How to Take the Ferry to Taveuni© FijiPocketGuide.com
How to Take the Ferry to Taveuni

How to Take the Ferry to Taveuni

© FijiPocketGuide.com
Last Updated: 9 October, 2024

The Guide to the Ferries to Taveuni

Planning to explore one of Fiji’s most beautiful islands? Good on you! Taveuni is well worth getting off the beaten track for with its gorgeous tropical rainforest, volcanic landscapes and the nearby Rainbow Reef. If you want to get to Taveuni for the cheapest price, then taking the ferry to Taveuni is the right way. Learn more about how to take the ferry to Taveuni in the guide below.

For more help planning your trip to Taveuni, check out The Complete Guide to Taveuni and the 20 Best Resorts on Taveuni.

Table of Contents

5 Quick Tips for Taking a Ferry to Taveuni

Here are our top tips to ensure your journey is smooth sailing (pun intended!):

  1. Ferries to Taveuni include bus travel between major towns and the wharves on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, where you’ll embark on the ferry.
  2. Sailing schedules can change with short notice, so double-check sailing times on the day of sailing.
  3. Ferry crossings to Taveuni can be pretty rough, so the trips are not for the faint-hearted.
  4. Ferry journeys between Suva and Taveuni are long, and you’ll need to put a whole day aside for the trip – consider one of the other 8 Ways to Get to Taveuni (& Get Around Taveuni) if you need to get there faster.
  5. Sailing from Suva (Viti Levu) to Taveuni is an overnight trip, so we recommend booking a cabin, if possible, for a more comfortable journey.

For more tips, take a look at the 10 Tips for Taking the Ferry in Fiji.

How to Take the Ferry to Taveuni© FijiPocketGuide.com

The Taveuni Ferries

The three regular ferry services for passengers going to and from Taveuni are Goundar Shipping, Interlink Shipping Line and Taveuni Princess. These companies provide both bus and ferry services to transport passengers between the major towns on these islands. While the ferries may not be the most modern vessels (often doubling as cargo ships), the journey is quite the adventure!

Interlink Shipping Line

Interlink Shipping Line offers service to Taveuni with their most modern vessel, the MV Ohana. This cargo and passenger ferry typically operates nighttime routes connecting Viti Levu with Taveuni and Savusavu (on Vanua Levu). You’ll find the journey more comfortable and efficient than some other options. If you’re planning a trip between these islands, the MV Ohana is an excellent choice for those who prefer to travel by day and enjoy scenic views along the way.

Goundar Shipping

Goundar Shipping and their cargo, vehicle and passenger ferries, the Lomaiviti Princess series and the MV Lady Daya, operate regular ferries between Suva and Taveuni and between Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Some ships are more upgraded than others, but depending on what ship you’re on, passengers are usually sprawled between the cushioned seating areas, the canteen with tables and chairs and the floor. Note that Goundar Shipping has been known to change ferry schedules with short notice, so it’s a good idea to call the ticket office and/or check their Facebook Page for any changes to the schedule and to see if sailings are confirmed.

Taveuni Princess

The “Taveuni Princess” is a small passenger ferry with a 50-person capacity across the Somosomo Strait between Vanua Levu and Taveuni. The service includes a bus to and from Savusavu and Labasa to Buca Bay on Vanua Levu where the ferry departs for Taveuni.

How to Take the Ferry to Taveuni© FijiPocketGuide.com

The Taveuni Ferry Routes and Durations

Both ferry companies servicing Taveuni include bus and boat travel to get between the main towns, such as Suva and Savusavu. Note that there are no buses to or from Wairiki Wharf on Taveuni, so will need to arrange transport to the wharf – see Taveuni Transport Guide: 8 Ways to Get to (& Around) Taveuni.

Interlink Shipping Line Routes and Durations

Interlink Shipping Line operates ferry services to Taveuni, providing a crucial link between the islands. These ferries offer convenient connections from the towns of Suva and Savusavu. (Remember to always check with the Interlink Shipping Offices or their Facebook Page for the most up-to-date information – schedules can change!)

