What Sunscreen to Use for Fiji
Sunscreen is an essential travel accessory for any type of trip to Fiji. With a tropical climate and UV levels of 4-11, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun by using sunscreen. Sunscreen for Fiji should be at least SPF 30 and you may want to consider sunscreen with environmentally friendly and water-resistant qualities. Check out some of our top recommendations in this list of the best sunscreens for Fiji.
Tips for Sun Protection in Fiji
- Lather the sunscreen thickly – small lumps thinly spread will not do you much good
- Reapply sunscreen every three hours or after getting out of the water
- If spending a day on or in the water, use extra sun protection, such as UV-protective shirts as not all clothing protects from the sun
- Wear a sunhat to protect your head from getting sunburnt
- Go heavy on the sun protection on children, especially children under five years old. This includes sunscreen, shade, sunhat and not exposing them to the midday sun
- If you get sunburnt, avoid staying in the sun any longer. Drink plenty of water and use aloe vera soothing lotion. If you have a headache or start vomiting, see a doctor as you may be suffering from heatstroke.
For more health tips, see How to Stay Safe in Fiji.
High SPF Sunscreens for Fiji
Sunscreen is measured in SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, which measures how well the sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays. Sunscreen of SPF 30 is the recommended minimum, usually offering around 97% protection against UVB rays, while a jump to SPF 50 will only be around 98%. While the protection difference is not huge, there’s nothing wrong with an extra 1%, especially for children. Here are some of the highest factor sunscreens to consider for Fiji.
Best High-Factor Sunscreens
Easy to Apply Sunscreens for Fiji
Getting lotion all over your hands (and clothes) isn’t always ideal. Here are some handy sticks, balms and sprays that some find easier to apply than lotions.
Best Easy-Application Sunscreens
Kids’ Sunscreens for Fiji
Protecting your children from the sun is crucial. Young children and babies need special sunscreen as their skin is more sensitive to harsh chemicals found in some products. That’s why buying child-friendly and environmentally-friendly sunscreen is a good combination, as environmentally-friendly sunscreens use natural ingredients that are better for the skin. See the 5 Best Environmentally Friendly Sunscreens for Kids and Babies in Fiji or take a look at the recommendations below.
Best Sunscreens for Children and Babies
- Sunblockz Baby & Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
- All Good Kid’s Sunscreen SPF 50
- Totologic Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
- Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen for Kids SPF 50
- SurfDurt Original Sunblock SPF 30
For more recommendations that are safe for your kids and the planet, see the 5 Best Environmentally-Friendly Sunscreens for Kids and Babies in Fiji.
Environmentally Friendly Sunscreens for Fiji
The marine ecosystem in Fiji is very fragile and can be harmed by chemicals found in sunscreens. Sunscreen made with zinc oxide is much more friendly to the coral reefs and your skin, so apply with a guilt-free conscience by choosing these environmentally friendly sunscreens. Find out more about each one in the 10 Best Environmentally Friendly Sunscreens.
Best Eco-friendly Sunscreens
- SurfDurt Original Sunblock SPF 30
- Beauty by Earth Sunscreen SPF 25
- Totologic Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
- Coconut Joe’s Natural & Organic Sunscreen SPF 50
- Tropical Seas Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 45+
Read more about each sunscreen and more in 10 Best Environmentally Friendly Sunscreens.
Water-Resistant Sunscreens for Fiji
In the heat of the tropical sun, not only can you sweat your sunscreen away, but cooling off in the water also washes away normal sunscreens from your skin. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant. Note that it’s still recommended to reapply sunscreen after swimming and drying off. Most water-resistant sunscreens stay water-resistant for only 80 minutes, so be prepared to reapply more frequently.
Best Water-Resistant Sunscreens
More About Sunscreens for Fiji
Author
Robin C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.