How to Visit the Pacific Harbour on a Budget
Ok, so the “adventure capital of Fiji” isn’t exactly your cheapest destination in Fiji when you consider all the action-packed (and expensive) activities on offer. But don’t be deterred! With cheap transport, affordable accommodation options and a great selection of free and cheap things to do, a holiday on the Pacific Harbour can actually work out to be a cheaper way to experience “Fiji time” than visiting the outer islands! And if you have a little extra dough to spend on that dream shark scuba dive or boating up the Navua River, well, that’s just a bonus. Figure it all out with this travel guide to Beqa Island and the Pacific Harbour on a budget!
Before we begin this guide to the Pacific Harbour on a budget, don’t forget to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget. Trust us; there are a lot of useful tips!
Table of Contents
6 Tips for Visiting the Pacific Harbour and Beqa on a Budget
Planning a trip to the Pacific Harbour and Beqa doesn’t have to break the bank. With these money-saving tips, you’ll be able to enjoy this stunning part of Fiji without emptying your wallet!
- Take an express bus to get to the Pacific Harbour for the cheapest way to get there
- Make use of the free activities provided at your resort! Remember, non-motorised watersport equipment is usually free to use
- Check out the restaurants outside of your resort for the best deals on food!
- Want to go to Beqa Island? There is a cheap local boat running from Navua Monday to Saturday. Their timetable, however, runs on Fiji time
- Spend time doing the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on the Pacific Harbour
- Plan to visit in the low season – January-May – to open up more accommodation options with cheaper hotel rates.
Looking for more ways to stretch your Fijian dollar? Don’t miss our guide on 17 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji. And for even more budget-friendly tips specific to the Pacific Harbour, check out the rest of our budget and backpacking guide…
© FijiPocketGuide.comHow to Get to the Pacific Harbour and Beqa
The Pacific Harbour is situated on the southeast coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. Located along the Queens Road, about 2 hrs 30 mins drive from Nadi and one hour from Suva, the Pacific Harbour is easily accessible via road transport. Beqa Island is just off the shore of the Pacific Harbour, taking around 45 minutes to access by boat. Here are some of your options to get to the Pacific Harbour.
Travelling to the Pacific Harbour by Bus
Taking the express bus from Nadi or Suva is a no-brainer for budget travellers. The express buses take around one hour from Suva and three to four hours from Nadi to travel to the Pacific Harbour. While the travel time might be lengthy, who can complain? Check out Where to Book Bus Transport in Fiji? for more information on taking the bus in Fiji, as well as our Pacific Harbour Transport Guide for more details on taking the bus.
Travelling to the Pacific Harbour by Taxi
While taxis do travel between Nadi International Airport and the Pacific Harbour, this is not a very cost-effective way for budget travellers to get to the Pacific Harbour. A taxi from Suva, however, is worth considering for those who want to get from A to B quickly and conveniently. Learn more about them in The Guide to Taxis in Fiji.
Boat Transfers to Beqa Island
If you are staying on one of the Beqa Island resorts, then you have a couple of options to get to the island from the Pacific Harbour. The easiest way to get to Beqa Island is through a resort boat transfer. Alternatively, a local boat runs from Navua. Find out more about this boat schedule and more in the 10 Ways to Get to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa.
© FijiPocketGuide.comFree and Cheap Water Activities on the Pacific Harbour
We all know that Fiji is all about getting on (or in) the water one way or the other. While there are many exciting adventure activities on the Navua River and around the Beqa Lagoon that come at a pricey cost, here are some of your best options for keeping things cheap on water activities.
Swimming Pool
Admit it, you came to Fiji to get in some pool time! There are plenty of accommodations on the Pacific Harbour with swimming pools, such as the Uprising Beach Resort, The Pearl Resort, ULTIQA Palms, Nanuku Resort, Beqa Lagoon Resort and much more! So when in doubt, grab your swimwear, put your towel on a sun lounger, and enjoy. We also love the undercover spa pools nestled in the tropical gardens of ULTIQA Palms.
Snorkelling
How can you come to Fiji and not go snorkelling? The Pacific Harbour is just off the famous Beqa Lagoon, a protected area for marine life. It’s a lively area to snorkel with tropical fish, vibrant coral gardens and even sometimes some welcome surprises like turtles! While the use of snorkelling gear for snorkelling off the beach is free at budget accommodations like the Lawaki Beach House (they have a marine-protected area about 25 m from the beach on Beqa Island), as well as some waterfront resorts on the Pacific Harbour, it’s worth paying a little extra for a boat trip to the Beqa Lagoon. Sea Fiji Reefs runs snorkelling tours to some great spots with all the equipment and transport included, as well as a few light and yummy refreshments. Alternatively, check out the budget-friendly snorkelling trip to Pearl Reef, just a five-minute boat ride from shore, with Tropic Magic.
Kayaking
Explore the coast and experience the tranquillity of kayaking from your resort or homestay. With clear waters, it’s common to see fish and other marine life just below your kayak. Kayaks are free to use with budget resorts like the Uprising Beach Resort and Lawaki Beach House, as well as other resorts on the Pacific Harbour. Just ask your resort where the best places to kayak are.
