Looking for the perfect short-haul getaway? Look no further than Fiji! This island paradise is just a short flight from Australia, and it’s packed with everything you need for the ultimate break. From stunning beaches to exciting water sports, rich culture and heritage, amazing food, and friendly locals, Fiji truly has it all. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a list of 20 must-do activities for first-time visitors. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Fiji has something to offer. Get ready to be amazed and book your flight today!
1. Go Island Hopping
If you’re planning a trip to Fiji, you’re in for a treat! With over 300 islands, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to explore. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Fiji is by island hopping. You can choose from the more accessible and populated islands like Viti Levu, which offers a glimpse into urban Fijian life, or the more remote and quiet islands like Robinson Crusoe Island or Kadavu, home to the Great Astrolabe Reef. Packages for a 10-day island hopping trip start from $1429.
2. Souvenir Shopping
While you’re in Fiji, make sure to take advantage of the many opportunities for souvenir shopping. Fijian arts and crafts are a part of the country’s rich culture, and you can find everything from wooden cannibal forks to carved masks and black pearls. Nalotu Village in Kadavu Island is a great place to see local artisans demonstrate their pottery skills, and the Municipal Handicraft Centre in Suva offers a range of souvenirs like black pearl sets, clay pottery, and coconut shell accessories starting from $50.
3. Catch Some Sun Rays on the Beach
Of course, no trip to Fiji would be complete without a visit to its stunning beaches. With its endless coastline, powdery sand beaches, sun and surf, and crystal clear waters, Fiji is a paradise for beach lovers. Some of the best beaches are found on private islands like Qamea, Matangi, and Laucala, north of Taveuni, which offer secluded resorts and picturesque palm-fringed beaches like Horseshoe Bay and blue lagoons. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a good book for some much-needed relaxation in the sun!
4. Chasing Shooting Locations:
Movie buffs can visit some of Fiji’s top filming locations, such as the tranquil Monuriki Island where Tom Hanks was swept upon in Castaway, and Devil’s Beach on Turtle Island featured in The Blue Lagoo
5. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Explore Fiji’s rich marine life through snorkeling or scuba diving. Try snorkeling on Yasawa Islands or scuba diving at Great Astrolabe Reef or Rainbow Reef. Visitors can catch a host of sea life in their natural habitat at the Great Astrolabe Reef or the Rainbow Reef. Snorkeling day trips to Yasawa Islands start at $150 per person.
6. Kayaking and Rafting
Experience the thrill of kayaking and rafting on the Middle Navua River or open sea kayaking. Go white water rafting on Upper Navua Gorge on Viti Levu or the Upper Navua River for an adventurous experience. Fiji offers opportunities for kayaking and rafting in various locations, including Middle Navua River and Upper Navua Gorge on Viti Levu. Explore Fiji’s beautiful coastlines on a sea kayak for 4 hours at $120, or try white water rafting on the Upper Navua River for $200 per person.
7. Hit up a Hike
Hiking enthusiasts can explore Fiji’s natural beauty with trails such as Koroyanitu Heritage Park Waterfall in Viti Levu. Fiji’s abundance of hills and jungles make it a great destination for hiking enthusiasts. Visitors can take a day trek to the Koroyanitu Heritage Park Waterfall in Viti Levu from $165.
8. Hop on a Cruise
Fiji’s sparkling blue waters and countless islands make it a perfect place for cruising. While island hopping on smaller boats is one option, taking a cruise to explore the more distant islands can be a luxurious and memorable experience during your Fijian holiday. Whether you want to see the sights on a budget or splurge on a luxury cruise, there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, a 5-day luxury cruise around the Yasawa Islands can cost $4500, while a day cruise from the mainland to a remote island like the South Sea Island can cost around $150.
9. Experience a Kava Ceremony
Immerse yourself in the Fijian culture by participating in an authentic Kava ceremony. Kava is a traditional drink that’s offered to guests as a sign of hospitality. It’s made from mashed kava roots and served in coconut shells, and is shared among guests who sit in a circle while guitar and singing fill the air. The oldest person in the group takes the first sip before passing it on, and the drinking is accompanied by clapping and cheering. Most resorts can arrange a Kava Ceremony for free, making it an ideal activity to experience Fijian culture and get to know the locals.
10. Take Part in a Firewalking Ceremony
Experience a fascinating and unique Fijian tradition by attending a firewalking ceremony. This tradition is still practised by men from Beqa Island, and you may be able to witness it if you visit Viti Levu. The Sawau tribe men perform this mystic act and take inspiration from a legend that requires them to follow strict penance of abstinence and consumption of coconuts for two weeks before attempting it. The firewalkers walk on red hot, wood-fired stones, while chanting in the background adds to the atmospheric experience. You can watch the firewalking ceremony for free at the Arts Village in Pacific Harbour if you are a house guest.
