The Family Travel Guide to Savusavu & Vanua Levu

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How to Get to Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second-largest island, located northeast of Viti Levu. Because most families arrive in Fiji via Nadi International Airport, located on Viti Levu, the most common way to get to Vanua Levu is via domestic flight or ferry. Once you arrive in Vanua Levu, many of the resorts will offer transfers. Alternatively, there is an extensive bus network and taxi services to take advantage of. Find out more about transport in Vanua Levu in the 10 Ways to Get to Vanua Levu.

Vanua Levu by Plane

From Nadi International Airport, the easiest and quickest way to get to Vanua Levu is via a domestic flight to Savusavu Airport. Flights take approximately one hour. Private charter services may also be available via seaplane, so inquire with your resort.

Tip #1: If you’re flying on Fiji Airways from overseas, book your flight all the way to Vanua Levu to get the international luggage allowance. Otherwise, the domestic luggage allowance is 15 kg (33 lb).

Tip #2: To save on costs when flying to the Savusavu area, you can opt to fly to Labasa Airport instead, where larger planes land and have cheaper fares, and then take a taxi from Labasa to Savusavu. This option is particularly more economical for families but not so much for solo travellers/couples because of the taxi price.

Learn more about flying to the island in The Complete Guide to Domestic Flights in Fiji and our Vanua Levu Transport Guide.

Vanua Levu by Ferry

For families on a budget, there’s also the option to take one of the ferries between Suva and Savusavu. Ferry services usually include bus transfers from the ferry port to the largest towns on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Expect bus and ferry services to take approximately 4 hrs 30 mins to 11 hours (i.e. Fiji Time). See How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji? for approximate prices. Plus, get more details on the ferry companies at How to Take the Ferry to Vanua Levu.

How to Get Around Savusavu and Vanua Levu

Getting around Savusavu and Vanua Levu is a breeze with various transport options. Taxis are plentiful at the Savusavu Bus Station, and resorts are happy to call one for you. For a guided experience, many resorts offer tours to explore the island’s highlights. If you prefer independence, car rentals are available for self-drive adventures. For a comprehensive overview of your transport choices, don’t miss our Vanua Levu Transport Guide.

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Vanua Levu Family Water Activities

With warm water temperatures and a colourful array of fish to see, taking part in some water activities in Fiji is a must! Discover Vanua Levu’s diverse marine life on snorkelling trips or fishing charters. Alternatively, many of the resorts offer complimentary use of kayaks, which is a better option when you’re with younger children. Additionally, Vanua Levu hides a number of amazing waterfalls available to discover on tours.

Snorkelling

For families with kids who can swim, snorkelling is a must-do in Vanua Levu! Surrounded by complex and colourful coral reefs, Vanua Levu is the ideal location to see Fiji’s famous marine life. Join Sau Bay Resort for their snorkelling experience at Rainbow Reef or to snorkel with manta rays. Split Rock is another snorkelling hotspot in Vanua Levu with an interesting underwater rock formation and lots of colourful fish. This area is just off the coast of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, while trips there are also available with Koro Sun. Finally, explore the pristine Namena Marine Reserve with resorts such as Savasi Island.

Trip to the Vuodomo Waterfall

Discover some of Vanua Levu’s stunning inland attractions like the Vuodomo Waterfall, a short drive west of Savusavu. A picturesque 10-minute stroll through a lush valley leads you to the stunning Vuadomo Waterfall, which cascades into a deep, inviting rock pool. The kids will get plenty of time to splash around in the waterfall’s refreshing swimming hole. The village also offers the chance to get your hands dirty with some mangrove planting on the beach (you’ll need to book these in advance through the Muanivatu Trails website). Alternatively, waterfall tours are available for guests at resorts such as Savasi Island, Daku Resort and Koro Sun. Find directions in the 10 Things to Do in Savusavu & Vanua Levu with Kids.

Fishing

Fishing is a cliche family activity for a reason: it’s the perfect bonding experience! Seeing the faces of the youngsters as you haul up a monster, like mahimahi, wahoo or marlin, is priceless! Fishing charters are available with Immersion Fiji who offer custom fishing charters that provide an exhilarating experience, catering to both novice and experienced anglers year-round. Alternatively, handline fishing is a better option to get the kids involved too. Try handline fishing at resorts like Koro Sun, Savasi Island, Sau Bay and more. Find out more about fishing in The Complete Guide to Fishing in Fiji.

