Family-guide-to-pacific-harbour© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji
Family-guide-to-pacific-harbour

The Family Travel Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa

© Mark Snyder – Tourism Fiji
Last Updated: 24 September, 2024

How to Plan a Family Vacation to the Pacific Harbour, Navua and Beqa

On the southern coast of Viti Levu, wedged between Suva and the Coral Coast, is Fiji’s glorious Pacific Harbour. The polished lawns and cul-de-sac streets look far from anything else you will see in Fiji. Regardless, it still invokes its charms, which include family-friendly Fiji vacations and adventure activities! For sure, the Pacific Harbour is the ideal location for the more active family. The Pacific Harbour, including the neighbouring town of Navua and the off-shore island of Beqa, is famous for its adventure offerings, including all sorts of heart-pounding excursions up the Navua River. The Beqa Lagoon, just a short boat ride from the Pacific Harbour, is packed with amazing coral reefs which are sure to astound all members of the family. For families that enjoy their downtime, some Pacific Harbour resorts have swimming pools and kids’ clubs for some all-around R&R in-between adventures. So take a look at this Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families to start planning the ultimate family vacation to Fiji!

Table of Contents

10 Family-Friendly Activities on the Pacific Harbour

The Pacific Harbour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for families, with activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained throughout your stay.

  1. Snorkel at Pearl Reef or Yanuca Island
  2. Go river tubing on the Navua River
  3. Enjoy a fun day out on the Pacific Harbour’s floating bar and restaurant
  4. Watch a cultural show at your resort
  5. Visit a real Fijian village
  6. Check out the Arts Village
  7. Safe swimming is available at beach resorts
  8. Go kayaking from your resort
  9. Let the kids join a resort kids’ club
  10. Try white water rafting on the Navua River (8+ years)

For elaboration on each, check out the 10 Things to Do on the Pacific Harbour with Kids, or simply keep on reading…

family-pacific-harbour-beqa© FijiPocketGuide.com

How to Get to the Pacific Harbour and Beqa

The Pacific Harbour is located on the southern coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. The only way to get to the Pacific Harbour is via road, so you have several different road transport options to get to the Pacific Harbour. Beqa Island is about a 45-minute boat journey from the Pacific Harbour.

Travelling to the Pacific Harbour by Bus

One of the cheapest ways to get to the Pacific Harbour is via an express bus, which is around one hour from Suva and three to four hours from Nadi. Bus services go through the Pacific Harbour. Let your driver know which resort you are staying at (if staying along the Queens Road) and you may be able to be dropped off outside of your resort. Check out How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus for more information on taking the bus in Fiji. Note that baby seats will not be available on the bus.

Resort Shuttles to the Pacific Harbour

Many of the resorts and hotels on the Pacific Harbour offer their own shuttle service between Nadi International Airport or Suva Airport for a fee. This is often one of the most convenient ways to get to the Pacific Harbour for families. These need to be pre-booked with your chosen resort. Make sure you book your resort transfer with your resort before you arrive in Fiji, so your driver will be waiting for you at the airport. Baby and child seats are usually provided on request at no extra cost.

Travelling to the Pacific Harbour by Taxi

Taxis are a great way to get from A to B quickly, even when travelling a long distance in Fiji. Taxis in Fiji will even go as far as the Pacific Harbour for arrivals at the Nadi International Airport. They are a good option if you have not booked any airport transfers before arriving in Fiji. Make sure you decide on a price before taking a taxi and make sure the taxi is registered (with number plates starting with LT). Note that most taxi drivers will not have baby seats available.

Private Transfers to the Pacific Harbour

Another option to get to your Pacific Harbour accommodation quickly is with a private transfer from Nadi International Airport. Transfer services offer private transfer services where they will be waiting for you are the airport with a sign and take you straight to the door of your Pacific Harbour accommodation. They also give you the opportunity to stop at shops and services along the way. While this transport method might provide the most comfortable way to get to the Pacific Harbour, with modern vehicles with air conditioning, it is not the most economical way for budgeting families. Baby and child seats are usually provided on request at no extra cost. Compare transfer options in our Pacific Harbour Transport Guide and 10 Best Airport Transfers in Fiji.

Car Rental

Renting a car is another option to get to the Pacific Harbour. With most activities offering hotel pick-up, we don’t recommend getting a car if you just want to base yourself in the Pacific Harbour for your entire holiday. If you want to travel around the island of Viti Levu, then renting a car from Nadi International Airport would be your best option. Find out more in our The Best Car Rentals 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 most convenient way to get to Beqa Island is through a resort boat transfer. They will meet you at a scheduled time on the Pacific Harbour and take you to your resort in around 45 minutes. Alternatively, there is a local boat running from Navua between 12 pm to 2:30 pm Monday to Saturday.

Find out more about each way to get to and around the Pacific Harbour in our Pacific Harbour Transport Guide.

The Travel Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families© FijiPocketGuide.com

Snorkelling for Families

Fiji is renowned for its colourful underwater world of soft coral. The Pacific Harbour has its very own top snorkelling and diving spot known as the Beqa Lagoon.

Snorkelling in the Beqa Lagoon

Snorkelling is the most accessible way for families to see the amazing array of fish at the Beqa Lagoon. Resorts on Beqa Island and the Pacific Harbour can organise guided snorkelling trips, which is the best way to enjoy the warm and clear waters of Fiji in a safe way.

For those families who want to organise their own snorkelling trip, Sea Fiji Reefs operates 2-hour tours with all the snorkelling gear included. They also include refreshments, a guide and boat transport out to the reefs. They have adult and child rates.

Snorkelling at Pearl Reef

Embark on a family-friendly snorkelling trip with Tropic Magic to Pearl Reef, just a quick five-minute boat ride from the Pearl Resort. Your children will be amazed by the kaleidoscope of colourful fish, and soft and hard corals, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a gentle white-tip reef shark (don’t worry, they’re harmless!).

Yanuca Island Day Trip

For a full day of family fun, consider a trip to Yanuca Island with Tropic Magic or Tropical Sportfishing & Charters. This exciting excursion offers a perfect blend of activities for all ages. Kids can build sandcastles on pristine beaches, families can snorkel together in crystal-clear waters, and parents can relax while the little ones explore nature trails under careful supervision.

Scuba Diving in the Beqa Lagoon

For older children, teenagers, mums and dads who want a bit more adventure on their Pacific Harbour holiday, don’t miss scuba diving in the Beqa Lagoon. Children are usually required to be eight years old and over to join a guided two-tank dive in the Beqa Lagoon. There is a range of soft coral dives to even shark dives (open water-certified only) with Aqua Trek, Beqa Adventure Divers and Coral Coast Divers. Note that scuba diving can be a little scary for young children who have not done it before, so we recommend snorkelling for newbies!

The Travel Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families© FijiPocketGuide.com

Adventure Activities for Families

They don’t call the Pacific Harbour the “Adventure Capital” of Fiji for nothing! What’s more, there are even some adventure activities on the Pacific Harbour that are suitable for the whole family.

Trips on the Navua River

A fun adventure for all the family are excursions up the Navua River. Operators like Jewel of Fiji Tours can pick up families straight from their accommodation and take them on a stunning journey into the heartland of Viti Levu. Tours include a longboat ride up the Navua River, stopping by a Fijian village for a cultural experience, and swimming at a secluded waterfall spot. A traditional lovo” lunch is also included. This tour has children’s rates.

White water rafting and kayaking with Rivers Fiji is also available on the middle and upper Navua River, which is suitable for children aged eight years and above.

Finally, hit the waters of the Navua River via river tube! This is essentially an inflatable rubber ring taking you down the gentle yet fun rapids. You’ll be transported up the Navua River by River Tubing Fiji to some stunning areas of the river gorge before being released down the river on the tube. You and your family will encounter waterfalls, spectacular scenery and a Fijian village. A riverside lunch is also included.

Other Adventure Activities From Your Resort

Many of the resorts on the Pacific Harbour and Beqa offer their own adventure activities, some of which may be complimentary. These usually include:

  • Sea kayaking
  • Beach volleyball
  • Snorkelling
  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • Coral planting.

