The Guide to the Ferries to Vanua Levu
The large island in the north of Fiji is certainly enticing, and the journey there by ferry is alluring to the adventurous traveller. Vanua Levu might be Fiji’s second-largest island, but it is far less travelled, making for an authentic experience of lush tropical rainforest, Fijian villages and small Indo-Fijian towns. The most affordable and local way to get to the “Friendly North” is via one of the ferries! We go over how to take the ferry to Vanua Levu in this complete guide.
For more advice on visiting the island, check out The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu and the 20 Best Resorts in Savusavu & Vanua Levu.
Table of Contents
5 Quick Tips for Taking a Ferry to Vanua Levu
Here are our top tips to ensure your journey is smooth sailing (pun intended!):
- Boarding and sailing schedules for ferries to Vanua Levu can change with little notice, so we recommend double-checking ferry schedules on the Facebook Page or ticket office of your chosen company on the day of departure.
- The sea can get pretty rough on the journey to Vanua Levu, so this trip is not for the faint-hearted.
- Ferry trips also include bus travel between the main towns stated on the route. You can catch the buses for the ferries from the Suva bus station/carrier stand.
- All rental vehicles travelling must provide a written confirmation letter from the rental owners.
- It is best to book only a week ahead for tourists who are on limited time in Fiji as ferry schedules change often.
For more tips, check out the 10 Tips for Taking the Ferry in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Vanua Levu Ferries
There are two main passenger ferry services connecting Viti Levu and Vanua Levu: Goundar Shipping and Interlink Shipping Line, and a passenger ferry connecting Taveuni and Vanua Levu: 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!
Goundar Shipping
Goundar Shipping operates a fleet of cargo, vehicle, and passenger ferries. Their vessels, known as the Lomaiviti Princess series and the MV Lady Daya, run regular routes between Suva/Natovi and Vanua Levu, occasionally stopping at Taveuni. The level of comfort varies depending on the ship, but passengers can generally expect a mix of cushioned seating areas, a canteen with tables and chairs, and floor space for sprawling out during the journey.
Interlink Shipping Line
Interlink Shipping Line serves Vanua Levu with three vessels. The MV Ohana is their more modern and speedier option, typically operating daytime routes between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu (sometimes via Taveuni). For those who prefer night-time travel, the Spirit of Harmony offers slower overnight trips. The Northern Star rounds out its fleet, providing another daytime ferry option.
Taveuni Princess
For those looking to travel between Savusavu and Taveuni, the Taveuni Princess offers reliable bus and ferry services via Buca Bay. This boat service on a 50-person capacity vessel provides an enjoyable transportation option for those travelling to and from Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Vanua Levu Ferry Routes and Durations
All of the ferries to Vanua Levu have very similar routes and services. The major difference is that some are faster than others. We recommend double-checking schedules even on the day of departure, as schedules often change with little notice.
Goundar Shipping Routes and Durations
Goundar Shipping offers several routes through Fiji that include Vanua Levu. (Note: Times are subject to change. Always check with the Goundar Shipping Office or their Facebook Page for the most up-to-date information.)
Labasa – Savusavu – Suva (Every Sunday)
- Total journey time: approximately 10 hrs 30 mins
- Bus departs Labasa at 1 pm
- Ship departs Savusavu at 5 pm
- Arrives in Suva at 11:30 pm.
Suva – Natovi – Nabouwalu – Savusavu – Labasa (Daily Service)
- Total journey time: approximately 12-14 hours
- 1st Trip – Reporting time: 4:30 am at Flea Market, Bus departure: 5 am, Boat departure: 7 am
- 2nd Trip – Reporting time: 3:30 pm at MPI Carrier St, Bus departure: 4 pm, Boat departure: 6:30 pm
- 3rd Trip – Reporting time: 7 pm at MPI Carrier St., Bus departure: 7 pm, Boat departure: 10 pm.
Labasa – Savusavu – Nabouwalu – Natovi – Suva (Daily Service)
- Total journey time: approximately 12-14 hours
- 1st Trip – Reporting time: 5 am (Labasa and Savusavu), Departure: 5:30 am, Boat departure: 9 am
- 2nd Trip – Reporting time: 10 am (Labasa and Savusavu), Departure: 10:30 am, Boat departure: 2 pm
- 3rd Trip – Reporting time: 5 pm (Labasa and Savusavu), Departure: 5:30 pm, Boat departure: 11 pm.
Interlink Shipping Line Routes and Durations
Interlink Shipping Line operates ferry services to Vanua Levu, providing a crucial link between the islands. These ferries offer convenient connections to the towns of Labasa 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!)
MV Ohana (Daily Service)
This ferry runs daily between Natovi and Nabouwalu. It departs Natovi at 9 pm, arriving at Nabouwalu at midnight. For early birds, the return trip leaves Nabouwalu at 1 am, reaching Natovi at 4:30 am. Don’t worry about onward travel – bus services connect Suva with Labasa and Savusavu, so you’re all set for your island adventure!
Spirit of Harmony Ferry (Daily Service)
If you prefer a midnight sailing, the Spirit of Harmony is your ticket! It leaves Natovi daily at midnight, arriving in Nabouwalu at 4:30 am. Perfect for those who like to travel while the world sleeps!
Northern Star Ferry (Daily Service)
Early risers will love the morning trips on the Northern Star. It departs Natovi at 6 am, reaching Nabouwalu by 9 am. Night owls can catch the evening sailing, leaving Natovi at 9 pm and arriving in Nabouwalu by midnight. Both options offer seamless bus connections to Labasa and Savusavu.
The ferry crossing between Natovi and Nabouwalu typically takes between 3 hrs and 4 hrs 30 mins. Factor in an additional 1-2 hours for bus travel on either end of the ferry journey. It’s a bit of a trek, but the stunning views of Fiji’s beautiful waters make it all worthwhile!
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.
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Cost of the Ferries to Vanua Levu and Where to Purchase Tickets
Taking a ferry to Vanua Levu is by far 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.
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 Guide) opposite the Suva Flea Market, Suva.
- 22 Freeston Road, Narain Wharf, Walu Bay, Suva.
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.
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 Taking the Ferry to Vanua Levu
That’s it for our guide to taking the ferry to Vanua Levu; for more information about travelling in Fiji by sea, check out the following articles:
- The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry
- Vanua Levu & Savusavu Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around)
- Fiji Transport Guide: 20 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in Information, Shops & Services on Vanua Levu.
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:
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Fiji (General travel 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])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - 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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