11. Immerse Yourself in the Local Villages
Fiji has more to offer than just breathtaking beaches and coral reefs. To truly experience Fiji’s rich culture and traditions, you must explore its local villages. A visit to Navala Village in the Ba Highlands can provide a glimpse into traditional Fijian life. You can partake in a kava ceremony, listen to local legends and stories, and enjoy an authentic Fijian meal. If you’re a history buff, consider taking a full-day village tour to Navala for an in-depth look at Fijian culture. Don’t miss out on the famous Fijian temple tour and the beautiful gardens.
12. Spot Some Tropical Birds
Fiji is home to an array of tropical birds, from parrots to reef herons. One of the best birdwatching spots is Des Voeux Peak on Taveuni Island, where you can see Orange Breasted Doves and Taveuni Musk Parrots. Kadavu Island is another great spot for birdwatching, with endemic species such as the Kadavu Musk Parrot. A 4-hour guided tour of Des Voeux Peak costs $70.
13. Get Your Heart Pumping With a Skydiving
For adventure seekers and nature lovers, skydiving over Fiji is an unforgettable experience. From Denarau Island, you can enjoy a scenic aerial view of Fiji’s stunning landscapes and clear blue ocean. Prices for a one-time tandem dive start from $430 for an 8000 ft drop and go up to $530 for a 14,000 ft drop.
14. Indulge in Fijian Cuisine
Fiji has a diverse and healthy island cuisine, from the national dish Kokoda to the spicy curry flavors. To explore authentic and colorful Fijian cuisine, join a local produce market tour or a cooking class by Flavours of Fiji. You can learn about Fijian ingredients and cooking techniques from local experts and enjoy a delicious lunch with refreshments. Don’t miss the mouthwatering dinner while watching the sacred flame show, a dance of love and longing. A 4-hour 30-minute cooking class by experts costs $130.
15. Zipline through Rainforests
Experience the ultimate Fijian adventure by soaring over lush rainforests on a zipline tour with Zip Fiji in Nadi. This thrilling activity allows you to explore Fiji’s native forests from a bird’s eye view as you zip over a high weight capacity cable secured to the forest canopy. Enjoy vantage points that offer breathtaking views of the wilderness setting. A half-day tour covers 5 km and costs from $175, including round-trip hotel transport from Nadi, lunch, and professional guide services.
16. Indulge in Banana Leaf Body Wrap and Massage
Unwind and rejuvenate your sun-tanned skin with a banana leaf body wrap and massage at the Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa on Vanua Levu island. Expert masseurs use an oiled banana leaf combined with aromatic herbs, raw sugar, and coconut oil scrub to gently massage, exfoliate, and enhance circulation and detoxification. Relax further with a soothing hot water bath after the massage session. The 60-minute session costs $120, while a 90-minute service costs $250.
17. Fish Fertile Waters
Fiji’s untouched underwater ecosystem makes it one of the world’s best game fishing destinations. From Mackerel to Marlin to Giant Trevally and Yellowfin, the sparkling blue waters and reefs offer excellent fishing opportunities. Venture a little further to the outer reefs, and you’re sure to come back with a crate full of fish. The waters around Beqa in the Southern Islands are the best spots for Marlin and Dolphin fish. Full-day fishing charters with fishing equipment for 4 adults start from $2500, while half-day charters are available at $1200. Be sure to check the months for specific fish species before your fishing trip.
18. Visit Some Museums
Fiji has an enriching culture and heritage that are well-preserved in its museums. The Fiji Museum in Suva is one of the best places to learn about Fijian history, culture, and archaeology. The museum exhibits artefacts dating back over a thousand years. Another museum worth visiting is the Ba Civic Museum in Viti Levu Island, known for its innovative displays and comprehensive collections. The entry fee for adults is $4.5 and $3 for children in the Fiji Museum, while it costs $3 for adults and $2 for children at the Ba Civic Museum.
19. Explore Hindu Temples
Fiji has a significant population of Indo-Fijians who follow Hinduism, making it a great destination to explore their temples. One of the most popular temples in Fiji is the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi, the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere. Dedicated to Lord Muruga, the temple has colourful sculptures of various gods and goddesses. Visitors can make ritual offerings such as flowers, incense sticks, and fruits, which can be bought at the temple or small shops outside it for under $5.
20. Spend a Day on the Greens
Fiji has some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, offering a perfect setting for golfers to practise their short game while enjoying breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The country boasts a range of golf courses, from nine-hole courses like Shangri-La’sFiji Mocambo Hotel Executive Golf Course to premium 18-hole courses like Natadola Bay and Denarau Golf & Racket Club. The green fee ranges from $150 for non-house guests to $600 for guests at the 18-hole courses.