The Top Activities While Sailing in the Lau Group
For sailors seeking true off-the-beaten-path adventures, the Lau Islands of Fiji offer an unparalleled experience.
This vast archipelago of tiny isles represents Fiji’s most remote frontier, where the journey itself is part of the thrill. Pristine reefs teeming with marine life, secluded villages blending Fijian and Tongan cultures, uninhabited islands, and awe-inspiring limestone caves await intrepid explorers.
Discover the unique experiences the Lau Group has to offer in this curated list of must-do activities for yachties.
Keep in mind, the Lau Islands remain delightfully untouched by tourism. You won’t find restaurants or shops here, and only three islands offer accommodation for visitors.
For comprehensive sailing information, consult our Guide to Sailing in the Lau Islands.
Table of Contents
1. Scuba Dive in Fiji’s Most Pristine Reefs
Not many people can say they have dived into the untouched reefs of the Lau Islands…
Should you need to hire gear, Vatuvara Private Islands, the Lau Group’s only resort, has fringing reefs to explore awash with soft and hard coral. They offer PADI instruction so you can gain your Open Water certification in just four days or enjoy one of the beginner dives with your guide.
Please note that this resort is renowned for its exclusivity and controlled access. It’s therefore advisable to contact them directly to inquire about arranging a visit by private vessel. You can reach them at [email protected] or by phone at +679 707 5017.
Learn more about diving in paradise in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Fiji.
Location: Vatuvara Private Islands Resort, Kaibu Island, Northern Lau Group.
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Snorkel and Explore Limestone Caves in the Bay of Islands
The Lau Islands’ unmissable attraction, the Bay of Islands, is a bay dotted with islands, islets and a beautiful limestone cave. The latter can be found on the northern tip of Vanua Balavu and holds a cathedral cave towering 40 m (131 ft) high with a ceiling full of stalactites.
What’s more, the snorkelling here is sensational, being in a Qilaqila Marine Reserve.
For anchorage, contact the government station in Lomaloma on VHF channel 16 for permission.
Location: Bay of Islands, northern coast of Vanua Balavu, North Lau Group. -17.17722886574274, -179.01550470643616.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Kayak Among the Mushroom Rocks of Fulaga
Located in the distant southern reaches of the Lau Islands, Fulaga is home to some spectacular diving and unusual rock formations.
The island with a flooded basin is peppered with mushroom-shaped islets, making it a fun area to explore by kayak or dinghy.
Location: Fulaga Island, Southern Lau Group. Access is via the northern passage at -19.122480071921533, -178.5409983041782.
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Visit Fiji’s 100% Organic Island
Experience organic paradise on Cicia Island (pronounced “Thee-thee-ah”). This remote gem declared itself 100% organic in 2013, with farming practices certified by COMA.
You’ll love exploring the island’s five villages, including the chiefly village of Tarakua, and wandering through lush agricultural estates. Don’t miss the chance to join an informal eco-tour or farm tour to see sustainable practices in action.
For a taste of local culture, we recommend catching a meke performance in one of the villages. These traditional dances showcase a unique blend of Fijian and Tongan influences, thanks to past invasions.
If you’re travelling with a group, arrange a visit to a local school for a heartwarming cultural exchange.
Location: Cicia Island, Northern Lau Group.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Discover Secluded Beaches
Imagine anchoring in a pristine bay, surrounded by turquoise waters and untouched white sand… With your own yacht, you have the freedom to explore Fiji’s most secluded beaches at your leisure.
Vatuvara Beach is just one example, offering a sheltered bay on the south shore accessible by dinghy via the passage on the northern reef. You’ll find pristine beaches everywhere you sail in the Lau Islands, each one a private paradise waiting to be discovered. Be sure to gain permission from the island’s caretaker, located near the northern passage.
While enjoying these secluded spots, it’s essential to note that beaches in Fiji are not privately owned, as per Fijian law. However, it is customary and respectful to seek permission and present sevusevu to the local village, if one is nearby.
Location: All over the Lau Islands!
© FijiPocketGuide.com6. Explore Lakeba’s Caves, Hillforts and Fijian-Tongan Villages
Apart from Vanua Balavu, Lakeba (pronounced “Lak-em-ba”) is the Lau Islands’ most accessible island.
The main village, Tobou, is a fascinating place to visit, with a strong Tongan influence evident in the rounded thatched bures and the woven mats called ta’avala that the locals wear around their waists.
Exploring the island on foot is easy, thanks to a dirt road following the coastline. Local guides can show you some of the island’s caves with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as the largest hillfort in Fiji, located on Ketekete Peak (360 m/1,181 ft).
The east coast of Lakeba also holds a collection of small islands that are interesting to explore for yachties.
Location: Lakeba, Southern Lau Group.
© FijiPocketGuide.com7. Surf Fiji’s Least-Crowded Breaks
If you’re a keen surfer, then don’t miss the awesome breaks on Matuku Island. This island is located in the Moala Group, south of Lomaiviti and east of Kadavu, and experiences incredible swell that surfers in the know die to get to.
Find out more about surfing in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.
Location: Matuku Island, Moala Island, Southern Lau Group.
© FijiPocketGuide.com8. Experience Authentic Island Life by Staying with the Locals
Unless you have FJ$10,000 to spare for a night on the Vatuvara Private Islands, your best affordable option is to make some connections and stay with the locals through a homestay.
Booking a homestay is a breeze, thanks to the Lau Provincial Office. You’ll find them at the top of the multi-storey car park on Struan Street in Suva. Incidentally, this city is an official port of entry to Fiji, so why not kill two birds with one stone? The Lau Provincial Office will happily make a homestay booking for you, and the best part is that there’s usually no waiting time.
Check out our advice in How to Choose the Best Homestay in Fiji + 5 Essential Tips.
Location: Homestays are available on Vanua Balavu, Lakeba, and the Moala Islands. See the 5 Best Accommodations in the Lau Islands to learn more.
© FijiPocketGuide.com9. Experience a Sunday Church Service
Almost all the villages on Lau Island have a church that comes alive with heartwarming singing every Sunday.
Wear your Sunday best and join in on this cultural experience.
Learn more about church services in our Guide to the Religions in Fiji.
Location: All over the Lau Islands!
© FijiPocketGuide.com10. Cast a Line for Some Exciting Game Fishing
The Lau Islands offer some thrilling fishing opportunities, especially in the waters surrounding Vatuvara Island. With an abundance of prized game fish like mahimahi, yellow-fin tuna, giant trevally, and sailfish, the area is a paradise for anglers (see What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Fiji?).
Whether you prefer trolling, popping, jigging, or deep-sea fishing, you’ll find plenty of action here. Just remember to practice sustainable fishing and adhere to local regulations.
For a comprehensive overview of fishing opportunities in Fiji, don’t miss our Complete Guide to Fishing in Fiji.
Location: All over the Lau Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About the Lau Islands for Yachties
That’s it for things to do in the Lau Islands for yachties; for more information about Fiji’s most remote island group, check out the following articles:
- Where to Eat in the Lau Islands: Guide for Yachties
- Yacht Provisioning: Shops & Services in the Lau Islands
- The Sailing Guide to Fiji: Tips for Yachting in Fiji
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Sailing Guide to the Lau Islands.
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 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])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism 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])
- Ocean Posse (Mooring data for the South Pacific)
- SV Soggy Paws (Sailing resource for the South Pacific)
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