Things to Visit in Fiji: Islands, Reefs, and Village Culture
Plan the perfect Fiji trip from island-hopping and world-class snorkeling to traditional village visits and tropical sunsets. Covers islands, water activities, cultural experiences, food, and practical tips.
Explore the Mamanuca Islands for beaches and resorts
This group of 20 volcanic islands west of the main island has Fiji's most accessible beach resorts and the clearest water. Islands like Malolo, Castaway, and Mana range from backpacker-friendly to luxury. Fast catamaran ferries from Denarau take 45-120 minutes. The Mamanucas are where the Survivor TV show films.
Island-hop through the Yasawa Islands
This chain of 20 volcanic islands north of the Mamanucas offers a more remote, rugged experience with dramatic limestone cliffs, underwater caves, and traditional village stays. The Yasawa Flyer catamaran runs daily from Denarau, taking 1-5 hours depending on your island. Budget to luxury accommodation available.
Visit Taveuni, the Garden Island
Fiji's third-largest island has the Rainbow Reef, consistently rated among the world's top dive sites. The Bouma National Heritage Park has three waterfalls connected by jungle trails. Taveuni is reached by a 1-hour domestic flight from Nadi or Suva. The island has a quieter, more authentic Fijian feel.
Spend time on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu
The southern coast of Fiji's main island has resort beaches, the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, and the Kula Wild Adventure Park. The Coral Coast is the most convenient option for travelers with limited time as it is 1-3 hours by road from Nadi airport. Resorts range from $100-500 FJD per night.
Water Activities
Snorkel the Great Astrolabe Reef
One of the world's largest barrier reefs surrounds Kadavu Island south of Viti Levu. The visibility regularly exceeds 30 meters and manta rays are frequent visitors. Access is via small resorts on Kadavu, reached by domestic flights from Nadi. Snorkeling trips from resort beaches are often included in stay packages.
Dive the Rainbow Reef off Taveuni
The Somosomo Strait between Taveuni and Vanua Levu has some of the densest soft coral growth in the world, earning it the Rainbow Reef name. Dive sites like the Great White Wall feature a vertical drop covered entirely in white soft coral. Two-tank dives cost $250-350 FJD. Visibility averages 20-40 meters.
Swim with manta rays in the Yasawas
The channel between Nanuya Balavu and Drawaqa islands is a manta ray feeding station where mantas come to feed on plankton from May through October. Snorkeling tours from nearby resorts cost $80-120 FJD. The mantas have wingspans up to 5 meters and swim within arm's reach.
Surf at Cloudbreak or Restaurants
Fiji has world-class reef breaks that attract pro surfers. Cloudbreak off Namotu Island is legendary for its powerful left-hand barrel. Restaurants break is more accessible for intermediate surfers. Surf charter boats and resort packages cost $200-500 FJD per day. The best swell season runs from April through October.
Fijian Culture
Participate in a kava ceremony
Kava is Fiji's ceremonial drink made from the root of the yaqona plant, with a mildly sedative, numbing effect. When visiting a village, presenting a bundle of kava root as sevusevu is the traditional greeting. Clap once before receiving the coconut shell cup, drink it in one go, then clap three times. The taste is earthy and peppery.
Visit a traditional Fijian village
Many villages welcome visitors for cultural tours that include a kava ceremony, traditional cooking demonstration, and explanation of the chief system. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and bring a sevusevu gift. Village visits cost $30-60 FJD per person and are usually arranged through resorts or tour operators.
Watch a meke traditional dance performance
Meke combines dance, song, and storytelling to tell Fijian legends and history. Performers in traditional masi cloth costumes perform warrior dances and seated fan dances. Most resorts host meke nights weekly, often combined with a lovo underground-oven feast. The drumming and chanting are powerful.
