Intro
Fiji offers much more than sun, palm-fringed, white beaches and a sea shimmering in all shades of blue and green. Nature lovers get their money's worth when hiking or visiting the numerous national parks.
Being small compared to other countries, Fiji still offers some beautiful National Parks where you will find colourful birdlife, hiking trails and waterfall fed swimming pools surrounded by lush and green rainforests. But of course, some of our best natural treasures lie beneath the water surface, so we protect them in our Marine Parks.
If you clients like to discover Fiji on their own pace - why not offer a car-hire and self-drive around our bigger islands - Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, or if your clients want to mix with the locals, they can catch a local open-air bus and admire the coastal views, rolling hillsides and village life.
A Remarkable Road Trip
What better way to experience a country then by creating a self-drive itinerary and exploring paradise? You can find self-drive sample itineraries in our resource library to help your clients building the perfect trip!
If they head north from Nadi along the Kings Highway to the Suncoast and on to the lush interior and gorgeous views over the Wainibuka River. They will pass through villages and wonderfully scenic, rugged country as they make their way to the capital city of Suva, on Viti Levu’s Southeast coast.
Alternatively, they can take the Queens Highway south and check out the stunning Coral Coast for a swim or cultural insight into daily Fiji life. Take sunset photos at Maui Bay and pick up some fresh fruits in the Salad Bowl of Fiji, Sigatoka. Bonus points for finding a waterfall along the way!
Driving in Fiji is simple with main roads on the larger islands sealed and very easy to navigate. Car hire is readily available on our two largest islands - Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
There is a wide range of dining options too - local cafe and restaurant options in Nadi and Suva. You can also stock up at local supermarkets or explore local markets and discover our delicious tropical fruits and an abundance of fresh seafood. Tell your clients to start packing – their adventure in paradise is awaiting them!
In Fiji, we drive on the left-hand side of the road with our national speed limit capped at 80kph (50mph), so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Your clients will need an international driver’s licence together with their national one. You can find itinerary suggestions in our Asset Library.
If your clients don’t want to drive themselves, but still want to experience some of Fiji’s hinterland and get a local feel – you can also arrange a privately guided tour for them through your ITO.
Marine & National Parks
MARINE PARKS
Fiji, the Soft Coral Capital of the World, is home to some of the most spectacular snorkelling and diving experiences. Get your clients to join a tour that takes them to see our incredible coral reefs and meet the myriad of marine life that inhabit our beautiful seas. Even beginners can experience a fantastic day of diving and snorkelling!
Sea turtles, pelagic fish, reef sharks and manta ray all call Fiji home. We’re famous for our amazing water clarity, friendly expert tour guides and heavenly tropical islands. Fiji will give your clients an underwater adventure and memories to treasure forever.
We have a full chapter on diving in this programme for you to learn all there is to know about diving in Fiji.
Marine conservation awareness is an integral part of a Fijian experience while on vacation.
There are over 200 locally managed Marine Parks in Fiji.
Some of these are well worth a trip the next time you visit:
- Waitabu Marine Park, Taveuni.
- Namena Marine Reserve, Savusavu.
- Na Tabu’ Marine Reserve, Mamanuca Islands.
- Shark Reef Marine Reserve, Beqa Lagoon.
- Naiqoro Passage Marine Sanctuary, Kadavu.
- Vatu-I-Ra Seascape, Bligh Waters.
Sea Turtles
A number of resorts including Treasure Island, Mana Island and Vomo Island resort, have rehabilitation centres for endangered sea turtles. These enigmatic little fellows absolutely delight in their natural diet of seaweed and sponges and it’s a genuine highlight to witness groups of infant turtles released back into the wild.
Manta Ray & Sharks
Aside from the excellent turtle breeding programs, there are also professional shark and manta ray conservation teams led by esteemed marine biologists. These passionate professionals collect important data to help inform marine scientists about manta ray behaviour and shark migration patterns.
NATIONAL PARKS
Fiji’s tropical landscape features many exotic national parks including the following dedicated areas of natural beauty.
- Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni
- Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park on the Coral Coast
- Koroyanitu National Heritage Park in Lautoka
- Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve in Suva
- Waisali Rainforest Resere, Savusavu
Each of the aforementioned areas flaunt their attractive qualities throughout any season. Special site features you will find at most of the national parks include waterfalls, natural swimming pools, hiking trails, lush emerald green valleys, timeless rainforests, native wild life and of course, sweeping panoramic views that all make for great photographic keepsakes.
https://www.fiji.travel/things-to-do/wildlife/fijis-national-parks-and-marine-sanctuaries
Hiking, Trekking & Birdwatching
Lush, green, hilly and sometimes humid, Fiji is a paradise for those who like to put on their hiking shoes. Even the shortest trail will lead to rare endemic bird life, giant trees and bizarre rock formations. Many routes will pass through villages where you should make sure to meet village protocol, but then will be offered a bowl of kava as a welcome before heading deeper into the bush. Trails in Fiji are often muddy but the vibrancy of the rainforest and the tranquillity ensures the effort is easily forgotten. And just when you think the temperature is a little too high, you will find a waterfall or pool or beach to cool off.