© FijiPocketGuide.comFree and Cheap Land Activities on the Pacific Harbour and Beqa
Aside from scenic beach strolls, what else can you do for free or cheap on the Pacific Harbour or Beqa Island? Here are some of our recommendations.
Wainadoi Waterfall
For a refreshing escape from the Fijian heat, head to the twin waterfalls of Wainadoi. This picturesque spot is ideal for swimming, jumping, and relaxing amidst nature’s beauty. There’s a small entry fee, which goes towards supporting the local community’s infrastructure. At the car park, you’ll usually find a friendly local ready to collect the cash – don’t forget to bring around FJ$10 each! The village where the waterfall is located is famous for its cassava, so you might want to sample some local cuisine while you’re there. Fun fact: This stunning location was featured in the movie Anaconda (though we can assure you, there are no giant snakes here)! The village is also known as the “village of the prawns”. For more waterfall adventures in Fiji, check out our 5 Best Waterfalls in Fiji.
Watch a Game of Rugby
The Pacific Harbour is the centre of Fiji’s most-loved sport: rugby. The Pacific Harbour is the national training ground for the national rugby sevens team. If you can’t catch a game on one of the beaches, you’ll certainly catch one at the rugby field located by the Uprising Beach Resort.
Beach Volleyball
Beach sports are a staple of any beachfront resort in Fiji and that’s especially the case on the Pacific Harbour and Beqa! Enjoy a game with fellow travellers or your travel mates at the end of the day on the beach of the Uprising Beach Resort and Lawaki Beach House. Use of beach sports equipment is free of charge.
Sunday Local Church Service
A free cultural experience is attending a Sunday church service. Whether you’re religious or not, the harmonious singing is an uplifting experience and reason alone to attend a church service. Resorts can often organise transport to the nearest churches on a Sunday. Otherwise, there are two good options for church services on the Pacific Harbour: one at 7:30 am and 10 am in the Makosoi Village (know your village protocol before you visit) and one at 10 am in Lomary which is more accessible for visitors.
Arts Village
The Arts Village is a must-visit spot that won’t break the bank. Wander through quirky gift stores and hunt for unique, affordable souvenirs to remember your Fiji adventure. When hunger strikes, head to the Skinny Bean Cafe for a wallet-friendly meal. The real hidden gem here is the massive lily pond – it’s a perfect spot for a serene moment (and maybe a cheeky selfie). Keep an eye out for the fascinating sculptures and water features dotted around; they make for great photo ops without spending a dime. It’s an ideal quick stop that combines a bit of shopping, dining, and nature exploration.
More Things to Do on the Pacific Harbour
The rest of your time on the Pacific Harbour can be enjoyed by exploring the local markets, hitting the beach for a budget-friendly sunbathing session, or taking a scenic walk along the coastline, which you can find out more about in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on the Pacific Harbour & Beqa. For experiences that don’t necessarily fall into the budget category but are no less amazing, check out the 20 Best Things to Do on the Pacific Harbour & Beqa.
© FijiPocketGuide.comDining on the Budget on the Pacific Harbour
Those staying in the Pacific Harbour and Navua will find that venturing outside of their resort opens up a whole array of cheap dining options! Curry houses, burger bars, and cafes are great places to sit down for a bite to eat without breaking the bank.
Cheap Eats on the Pacific Harbour
Get your burger fix at Beach Bum Burgers (Beach Road), which serves up an array of hearty burgers, from classics like bacon and cheeseburgers to island-style burgers with pineapple. You can also pick up an affordable fish & chips meal!
Ah, Fiji, how we love you for your cheap but delectable curry houses! Desi Delights (Queens Road opposite The Pearl Resort) specialises in Indo-Fijian cuisine, while Vakia Restaurant (Queens Road opposite The Pearl Resort) offers a wide range of affordable options, from breakfast choices to sandwiches and hearty mains. Road Krill (Queens Road, Navua) is also known for its cheap curries
You’ll find cheap takeaway food at the Chicken and Ice-cream Shack (Queens Road, Navua) and seafood at Kevis Fish on Chips (Queens Road, east of Uprising Resort). Find out more in our Top Cheap Eats on the Pacific Harbour.
Eating on Beqa Island
Needless to say, Beqa Island isn’t brimming with shops and restaurants. When staying at the budget Lawaki Beach House, meal plans will keep you fed with classic Fijian dishes for around FJ$70-$80 per adult, children FJ$50-$60 and children under four years eat free. Plans include breakfast and a three-course dinner each day.
Budget Accommodation on the Pacific Harbour and Beqa
- Uprising Beach Resort
- Sunset View Villas
- Pacific Harbor Eco Villa
- Orchid Island B&B
- Coral Coast Christian Camp
- Lawaki Beach House, Beqa Island
Find out more about these accommodations in our 10 Budget Accommodations on the Pacific Harbour.
More About Travelling the Pacific Harbour on a Budget
That’s it for our guide to travelling the Pacific Harbour on a budget, for more information about affordable holidays in Fiji, check out the following articles:
- 5 Best Walks on the Pacific Harbour & Beqa
- 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji
- Fiji Itinerary: 14 Days on a Budget
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our The Complete Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa.
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:
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism 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])
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - 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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