Fiji Rafting Guide: White Water Rafting, River Tubing & Bilibili Rides

© Rivers Fiji

Rivers Fiji

Fiji’s premier rafting adventure is on the upper Navua River, accessible only with Rivers Fiji. Join a mix of local and expat guides for an adventure to remember among the towering gorge walls shrouded in moss and tropical jungle. Stop by majestic waterfalls and indulge in a deli-style lunch with coconut bread. Look out for native bird species as you raft through a conservation area established by Rivers Fiji themselves. An experience in itself is the journey to and from the river in a 4WD bus passing Fijian villages and Viti Levu’s rugged heartland.

The grade of rapids is from grades two to three. In other words, it is exciting but not too extreme. Trips are available all year round and include around 5 hours of rafting and 11 hours of experience in total, including transfers. In the peak season, book ahead. Wear sandals with straps or reef shoes. A deli-style lunch is included, with fresh tuna, chicken or veggie sandwiches, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Gluten-free bread is also available with prior notice.

Rivers Fiji also offers inflatable white water kayaking trips of the lower Navua River on grade one to two rapids, stopping for a scenic 10-minute hike to a breathtaking waterfall. The tour is also ideal for those who are short on time, as the tour is an easy two-hour trip. Your journey concludes with a delicious deli lunch before returning by bus. With a minimum of six people required for departure, smaller groups might be upgraded to the full white water rafting trip. See the 5 Best Kayak Tours in Fiji to learn more.

Cost: Approximately FJ$450 per person for the full-day white water rafting, and around FJ$350 for the kayaking tour.
Location: Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu. Trips can be booked and depart from the office. Resort pick-ups are available for a fee (or free in the Pacific Harbour).

© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji

Discover Fiji Tours (Jewel of Fiji)

Offering just about every way possible to experience the Navua River in one trip, Discover Fiji Tours promises a memorable day on Fiji’s iconic river. Their adventure takes place on the middle-lower Navua River, where rapids are gentle and undulating, ranging from grades one to two.

The journey begins with an hour-long boat journey upstream. Take in the towering gorge scenery and tropical forest before reaching a gorgeous waterfall for a swim. You’ll then have the option to experience traditional Fijian rafting, riding on a bamboo raft known as a bilibili. Admittedly, it’s a smooth ride with very few rapids involved. After having fun on the water, you’ll take a Fijian village tour and learn about the interesting history of a lone Englishman who was among the first to live with Fijians in this remote village. Enjoy a traditional lovo feast, a kava ceremony with the village chief and browse the village’s handicrafts.

Cost: Approximately FJ$200-FJ$250 per adult (child fares are about half the adult price).
Location: Ratu William Danford Drive, Navua, Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu. Transfers are available from Pacific Harbour, Coral Coast and Marriott Momi Bay and Shangri-La resorts.

© River Tubing Fiji

River Tubing Fiji

Finally, an alternative way to “raft” in Fiji is river tubing. This is essentially a large inflatable rubber ring that will take you down the gentle rapids of the middle to lower Navua River. Hit River Tubing Fiji up and they’ll show you what it’s all about on their unique river tubing tour.

You’ll travel up the Navua River on a colourful longboat, absorbing the stunning river scenery with cascading waterfalls and tropical rainforest. Stop by a Fijian village for a tour and to see how the locals live. Then, the excitement begins as you make your way back downstream on an inflatable tube. On top of all that, a riverside lunch is included. Expect the tour to last approximately 5-6 hours.

Cost: Approximately FJ$200 per adult (child fares are about half the adult price)
Location: Ratu William Danford Drive, Navua, Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu. Transfers are available from Pacific Harbour, Coral Coast and Nadi.

For more river tubing experiences, minus the rapids, check out the 10 Best River Tours & Cruises in Fiji.