Hiking on Taveuni:
Hiking trails criss-cross the Bouma National Heritage Park on the Garden Island of Taveuni where you can find over 100 species of birds like the colourful ‘Kula’ or elusive orange dove. Or hike further up Des Vouex peak to the crater lake in search of Fiji endemic scarlet flower – the Tagimoucia. Taveuni’s wild southern shore is a land of secluded beach inlets, rocky headlands and waterfalls that cascade into the sea. Lavena Coastal Walk - walking the 6 km long and narrow trail that leads off the end of Lavena village is the only way to experience this stunning coast. A boat can be hired from Lavena Village to shorten the journey to Wainibau Waterfall at the end of the track. If you’re looking to spice up your holiday with some adventure, Taveuni has you covered.
Hiking on Viti Levu:
Talanoa Treks (Link to:
https://www.fiji.travel/places-to-go/suncoast/locations/highland-hiking-with-talanoa-treks
As Fiji's only dedicated hiking company they will take you off the beaten track to trek through Fiji’s hidden interior – with its dramatic peaks, pristine forests, sparkling rivers, remote villages and unique history – and truly experience Fiji's vibrant traditional culture.
The Suncoast is the ideal location from which to join one of their scheduled hikes. They also depart from Suva and can also help arrange transfers.
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
The 90-hectare Park about 15 minutes' drive outside the city centre of Suva is part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy – a network of preserved forests in Commonwealth countries. It’s laced with walking trails, picnic spots and a freshwater creek that feeds the popular Upper and Lower swimming holes. It’s also one of the best places on the island to go bird spotting – 30 of Fiji’s 57 land bird species have been found there. Best to call ahead to organise a Park Ranger to guide you to the best spots. You can also pick up lunch and a great little guide-book to the Park’s birds at the Colo-i-Suva Rainforest Eco Resort right opposite the park.
Koroyanitu National Heritage Park
Just half an hour from Nadi international Airport, this park seems deep in within Viti Levu’s interior. Options here include tracks through “dakua” (Kauri trees) forests with waterfalls and mountains peaks that will make you sweat when climbing them in search for breath-taking views.
Savulelele Waterfall
Known as one of the prettiest remote villages in Fiji – with very building painted in the same matching shade of mint green – Nabalesere is also home to the Savulelele Falls – the tallest and most spectacular waterfall in the country. It is only a short 1 km walk from the village to the waterfall and it recently was upgraded, but it can be slippery and wet. Upon arrival, walk right under the waterfall, take in the beautiful scenery, and cool off in the refreshing swimming hole beneath the falls.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching can be both a relaxing and an exhilarating experience. Fiji is home to an abundance of avian wildlife. In fact, many species of birds are endemic to Fiji – meaning you won’t see our feathered friends anywhere else of earth.
Fiji’s marvellous birds include hawks, herons, parrots, doves, finches and the ultra-rare peregrine falcon - the world’s fastest animal!
https://www.fiji.travel/en-au/articles/nature-fijis-birdwatching-hotspots
https://www.fiji.travel/en/articles/kadavu-birdwatching
Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, SUP & Kite
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Go beyond the beaches to experience cultural and adventurous Fiji.
Rivers Fiji (link to https://www.fiji.travel/en-au/operator/experiences/pacific-harbour-or-beqa/rivers-fiji) offers unique river and sea kayaking trips that are great for experienced veterans or first-time novices. Their selection of trips provides an incredible opportunity to experience remote highland villages, dense tropical forests and aqua-blue ocean alive with brilliant corals and wildlife.
KAYAKING
Get your heart racing or simply float around… you can hire a kayak from almost every resort in Fiji and the options how long to go or where to go are endless! The water here is so clear you’ll be able to watch brightly coloured tropical fish and bright blue starfish as you paddle around. On Vanua Levu you can even kayak on a Salt Lake! Go with the flow on a leisurely paddle up along the Qaloqalo River to Savusavu’s Salt Lake. Spanning 100 acres, this small ‘inland sea’ is fed by the ocean’s tides; a perfect spot for exploring the mangrove forests by kayak or SUP.
SUP’ing
SUP’ing (Stand Up Paddle-boarding) is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and for good reason. SUP is a great way to get your daily workout in while on holiday or simply cruise the bay and take in the sights. The water in Fiji is so clear you’ll be able to watch brightly colored tropical fish and bright blue starfish as you paddle around.
Kite Surfing
The shores of the Suncoast on the north coast of Viti Levu are one of the few spots in Fiji where you will have steady winds almost year-round to go Kite Surfing. Volivoli Beach Resort is the only operator on Fiji’s mainland hiring out equipment if you don’t have your own gear.
In the Mamanuca Islands, Namotu Island offers an array of kiting opportunities. Check out one of Namotu’s Kite Weeks where gear, instruction, photography and more is all catered for.
Vacala Bay Resort on Taveuni is another hidden kiting gem, offering everything from flat water riding behind the reef and over a sandy bottom, to kickers and waves offshore and a world class surf break just a short boat ride away.