The Travel Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands for Families

© Merbabu on Wikipedia

How to Get to the Lomaiviti Islands

With around seven main islands scattered 411km²/159mi² across the Koro Sea, the Lomaiviti Islands are accessed by air or by sea. Flights from Nausori Airport in Suva are the easiest and quickest way to get to the main islands of Ovalau, Gau and Koro, while ferry and shipping companies offer a cheaper (and slower) alternative. Find out more in 5 Ways to Get to the Lomaiviti Islands.

Lomaiviti Islands by Plane

All passenger flights to the Lomaiviti Islands depart from Nausori Airport near Suva. Find out about travelling to Suva in our Suva Transport Guide. From Nausori Airport, daily flights (except Sundays) go back and forth to Ovalau, while flights to Gau are also regular. Flights to Koro are typically once a week. Check out flight details, schedules and airlines in our Lomaiviti Islands Transport Guide.

Lomaiviti Islands by Ferry

A more economical way of getting to the Lomaiviti Islands is via a ferry. Ferry services depart daily (although not every Sunday) from Natovi Landing, just north of Suva, to Buresala on Ovalau. There is a connecting bus service between Suva city bus stand and Natovi Landing. To reach Koro, a weekly ferry service departs from Suva. Find out more about the details of ferry travel in How to Take the Ferry to the Lomaiviti Islands.

Resort Boat Transfers

Resorts on selected islands in the Lomaiviti Group offer ways to access their islands by boat. For instance, the resorts on Leleuvia and Caqalai islands both offer direct transfers from Viti Levu to their islands. Leleuvia Island Resort offers transfers between Bau Landing (near Suva) and Leleuvia. Caqalai Island Resort runs a similar service between Waidalice Landing (north of Nausori) and Caqalia Island. Both resorts also run boats to and from Levuka.

High-end resorts on Toberua and Wakaya islands offer personal 24-hour transfers between Viti Levu and their islands. You will be transferred to Toberua Island Resort from Suva or Nausori Airport, whereas Wakaya Club & Spa arrange transfers from Nadi International Airport. Learn more about resort boat transfers in the Lomaiviti Islands Transport Guide.

© Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble on Wikipedia

Family Activities on the Lomaiviti Islands

From the island villages to the coral reefs, there are plenty of exciting activities to do away from the crowds to make the most of your time together as a family. Here are just a few ideas…

Snorkelling in the Lomaiviti Islands

If your kids can swim then there’s no excuse not to jump into the warm Lomaiviti waters and discover the amazing underwater world. While scuba diving is the more popular option, snorkelling can be just as spectacular and much more accessible for kids. There is fantastic snorkelling available off the shores of Caqalai and Leleuvia islands. Boat trips to Honeymoon Island are also available from the islands, offering an exciting opportunity to see reef sharks among the coral.

Discover Ovalau’s Natural Waterslide

Despite the lack of children’s playgrounds in the Lomaiviti Islands, the landscape makes up for it. Join Bobo from Bobo’s Farm for a trip to the natural playground of Na Vu Wai – Ovalau’s natural waterslide. The walk to the waterslide is only a 20-minute walk through the forest where you’ll find a small cascade of waterfalls to slide down.

Explore the Islands by Kayak

Kayaking is a safe family-friendly activity that’s free of charge at resorts on the Lomaiviti Islands. It’s a relaxing way to explore the bays surrounding the islands. A great option is kayaking through the mangroves from the Kawai Guesthouse on Ovalau – one of the shorter kayaking trips on offer, so a good choice for kids. For something a little different, paddle out on one of Leleuvia Island Resort‘s outrigger canoes – just like the Pacific Islanders used to navigate the seas back in the day.

Visit a Fijian School

Village visits are an immersive cultural experience for the whole family. Join resorts such as the Toberua Island Resort for a local village visit where your family will have the opportunity to visit a Fijian school, church, as well as see a “meke” dance performance and take part in a kava ceremony (don’t worry, the kids aren’t expected to drink kava). On Ovalau, Bobo at Bobo’s Farm offers a trip to the local village of Rukuruku to visit the school where visitors are welcomed with enthusiasm.

Craft Fijian Souvenirs

If your kids love to craft then don’t miss the chance to make their own Fijian creations on the islands of Lomaiviti. On Toberua Island, join the staff for their regular basket weaving demonstrations where you and the little ones can learn more about this ancient Fijian tradition while weaving your own funky hat or basket. Coconut husking is also always a popular one with the kids, getting them prepared for the big things in life like getting marooned on a deserted island. Check out the coconut husking demonstrations at Ovalau Holiday Resort and Toberua.

For more inspiration, see more in our 10 Things to Do on the Lomaiviti Islands for Kids.

© Pexels

Resort Activities for Kids

Unlike its neighbouring resorts on the Coral Coast, Yasawas and Mamanucas, the Lomaiviti Island resorts do not have kids clubs or playgrounds. Nevertheless, some of the high-end resorts offer additional facilities that will keep the kids entertained in between your chosen family activities. Nanny and babysitting services are available at the Toberua Island Resort and Ovalau Holiday Resort.

Facilities on the Lomaiviti Islands for Kids

While the resorts on the Lomaiviti Islands do not have kids’ clubs, resorts such as Toberua Island Resort can organise games and activities for children staying at the resort. In addition, the resort has a pool table, table tennis, petanque, volleyball, “path-putting” (like mini golf) and board games which also helps keep the little ones entertained. Wakaya Club & Spa has a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts, suitable for older kids to enjoy. If all else fails, we all know how kids love to splash in the pool. Resorts on the Lomaiviti Islands with pools include Dere Bay Resort, Ovalau Holiday Resort, Royal Hotel and Toberua Island Resort. The Sega Na Leqa accommodation on Wakaya Club & Spa has a private infinity pool.