How to Pick the Best Boat Stay in Fiji for You© FijiPocketGuide.com
How to Pick the Best Boat Stay in Fiji for You

How to Choose a Multi-Day Yacht or Cruise Vacation in Fiji

© FijiPocketGuide.com
Last Updated: 23 August, 2024

Advice on Choosing a Boat Stay in Fiji

Sure, Fiji has a lot of resorts, but for the travellers that think outside of the box, boat stays can provide an unforgettable experience. From simple boat stays in a sheltered bay to luxury sailing charters to island-hopping cruises, there are many ways to stay on a boat in Fiji. Saying that, they provide wildly contrasting experiences. Make sure you understand the types of boat stays available with this complete guide on how to pick the best boat stay in Fiji for you.

Table of Contents

5 Things You Need to Know About Staying on a Boat in Fiji

  1. Not all boat stays in Fiji include sailings – check to see whether your boat stay is moored or otherwise
  2. Most boat stays in Fiji can mainly be found in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni
  3. Boat stays range from rustic yachts to three-star cruise ships to luxury catamaran yachts
  4. Bring your preferred seasickness remedies if your boat stay includes sailing
  5. Some boat stays are not super flexible, for example, you can only access with a tender or a cruise runs on a schedule.

How to Pick the Best Boat Stay in Fiji for You© Brenda Fenton via FijiPocketGuide.com

The Different Types of Fiji Boat Stays

Fiji is a nation mainly consisting of the beautiful southern Pacific Ocean, so it’s no wonder that there are several ways that you can stay on a boat here.

Moored Boat Stays

Moored boat stays in Fiji provide a unique accommodation alternative to staying in a resort. This type of accommodation means simply staying in a yacht that is moored. They typically have a range of essential facilities, from bedroom cabins to a kitchen and bathroom. Check out a couple of examples in the 10 Unique Boat Stays in Fiji.

Sailing Charters

Get an all-in-one sailing adventure and your accommodation in Fiji with one of the sailing charters available. These are typically multi-day trips where you’ll have your own cabin and bathroom and either have access to kitchen facilities or be kept well-fed by an onboard chef. Check out some examples in the 10 Best Sailing Charters in Fiji.

Liveaboards

Offering active scuba diving holidays, liveaboards are boating trips in Fiji where you’ll get to stay on the boat and go scuba diving each day. Accommodation, food and dives are usually all included. Check out the 5 Best Liveaboards in Fiji for examples.

Small-Ship Cruises

Fiji is home to a small-ship cruise line, which provides all-inclusive trips anchoring at a new island or bay each day. Check out our full guide in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji for more information.

How to Pick the Best Boat Stay in Fiji for You© FijiPocketGuide.com

Location and How to Get There

When comparing boat stays, sailing charters and cruises in Fiji, it’s a good idea to check out where these experiences are based or depart from. The location can have a big impact on both your time and budget, so let’s break it down for you!

Most moored boat stays in Fiji are conveniently located in Denarau and Wailoaloa Beach near Nadi. Small-ship cruises and some sailing charters also set sail from Denarau. This is fantastic news for travellers, as it’s one of the easiest spots in Fiji to reach. You’ll find it just 15 km (9 mi) from Nadi International Airport – talk about convenience! But that’s not all! If you’re up for venturing further afield, some sailing charters and liveaboards depart from the northern islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni. While these locations require an extra flight or ferry journey from Nadi International Airport, they offer a chance to explore Fiji’s more remote and pristine areas. (Trust us, it’s worth the extra travel time!)

In short, here’s a quick breakdown of your options:

  • Denarau/Nadi area: Easy access, perfect for those short on time or prefer convenience
  • Vanua Levu and Taveuni: More remote, ideal for adventurers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences

Whichever option you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable Fijian adventure on the water. Just remember to factor in the location when planning your itinerary and budget. Check out the following guides to help you figure out how to get to these destinations:

How to Pick the Best Boat Stay in Fiji for You© FijiPocketGuide.com

Prices and What’s Included in Your Stay

As you may have figured out, the boat stays in Fiji are much more about the whole experience than just the accommodation. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to compare the inclusions of your boat stay, sailing charter, liveaboard and cruise to make sure you’re getting the experience you’re looking for.

Inclusions to Compare

In Fijian boat stays, these are the activities and services that are often available to compare:

  • Sailing or stationary
  • All meals and/or kitchen facilities
  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Water sports activities
  • Island excursions
  • Scuba diving and gear rental
  • Docking fees
  • Airport transfers.

The Cost of Sailing Charters and Cruises in Fiji

Before you hop aboard, let’s talk about the costs involved in sailing charters and cruises in this tropical paradise. Sailing in Fiji can range from budget-friendly day trips to luxurious week-long charters. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Multi-Day Sailing Trips Prices

For those wanting an immersive experience, multi-day sailing trips are the way to go. Expect to pay anywhere from FJ$3,000 to FJ$10,000 (US$920 to US$4,600) per day, depending on the size and type of vessel.

Cruise Prices and Offers in Fiji

Prices for multi-night cruises start from around FJ$1,000 per night, per person for a three-night trip, with longer seven-night cruises from about FJ$940 per night per person. Keep an eye out for discounts, as cruise companies often slash prices by up to 20% for future travel dates. Some cruises offer special deals like:

  • Solo traveller discounts during off-peak months
  • Celebration packages for special occasions
  • Add-on options to extend your experience

Most cruise packages include meals, accommodation, and planned activities.

Additional Costs to Consider

Don’t forget about these extras:

  • Scuba diving
  • Gratuities for the crew
  • Transportation to and from the marina
  • Any special requests or customised itineraries

Remember, prices can vary depending on the season, with peak times (June to September) generally being more expensive. It’s always a good idea to book in advance to snag the best deals. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly day trip or a lavish private charter, Fiji’s sailing options cater to all preferences and budgets. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your sailing hat, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Fiji’s stunning waters!

More About How to Choose the Best Boat Stay in Fiji

That’s it for our guide to choosing the best boat stay in Fiji! For more information about sailing and water adventures in Fiji, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our 10 Boat Stays in Fiji: Cruises, Yacht Hire & More.

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:

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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