For more details on these activities, head over to the 10 Best Adventure Tours on the Pacific Harbour.

Pacific-Harbour-for-Families-© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

Cultural Activities on the Pacific Harbour

The culture of Fiji is a fascinating thing for kids to discover. Captivating shows, Fijian warriors, hands-on Fijian crafting and more is a great way for your kids to learn about the different cultures of the world while having fun. Here are a few ways to experience the culture of the Pacific Harbour with children.

Cultural Activities in Your Resort

Cultural shows known as “meke” are a popular item on the agenda of many resorts on the Pacific Harbour. At the Nanuku Resort, kids have the opportunity to join warrior drumming lessons, weaving, experience a kava ceremony and much more in the Lailai Children’s Club. The Uprising Beach Resort has regular meke nights to learn more about the Fijian culture in an entertaining way. Local village tours, firewalking performances, local school visits, coconut husking and much more are available for families to engage with the Fijian culture at the Beqa Lagoon Resort.

For more ways to experience the Fijian culture, take a look at the 10 Best Ways to Experience the Fijian Culture.

The Travel Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families© FijiPocketGuide.com

Family-Friendly Dining on the Pacific Harbour

The Pacific Harbour is not just a paradise for adventure seekers; it’s also a haven for families looking to enjoy delicious meals together. From casual beachside cafes to upscale restaurants, you’ll find a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes and ages. We’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly eateries in the area, so you can focus on making memories with your loved ones (and not on where to grab your next meal).

The Best Restaurants on the Pacific Harbour for Families

Craving a juicy burger? Head to Beach Bum Burgers on Beach Road for a mouthwatering array of gourmet delights. From classic bacon cheeseburgers to island-inspired creations topped with pineapple, there’s something to satisfy every burger lover. Each burger comes with crispy fries and a refreshing side salad. Kids will love the fun beach-themed atmosphere, while parents can enjoy the varied menu including hearty soups, sizzling stir-fries, and flavourful curries. Just remember to arrive before 7:30 pm unless you’ve booked for dinner.

For a family-friendly dining experience with a view, The Establishment on Hibiscus Drive is hard to beat. This vibrant eatery boasts a beautiful beer garden setting next to the river, perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. Open from 7 am to 9/10 pm, it caters to all tastes with a diverse menu featuring local favourites like grilled fish with coconut milk and cassava, alongside international dishes. The popular Sunday lunch buffet and seafood BBQ are great options for families looking to sample a variety of Fijian flavours. With wood-fired pizzas, hearty burgers, and refreshing drinks, there’s something to please every family member.

Nestled in the Arts Village, Skinny Bean Cafe is a charming spot that caters to families with its diverse menu and relaxed atmosphere. Start your day with their “Healthy Start” breakfast featuring local fruit salad with homemade yoghurt, or try the heartier “Skinny Bean Breakfast” to fuel up for adventures. Kids will love the selection of omelettes and wraps, while parents can choose from an array of salads, burgers, and seafood options for lunch. With free WiFi available, it’s an ideal place for families to relax and recharge between activities. The cafe’s friendly staff and casual vibe make it a hit with visitors of all ages.

For more dining options, head to the 10 Best Restaurants on the Pacific Harbour & Beqa.

More About Meals on the Pacific Harbour

If you’re staying at one of the Beqa Island resorts, you’ll find that your meals are typically arranged by the resort itself. This takes the hassle out of meal planning, allowing you to focus on enjoying your island paradise.

For those who prefer a bit more culinary freedom, self-catering options are available in the Pacific Harbour area. You’ll find local markets and shops where you can stock up on fresh ingredients to whip up your own Fijian-inspired dishes. (Don’t forget to try your hand at preparing some kokoda – it’s delicious!)

Explore More of Our Travel Guide to the Pacific Harbour and Beqa for Families

That’s it from the travel guide to the Pacific Harbour and Beqa for families. For more tips for trip-planning success, check out the following:

Get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families. Plus, discover more remarkable places to stay in the 20 Best Family Resorts in Fiji.

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.

Was this article useful?

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter

Recommended For You