REGION INTRO
Escape to Kadavu for a slice of true island life. Remote and uncrowded, Fiji’s fourth largest island, in the groups extreme south is the perfect tropical paradise to hide out when you need to unplug from the world. Kadavu is Fiji’s Untouched Eden.
Next to the orderly, landscaped gardens of Fiji’s traditional tourist beat, Kadavu’s vine-tangled jungles, rocky headlands and isolated beaches feels wild and raw. The Great Astrolabe Reef - one of the largest barrier reefs in the world – hugs Kadavu’s southern border reaching up east to wrap around Ono and a cluster of other small islands in the archipelago. It’s heaven for snorkellers, divers and deep-sea fishermen; a watery Eden where you can swim alongside majestic manta rays, dive colourful coral gardens or explore remote bays on ocean-going kayaks. More adventures await you on land along hiking trails that are swallowed up by dense rainforest and re-emerge at spring-fed waterfalls and secluded white-sand beaches. Despite being only a 50-min flight from Nadi, it feels far from the beaten path. But if you love the outdoors and seek out blissful isolation, then Kadavu might be the place for you.
WHERE?
Kadavu, remote and uncrowed, Fiji’s 4th largest Island, in the groups extreme south is the perfect tropical paradise to hide out in when you need to unplug from the world.
HOW TO GET THERE?
MEDIA REQUIRED:
- Tiles with images to be clicked. Each tile to represent a form of transport with info that needs to be read.
- By Air:
- Domestic scheduled flights: Fiji Link
- Chartered Helicopter: Island Hoppers, Pacific Island Air
- Chartered Seaplane or fixed wing plane: Island Hoppers, Pacific Island Air
- By Boat:
Ferry Transfers: Patterson Brothers Shipping Company Ltd, Goundar Shipping limited
WHAT?
What are the Top 5 “Things To Do” in the region?
- Diving and Snorkel the Great Astrolabe Reef, Swim with the Manta Rays
Like the graceful manta ‘ballet’ at Manta Reef, navigating swim throughs at Alacrity Rocks or exhilarating drift dives at Naiqoro Passage. Even if you don’t dive, visibility is excellent so there’s still lots to see on a snorkel. With close to 65km of reef to explore and no crowds, it’ll feel like you have the entire ocean to yourself. Kadavu is one of the best places in Fiji to swim with mantas and you can get your fix at popular reef sites off eastern Ono Island or Kadavu’s south coast.
- Hike Hidden Trails
If the reefs don’t tempt you, then the rainforest might. Get your dose of greens on a hike inland to popular Kavala Bay waterfall where you’ll pass by scenic forests and quaint local villages. Vatalutu Trail, a little-known gem off Kadavu’s north-east coast, is one of region’s most scenic hikes. The 3hr trail ends at a picnic spot on a deserted beach but if you’re craving more vistas, you could attempt the full day hike around the island. Guides are recommended – ask your resort to organise one for you.
- Deep sea fishing
There’s really no excuse not to drop a line when you have miles of magnificent reef and lagoons on your doorstep. If you’re looking to reel in some deep-water giants, ask your resort to hook you up with a friendly game fishing crew who’ll take you trolling for impressive Blue Marlin, Mahi-mahi or Pacific Sailfish during the season. Packs of massive Wahoo hang out by the reefs edge between June and September so if you’re here, have a go at breaking the Wahoo world-record. Kadavu is infamous for its winter Wahoo run and a few IGFA world-records were caught in these waters.
- Birdwatching
You could spend many glorious hours scouring Kadavu’s rainforests for signs of it’s four endemic birds - like the crimson flash of the shining Musk Parrot or distinctive call of the Yellow-headed Whistling Dove. Lots of other Fijian native birds share this island with numerous seabirds; especially uninhabited Yabu Island near Ono is known for its seabirds. You might not have to wander too far from your resort to see many of them but traipsing through the rainforest and mangroves is its own adventure too. Take a local guide along with you though – with your head in the trees, you’ll need one to find your way back.
Explore Kadavu’s Wild Coast
Grab your paddles people! For epic adventure, Kadavu’s multi-day paddling trips are hard to beat. Just choose your preferred craft – sea kayak or outrigger canoe - and get cracking on an unforgettable journey around the island. The guided tours plot a daily course across crystal-clear lagoons with some hiking, snorkelling and a few bowls of mouth-numbing kava at local villages thrown in along the way. There’s a different resort to call home every night, with a delicious meal and comfy bed waiting to lull your tired bones to sleep. Both operators run tailored, multi-day Itineraries which can range between 1-10 days. Sounds like we’ve just sorted your next holiday for you!
WHY?
- Did you know that Kadavu is home to one of the largest barrier reefs on the planet, The Great Astrolabe Reef.
- Did you know that Vatalutu Trail, a little-known gem off Kadavu’s north-east coast, is one of region’s most scenic hikes? The 3 hour trail ends at a picnic spot on a deserted beach but if you’re craving more vistas, you could attempt the full day hike around the island.
WHO?
What are the Top 4 selling points for this region?
- Experience the “turtle calling”.
- Swimming with Manta Rays
- Bird watching
- Snorkeling/Diving at the Great Astrolabe Reef.