice of road transport!

Travelling to the Coral Coast by Bus

One of the cheapest ways to get to the Coral Coast is via an express bus, which, if organised with the driver in advance, will be able to drop you off right outside of your resort. Express buses from Nadi take around 1h30min to reach the Coral Coast. Slower public buses are also available and cheaper still. Check out Where to Book Bus Transport in Fiji? for more information.

Travelling to the Coral Coast by Taxi

Taxis are a quick and convenient way to get between Nadi International Airport and the Coral Coast. Because the taxi is taking you outside of Nadi, it is likely that you will need to agree on a price first, in case the taxi doesn’t have a meter. Expect taxi transport to be between FJ$75-$100 one way. Learn more about taking a taxi in The Guide to Taxis in Fiji.

Resort Shuttles in the Coral Coast

Many of the resorts offer airport transfers with a private driver who will greet you at the airport. While many resorts charge for this service, some resorts offer free shuttles, so always inquire when booking. Check out which resorts offer transfers in the Coral Coast Transport Guide.

Renting a Car for the Coral Coast

Another popular option for families who want to do some independent exploring is to rent a car. Most of Fiji’s car rental companies are based close to Nadi International Airport. From there, it’s an easy drive on the sealed Queen’s Road to the Coral Coast. When driving off the Queens Road, for instance to an inland accommodation, the roads are likely to be gravel roads. Check out The Best Car Rentals in Fiji to see your options.

For more information, see 5 Ways to Get to the Coral Coast.

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Family Water Activities

Aside from hiring some kayaks as a family and exploring the bays or making a splash in the resort pool, what are the special water activities on the Coral Coast for families?

Jet Boating on the Sigatoka River

Kids and kids at heart will love the high-speed thrills of jet boating up the river combined with super scenery and village stops to learn more about the Fijian culture. Check out with tour with Sigatoka River Safari on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Scuba Diving

If scuba diving is on your’s or any of your family member’s bucket lists, then the Coral Coast, particularly Korolevu, is a great place to learn. There are many spectacular dive sites close to shore, such as the Votua Reef. While many of the resorts have their own dive operations, so be sure to inquire. Dive shops like Diveaway Fiji based in Namolevu offer exciting PADI-endorsed courses for young ones starting from eight years old.

Go to the Beach

While many of the Coral Coast resorts have their own beaches, you might want to experience a change of scenery at Natadola Beach. The long-stretching white sand beach is reminiscent of what’s found on Fiji’s outer islands, making it arguably one of the best beaches on Viti Levu. There are shallow safe swimming areas for kids, as well as the Intercontinental Fiji Resort and the more affordable Yatule Resort for a bite to eat. Natadola Bay Horse Riding is based in between the two resorts offering another fun activity on the beach for the whole family.

© Matthias Liffers on Flickr

Family Land Activities

Many families underestimate just how much there is to do on land on the Coral Coast. The Sigatoka River provides one of the best access points for Fiji’s remote interior, while the local wildlife and water park attraction is a must for families! Find out more below.

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park

The Sigatoka Sand Dunes is a natural attraction offered to teens in many of the teens’ clubs in resorts, but also makes a great day out for families with older children. Entry is via the visitor centre located about 4.5km/2.7miles southwest of Sigatoka where you’ll be given directions for a walk through the magnificent dunes topped with shrubs and archaeological sites.

Kula Wild Adventure Park

The largest family attraction on the Coral Coast is the Kula Wild Adventure Park. The wildlife sanctuary holds many fascinating birds and reptiles that are bound to amaze your tribe. On top of that, the park has a water park, a treetop rail zipline and lots more to make a full day of fun for all ages! Find out more about Kula Wild Adventure Park on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Make Your Own Glass Souvenir

Korotogo on the Coral Coast is home to Hot Glass Fiji where both kids and adults can get in on the glass-blowing action in one of their studio experiences. It’s a great way to make a meaningful Fijian souvenir to take home with you.

Biausevu Village and Waterfall

If your tribe feels like going on a bit of an adventure, a trip to Biausevu Village is a must where one of the village guides will meet you to take you to a stunning waterfall and swimming hole. The walk to the falls is less than an hour, so most kids can handle it just fine. Check out tours to the village and waterfall with Excite Tours & Travel on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Try Railbiking

For something quirky and a little unique in Fiji, try the rail bikes at EcoTrax. The whole family, including younger children in baby seats, can hop on one of the specially-designed electric-assisted rail bikes and check out the breathtaking scenery of the Coral Coast. The journey ends at the crystal clear waters of Vunabua Beach. Find this activity located in Cuvu.

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Resort Activities for Kids

The Coral Coast is one of the best destinations for families looking to make use of kids’ clubs and babysitting services in Fiji. Kids’ clubs are a great option for little ones to mingle with kids in their own age group, while mum and dad can enjoy some time to relax.

Kids’ Clubs on the Coral Coast

Most kids’ clubs on the Coral Coast are complimentary for guests, such as the Little Riggers club for 3-7 years and the Beach Riggers club for 8-12 years at the Outrigger Resort. Activities include treasure hunts, coconut throwing, fish feeding and much more, while those in the Teens’ Club for 13+ years can enjoy guided hikes and student exchange trips to Fijian schools. The Hermit Crab Kids’ club at Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa is also a fantastic option where kids get to do snorkelling lessons, coconut weaving, traditional back picnics and more.

See all of the Coral Coast kids’ clubs in 7 Best Kids’ Clubs on the Coral Coast.

Babysitting

Many of the resorts on the Coral Coast offer babysitting services for an hourly fee. Fijians are renowned for adoring children. Often the babysitters are the sisters or wives of the resort staff who have a wealth of experience being around children.

More About the Coral Coast

That’s it from the travel guide to the Coral Coast for families. Get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families. Plus, discover more remarkable places to stay in the 20 Best Family Resorts 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.

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