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Vanua Levu Family Land Activities

The water gets all the attention in Fiji, but it’s worth spending at least a couple of days exploring the land. Vanua Levu is an excellent part of Fiji to discover the local Fijian culture through village visits or through cultural activities like cooking classes, and arts and crafts. At the end of the day, playing a few beach games is a fun and free way to enjoy spending time with the family.

Visit a Fijian Village

With Fijian villages found all over Vanua Levu and the off-shore islands, experiencing the Fijian culture is extremely accessible. Join Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort for a heartwarming trip to a traditional village without electricity but brimming with community spirit. For independent travellers, Nukubalavu Village offers tours and meke performances every Tuesday from 2 pm to 3:30 pm for a small fee per person. It’s the largest hall in Savusavu, complete with a church, and just a 15-20 minute drive from town near the airport. Almost every resort has connections to local villages, ensuring an educational experience for the whole family. Learn more about visiting a Fijian village here.

Beach Games

Sometimes just playing some games together is a great way to relax as a family (or get extremely competitive depending on what kind of family you are). Many of the resorts on Vanua Levu have some sort of beach games, from volleyball to croquet. Koro Sun has a fantastic choice of lawn games, like ladder toss and bocce ball, as well as a couple of tennis courts. Sigasiga Sands has a huge array of games to play on their expansive lawns including badminton, kite flying and frisbee. What’s more, beach game equipment is always free to hire from your resort.

Fijian Cooking Classes

Get the kids participating in some hands-on experiences like a Fijian cooking class (plus, adults love it too)! Learn how to make banilolo or kokoda with the resort chefs at Savasi Island. Alternatively, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has a dedicated Junior Chef Program especially for youngsters where they’ll help prepare food from the resort’s organic garden. See what type of food you could be treating yourself to in our 10 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try.

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Resort Activities for Kids

If you’re looking for some time alone and time for the kids to mingle with others their own age, then there are a couple of fantastic resorts on Vanua Levu with the services to provide. However, the choice of resorts with kids’ clubs, nanny services and activities especially for children is much more limited to what is available in the Mamanuca Islands or Denarau Island, for example. Nevertheless, if your heart is set on Vanua Levu, here are the extra touches available to make your dream holiday a reality.

Kids’ Clubs in Vanua Levu

Give everyone in the family their own version of “Fiji time” by taking the little ones to the resort’s kids’ club. The award-winning Bula Club for Kids at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort assigns a nanny for each child under the age of 5, while kids aged 6 to 12 are in groups of five led by a dedicated “buddy”. The Bula Club for Kids runs from 8 am to 9 pm, and involves exploration, educational games, cultural activities and short excursions within the resort.

Another option is the Jungle Kids Club at the Koro Sun Resort. The Meimei Nanny service is a great option for infants aged 3 years and under, while the Bula Buddy is a program for 4-12-year-olds. Activities include rainforest hikes, Fijian cultural activities, arts and crafts, tidal pool exploration, snorkelling (7+ years) and much more!

Needless to say, your kids will surely have much to tell you by the end of the day!

Babysitting Services in the Vanua Levu Resorts

The number of resorts that offer nanny services is limited. Koro Sun and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offer complimentary nanny services as part of their kids’ club programs, while resorts like Savasi Island have nanny services and a more “informal” kids’ club for a small fee.

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Family-Friendly Dining on Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu offers a range of family-friendly dining options that cater to both adults and children. Here are some top picks for a pleasant meal with the whole family:

Captain’s Table at the Copra Shed Marina in Savusavu provides a calm and quiet environment perfect for family dining. They serve fresh fish dishes, vegetarian options like pizza, and gluten-free choices such as chop suey. The safe and comfortable atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for families to enjoy a meal together.

Nautical at Nawi Island offers a unique dining experience in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. As part of a fully serviced marina complex, it’s more than just a restaurant – you’ll find a beach club, spa, and pool nearby, making it ideal for a fun-filled family day out. The island location adds a touch of adventure to your dining experience that both adults and children will love.

For a meaningful family outing, head to the Urata Lookout Café. Operated by members of the Urata Village, this café overlooks Savusavu Bay and focuses on using local food products. Not only will you enjoy good food, but you’ll also be supporting the local community. It’s a great opportunity to teach the little ones about sustainable tourism while enjoying a delicious meal with a view!

For more dining options and detailed information, be sure to check out our Food Guide to Savusavu & Vanua Levu: Places to Eat & Food Tours and 10 Best Restaurants in Savusavu & Vanua Levu. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next family meal out!