Plane and Seaplane Charters in Fiji
Getting between the islands of Fiji might seem like a daunting task, but thanks to the local aeroplane and seaplane charters, getting between the islands can be an easy and scenic experience. While there are a limited number of charter flight companies where you can hire a plane or seaplane in Fiji, the ones that are available are all located where travellers need them the most: in Nadi. There are two different locations in Nadi to take a flight, which we’ll go into more detail about in the guide below.
Note that “island transfers” refer to flights with set rates and schedules, possibly shared with other travellers, while a “private charter” depart as close to your selected time as possible and are exclusively for your group.
For more ways to experience flights in Fiji, see The Best Scenic Flights in Fiji.
5 Things to Know About Hiring a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji
- Aeroplane flights are usually more affordable than seaplane flights
- Note that there are baggage limits for planes and seaplane, either 20kg (44lb), 23kg (50lb) or custom depending on the weight of the passengers
- Seaplanes are not suitable for people who have a mobility problem or a recent injury
- Inter-island flights are possible between Viti Levu, the Mamanuca Islands and the Yasawa Islands
- Consider getting travel insurance in case your flight is cancelled, as your flight operator will be able to provide a letter to your insurer.
For more tips, see Helicopter or Seaplane for Island Transfers in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comNadi Airport
Swap crowded domestic flights for a more intimate transfer or private charter taking a plane or a seaplane from Nadi Airport. Flights depart from the Nadi Airport domestic terminal, a two-minute walk from the international arrivals terminal.
Island Hoppers Fiji offer fixed-wing flights to a variety of locations across Fiji from Nadi Airport. Island Hoppers can only land where there is an airstrip, for instance, Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Islands, the Pacific Harbour, Savusavu Airport on Vanua Levu, Matei Airport on Taveuni, Nausori Airport in Suva and on Kadavu island. The aircraft has air-conditioning, the same baggage allowance as an international flight, and a large cargo pod for surfboards, fishing gear and diving gear.
Pacific Island Air offers both plane and seaplane transfers. Plane transfers are in a Britten-Norman Islander carrying up to six passengers. The plane transfer with Pacific Island Air services all islands in Fiji with an airport or a landing strip including, Beqa Island on the Pacific Harbour, Ovalau in the Lomaiviti Islands, the Lau Islands, Savusavu and Labasa on Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Yasawa Island and Wakaya Island in the Yasawa Group.
Seaplane flights are also available with Pacific Island Air, running between Nadi Airport and destinations in the Mamanuca Islands, the Yasawa Islands, along the Suncoast, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, the Pacific Harbour and Kadavu. They take you as close to your waterfront resort as possible by landing on the water by the beach. The aircraft is a DeHavilland DHC-3T Turbo Otter fitting up to 10 passengers. Inter-island seaplane flights are also available.
© Pxhere.comWailoaloa Beach, Nadi
An alternative location to take a seaplane from in Fiji is Wailoaloa Beach in New Town, which is part of Nadi. The beach is a 15-20-minutes drive from Nadi International Airport where taxis to the beach cost FJ$10-$18 – see How Much Does a Nadi Airport Taxi Cost?
The one operator at Wailoaloa Beach is Turtle Airways. They offer flights between Wailoaloa Beach and the Mamanuca Islands and the Yasawa Islands. Note that some of the Yasawa Islands resorts transfers drop off at Turtle Island, where then a boat transfer will take you on a 10-20-minute trip to your resort. For some resorts, there is a boat fee of FJ$15-$30. Flights depart every other hour starting from 7am.
© PixabayHelicopter Flights
For travellers wanting to land right at their chosen resort or if your resort is not serviced by seaplanes and plane, taking a helicopter in Fiji might be the better option.
Helicopters offer quick and scenic transfers to selected resorts along the Coral Coast, that seaplane and planes can’t land in, as well as between Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
See Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji for more information on transfers and charter flights.
More About How to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji
