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Travel Tips
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Fiji Islands Adventure
Fiji Scuba Diving Guide |
Fiji scuba diving highlights include a fantastic variety of colourful soft corals, over 1200 species of fish, 12 species of whales and dolphins, lots of specialist scuba diving resorts and live aboard dive charters as well as excellent snorkelling off the beach. Fiji dive sites offer good variety and easy access.
The Fiji archipelago is encircled by a huge reef. Within its protected waters are shallow lagoons, steep drop off's, and thousands of scuba dive sites. Most areas are easy to get to with plenty of resorts offering scuba diving scattered around the islands. Sea temperatures are incredibly warm - typically 25C in winter (May to Nov) and up to 30C in summer at depths of 5 metres. Visibility is also excellent with depths of 40metres not unusual. The best diving conditions are early morning before the winds pick up. Heavy rainfall in the summer can obscure visibility off the main islands with river run-off. |
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The following provides a quick guide to the different regions.
Mamanuca dive sites can easily be accessed by boat (20 -60 minutes) from the Nadi Airport area on the main island of Viti Levu. Several resorts in the Nadi Area offer full diving facilities and there are numerous day packages for snorkelling and diving. The Mamanucas have shallow lagoons with hollows and bommies with excellent marine life. There are some interesting caves to explore notably Sawa-i-Lau in the Yasawa Group.
World famous Astrolabe Reef on Kadavu in the Southern Islands (45 minutes flight from Nadi) has excellent hard and soft corals and excellent marine life. More soft corals along the north and south coast with some excellent caves and deep drop-off's on the western tip of Kadavu. Good all-round diving centre but south-easterly tradewinds can make diving difficult at times. On calm days, visibility up to 150 metres. Beqa Lagoon to the north of Kadavu includes numerous soft corals, reef bommies and passages. Small secluded dive resorts accessible only by boat. Lush rainforest and tropical beaches. Humid and wet at times. Very traditional Fijian lifestyle and culture. Beqa Lagoon can be accessed by boat (1 hour plus) from Pacific Harbour on the main island of Viti Levu. The famous shark feed with many species of sharks including hammer heads is right off the coast from Pacific Harbour.
World famous Rainbow Reef in Northern Islands (1 hour 20 minutes flight to Taveuni lies between Taveuni and Vanua Levu and has lots of scuba diving experiences including the Great White Wall (all white soft corals) and advanced drift diving through channels. Numerous smaller reefs around Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Qamea, Laucala and Matangi Islands with abundance of soft and hard corals and excellent marine life. The Northern Islands have been developed for ecotouism as well as diving and the regions outstanding mountains, rainforests and waterfalls are all relatively accessible with tours and trails to the major attractions. Humid and wet at times.
Two separate barrier reefs between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu in the north east of Fiji are assessable from Nananu-i-Ra and the Lomaiviti Group. Rich area fed by tradewind currents with excellent marine life including mantas and hammerheads as well as bommies and pinnacles in the lagoons. A handful of small island resorts, some luxurious. Also accessible by charter dive boats that explore some of the unexplored areas of these huge reefs including the up-and-coming E6 reef. Shipwrecks can be explored around the old Colonial capital of Levuka on Ovalau.
No dive can be undertaken 24 hours prior to flying> (local or international flights).
Diving Emergencies
In cases of emergencies, divers will be taken by sea, road or low flying air to the Fiji Recompression Chamber Facility in Suva. Charges vary according to circumstances so it is best to have adequate insurance cover. At some of the smaller budget resorts cowboys do exist, so choose carefully and if you're a beginner, don't jump to the chance of diving without proper PADI certified instruction.
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Surfing Fiji
Surfing Fiji has a renowned reputation amongst the international surf community. The rave here is exciting reef breaks (not for beginners), secluded locations and the traditional Fijian hospitality. Most reef breaks around the islands are accessed only by boat so whilst this keeps the crowds down, it also puts the cost up.
Specialist fiji surfing resorts are found on Viti Levu, Mamanucas and Southern Islands. For the complete surfing fiji experience, several live aboard surf charters operate around the islands.
The best fiji surf breaks are found off Tavarua in the Mamanuca Group and off Beqa and Kadavu in the Southern Islands. |
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king kong |
wilkes passage |
Internationally famous Namotu Left and Cloudbreak in the Mamanuca Group are recognised as the most challenging surf breaks in the South Pacific. Both are reef breaks and are not for beginners. Desperation and Swimming Pools add to the variety of breaks in the area. There are two small resorts on tiny coral islands just off Namotu Reef which cater exclusively to surfers. Namotu Surf Resort is a very small and informal island with expensive beachside bures. Tavarua is a little larger but is a package only vacation for American Surfers and is again very expensive. |
There are a couple of budget surf camps south of Nadi along a rather ordinary coastline that offer surf trips to nearby reef breaks.
There are some other excellent breaks around Beqa and Kadavu in the Southern Islands. Frigates Passage, a left-hand break in the middle of the ocean, has a growing reputation amongst surfers for its reliable big barrels and long rides. Serua Rights is a long right hander with a hollow inside section across the passage and Pipe is another left-hander with a mid to high tide break. There are two very basic surf camps on Yanuca Island, off Beqa. A more upmarket property with private bures, dorm options for budget minded surfers and excellent dining is atNagigia Resortoff the west tip of Kadavu, right opposite the challenging and reliable King Kong break. There are several other good breaks around the point. Nagigia is undobtedly the most relaxed of the surf resorts with a friendly atmosphere and plenty to do for the non-surfing days including excellent snorkelling, bush walks, visits to secluded beaches and village visits.
The only decent beach breaks for beginners are on the south coast of Viti Levu, the main island. Sigatoka has the most reliable breaks although undercurrents can be dangerous. There is surfing off the coast at Hideaway although only 1 hour each side of high tide and undercurrents are dangerous. Natadola Beach is good for body surfing and there are a few breaks off Suva, the capital, where locals will point the way.
Best time April to December. If bringing surfboards into the country, check first with your airline carrier for baggage restrictions and excess costs. Local airlines will only carry surf boards with advance warning and will charge extra.
Several good surf shops can be found in Nadi Town and Suva. Boards are reasonably priced and there's a good selection of accessories. Specialist surf resorts have spare boards for rent.
Surfing Fiji CompetitionsJanuary - RIP CURL Oceania Surfing Cup, Tavarua
May - Tavarua Quick-Silver Pro Fiji, Tavarua
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Fiji Sailing Guide
The Fiji Islands lie between 15° and 22° South latitude and 174° East and 177° West longitude. The Fiji sailing season begins in April and ends around December when unpredictable weather and tropical cyclones threaten the South Pacific. The 300+ islands that make up the Fiji Islands offer an excellent sailing environment - secluded bays, sweeping remote beaches and traditional Fijian villages. Many areas are inaccessible to tourism because of their remoteness and this gives yachties real scope for adventure. Excellent sailing conditions and a fantastic climate attracts racing boats and cruising yachts from around the world. Several agents provide full service to visiting luxury yachts, including arranging all custom and immigration clearances and crew placement. Fiji's shipyards offer maintenance and repairs for both motor and sail boats. |
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suva harbour |
exploring outer islands |
Marinas in Fiji include:
Denarau Marina, Nadi, Viti Levu
Vuda Marina, Nadi Area, Viti Levu
Suva Yacht Club, Suva, Viti Levu
Musket Cove Marina, Malolo Lailai, Mamanuca
Savusavu Marina, Vanua Levu, Northern Islands
Levuka, Lomaiviti |
Regattas in Fiji
Yachting Easter Regatta, Savusavu - April
Presidents Cup, Denarau Marina - June
Savusavu Regatta Week, Savusavu - July
Fiji Regatta Week, Musket Cove - September
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| Game Fishing in Fiji |
Fiji has some great spots for game fishing and a number of excellent fishing charters based out of Denarau Marina in Nadi and at Pacific Harbour along the south coast of Viti Levu.
The deep channels around the rich reefs of Beqa and Kadavu in the Southern Islands are one of the best spots for Spanish Mackerel, Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna, Trevally and Dolphin Fish. The area is assessable by staying on the tiny island of Nagigia right in the Southern Islands at Nagigia Island Resort which offers deep sea fishing or from the south coast of Viti Levu, the main island, where several day charters are available at Pacific Harbour (home of the country's game fishing tournament in August).
Another excellent fishing area is off the north coast of Taveuni, particularly along the 40km reef alongside Matangi Island and Laucala. This offers great casting for the big fish. Matangi Island Resort offers game fishing trips to its guests. |
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Another excellent area for game fishing is around the southern Mamanuca Group. This popular holiday destination is geared up for tourism and some of the resorts offer their own sports fishing boats including Tokoriki Island Resort. There are several larger game fishing charters operating from Denarau Marina, just outside of Nadi on Viti Levu (just 15 minutes by boat to the Mamanucas) and from Musket Cove Resort in the heart of the Mamanuca Group. |
Game Fishing Seasons and Average weights:
| Fish |
Season |
Av. Weight |
| Marlin |
All months -
best = Nov-Feb |
400-800 lbs. |
| Spanish Mackerel |
May-Sep |
50-100 lbs. |
| Dolphin Fish (Mahimahi) |
Dec-Jan & Jun-Aug |
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| Yellow Fin Tuna |
All months -
best May-Sep |
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| Walu |
All Months |
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Fiji Kayaking Guide
Fiji kayaking holidays are available around the Yasawa group and Kadavu in the Southern Islands. Overnight trips with professional guides are offered by two companies based in Fiji, with the best months from May to October when the seas are generally calmer.
Almost every beach resort offers kayaks to its guests. Some are simple paddle boast which are good for exploring the nearby coastline or just sitting off the beach relaxing. Sea kayaks are offered by some resorts and enable guests to explore further.
River rafting is available on Viti Levu passing several excellent rapids and venturing deep into the remote parts of the island. Another excellent way to explore the rivers is on a traditional bilibili raft made from bamboos. These trips are available on the Navua River on the South Coast. |
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Fiji Hiking Guide
The National Trust of Fiji administer six National Parks designated as areas of outstanding national beauty. Our pick of the National Parks and other hiking trails include:
Koroyanitu National Park, Nadi Area, Viti Levu
This National Park offers several day and overnight walks, a visitor centre, scenic lodge accommodation and camping. Trails into the rainforest also pass through local villages and combine the stunning natural scenery with ecotourism. Highly recommended.
Sigatoka Sandunes National Park, Viti Levu
This 4-mile stretch of large windswept sandunes along the coast is a protected environment administered by the National Trust of Fiji. The park has a very informative visitor centre about the history and ecology of the region. There are several official trails to explore the sandunes which often expose ancient pottery shards. |
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Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve, Suva, Viti Levu
Offers 6km of trails through rainforest less than 20 minutes drive from Suva. The area has several small waterfalls, indigenous flora, bird life, scenic lookouts. However, a note of caution: being close to Suva, the park is a hot spot for crime and a recent case of rape has further scarred the name of the park. Buses go beyond Colo-i-Suva into the heart of Naitasiri. Naitasiri is a stunning region, very traditional with lots of thatch villages and small family plantations. Naitasiri and neighbouring Namosi are the best regions in Fiji to explore the experience the "old" Fiji. Bad weather is common and roads are frequently flooded. This is traditional countryside and although accessible to tourists, village protocol should be observed - before exploring present yaqona to the local chief and ask his permission - you will be encouraged to take a local villager with you as a guide.
Bouma National Park, Taveuni, Northern Islands
In the beautiful Garden Island of Taveuni this park offers three separate day hikes - Tavoro Waterfalls, Lavena Coastal Walk and Vidawa Rainforest Hike, all excellent. There is also a rough trail to Lake Tagimaucia, home of the rare Tagimaucia flower that comes out in abundance between October and December.
Nausori Highlands, Nadi Area, Viti Levu
This inland rural area is an impressive collection of rolling hills, river valleys and volcanic peaks. The highlands also offer fantastic views over the Mamanuca and southern Yasawa Islands to the west. The hills transform from sunburnt grassland to lush green valleys during the wet season from December to April.
Lovoni Trail, Ovalau, Lomaiviti Group
The tropical mountains behind Levuka on Ovalau have some excellent trails, waterfalls and swimming pools to explore. The beauty here is that they can all be reached from the road a short walk from the historic town of Levuka. Of notable interest for hikers is an arduous day trek to remarkable Lovoni Village, isolated in the centre of the island.
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