Suva – Taveuni – Savusavu Schedule

Operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

  • Suva to Taveuni:
    – Reporting: 5:00 pm
    – Departure: 7:00 pm
    – Travel duration: 10 hrs
  • Taveuni to Savusavu:
    – Reporting: 11:00 am
    – Departure: 1:00 pm
    – Travel duration: 3 hrs 45 mins
  • Savusavu to Suva:
    – Reporting: 5:00 pm
    – Departure: 7:00 pm
    – Arrival at Suva: 5:00 am
    – Travel duration: 10 hrs

Goundar Shipping Routes and Durations

Goundar Shipping operates two routes that include Taveuni:

  • Suva – Savusavu – Taveuni – Suva (Tuesdays and Fridays)The journey to Taveuni, with a stop at Savusavu, takes approximately 16-20 hours. This overnight ferry typically departs Suva on Mondays and Fridays at 6 pm and arrives in Taveuni on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 am.
  • Natuvu (Vanua Levu) – Taveuni (Daily)This route connects Natuvu Wharf on Vanua Levu to Taveuni twice daily. The trip takes 90-120 minutes.Departures from Taveuni: 8 am and 2 pm daily
    Departures from Natuvu Wharf on Vanua Levu: 10 am and 4 pm daily

If you can’t make the Tuesday or Friday sailing to Taveuni from Suva, don’t worry! Goundar Shipping also operates twice-daily ferries between Suva and Vanua Levu. For more information on this option, check out our guide on How to Take the Ferry to the Vanua Levu.

Taveuni Princess Route and Duration

The Taveuni Princess ferry operates between Taveuni, Savusavu, and Labasa, offering regular services six days a week—Sunday to Friday. Here are the departure times:

  • Total journey time: approximately 3-5 hours (the ferry crossing itself around 1 hr 30 mins).
  • Labasa Bus Stand: 4:30 am
  • Savusavu Bus Stand: 6:30 am
  • Taveuni Salia Jetty: 7 am

Passengers are advised to check in 30 minutes before departure. The service also provides bus connections between these points​.

How to Take the Ferry to Taveuni© FijiPocketGuide.com

The Cost of the Ferries to Taveuni and Where to Purchase Tickets

The Taveuni ferries are the cheapest way to get to the island. Shipping companies have very similar pricing and include all bus transport too. We keep ferry ticket prices up to date in How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji? We recommend buying a ticket no more than a week in advance to get up-to-date boarding times.

Interlink Shipping Line

Ferry tickets can only be purchased from an Interlink Shipping Line agent or ticket office. Ticket offices include:

  • In the carrier car park (see what a carrier is in our Fiji Transport Guide) opposite the Suva Flea Market, Suva.
  • Lesiaceva Road, across the road from the bus station (you’ll see the signs), Savusavu.
  • Lot 4 Wainikoro Dama Road, Volovi in Labasa.

Goundar Shipping

Ferry tickets can only be purchased from a Goundar Shipping agent or ticket office. Ticket offices include:

  • In the carrier car park (see what a carrier is in our Fiji Transport Guideopposite the Suva Flea Market, Suva.
  • 22 Freeston Road, Narain Wharf, Walu Bay, Suva.

Taveuni Princess

Ferry tickets can only be purchased from a Taveuni Princess agent or ticket office. Ticket offices include:

  • Savusavu Bus Station (a kiosk with a sign on the floor), Savusavu.
  • Paradise Movie World (Opposite Jacks of Fiji), Savusavu.
  • Dalip Chand & Son Ltd, Ritova Street, Labasa.
  • Prakash Elite Theater Building, Labasa.
  • Latchman Building, Naqara, Taveuni.

For more ferry prices, check out How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji?

More About How to Take the Ferry to Taveuni

That’s it for our guide to how to take the ferry to Taveuni; for more information about travelling to Taveuni, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in Information, Shops & Services on Taveuni.

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

Laura (Lora) 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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