Visit the Fiji Museum in Suva
The national museum in Fiji's capital houses artifacts spanning 3,700 years of Pacific history, including a traditional drua war canoe and the rudder from the HMS Bounty. The collection covers both Fijian and Indo-Fijian cultural heritage. Entry is $10 FJD. Suva is a 3-hour drive from Nadi on the Kings Road.
Food and Drink
Eat a lovo feast cooked in an earth oven
Lovo is Fiji's traditional cooking method where food is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked over hot stones in a pit. The feast typically includes whole chicken, fish, root vegetables, and palusami taro leaves in coconut cream. Most resorts offer lovo nights once or twice a week. The smoky, tender results are extraordinary.
Try kokoda, Fiji's raw fish salad
Fresh fish cured in citrus juice and mixed with coconut cream, chili, onion, and tomato, served in a coconut shell. This is Fiji's version of ceviche and is the national appetizer. Available at almost every restaurant for $15-25 FJD. The fish should be firm and the coconut cream fresh, not canned.
Drink fresh coconut water straight from the shell
Young coconuts are sold at roadside stands and markets for $1-3 FJD. After drinking the water, the vendor will crack it open so you can scoop out the soft flesh. Coconut water is the best natural hydration in Fiji's tropical heat. The freshest ones come from green coconuts with no brown spots.
Visit the Nadi Municipal Market
This bustling market in Fiji's tourism hub sells tropical fruits, root vegetables, spices, and prepared food at local prices. The roti and curry stalls reflect Fiji's Indian-heritage population and sell plates for $3-8 FJD. Saturday morning is the busiest and most colorful time to visit.
Nature and Hiking
Hike to the Bouma Waterfalls on Taveuni
Three waterfalls connected by a jungle trail in the Bouma National Heritage Park. The first waterfall is an easy 10-minute walk and has a swimming pool at its base. The upper two waterfalls require a more challenging 2-3 hour hike. Park entry is $15 FJD and supports the local village.
Walk the Sigatoka Sand Dunes
Fiji's first national park protects these massive sand dunes on the southern coast of Viti Levu. The 1-hour hiking trail along the dune ridges offers views of the coast and archaeological sites dating back 2,600 years. Entry is $10 FJD. Bring sunscreen and water as there is no shade.
Explore the Sawa-i-Lau limestone caves in the Yasawas
These sacred limestone caves on a remote Yasawa island have a clear blue pool inside the first cave and a narrow underwater passage to a second, darker cave. The caves hold spiritual significance for Fijian people. Access is by boat from nearby resorts. Cave entry is $20 FJD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Fiji?
Five to ten days lets you experience the main island and at least one outer island group. Spend 1-2 days on the Coral Coast or Denarau, 3-4 days in the Mamanucas or Yasawas, and extra days for Taveuni diving or cultural experiences. A week is the sweet spot for most travelers. Three days is tight but works for a quick Mamanuca resort getaway.
What is the best time to visit Fiji?
May through October is the dry season with temperatures around 25-29 degrees Celsius and the least rainfall. This is peak season with higher prices. July and August can feel cool in the evenings. November through April is the wet season with higher humidity, occasional cyclones, and afternoon rain showers, but also warmer water temperatures, better diving visibility, and lower prices.
Is Fiji expensive?
Fiji ranges from backpacker-friendly to ultra-luxury. Backpacker dorms on the outer islands cost $30-60 FJD per night. Mid-range island resorts run $200-500 FJD per night often including meals. Luxury resorts on private islands can exceed $2,000 FJD per night. Food at local markets and town restaurants costs $8-20 FJD per meal. The biggest expense is usually inter-island transport.
How do you get between islands in Fiji?
The Yasawa Flyer catamaran connects Denarau Marina to both the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains daily, with one-way fares from $80-200 FJD depending on distance. South Sea Cruises and Awesome Adventures Fiji operate transfers to Mamanuca resorts for $80-150 FJD return. Domestic flights connect Nadi to Taveuni, Savusavu, and Suva for $200-400 FJD one way. Seaplanes serve some private islands.