Watersports

Particularly well known for their soft coral reefs, Fiji’s islands offer excellent scuba-diving and snorkeling. On Viti Levu, the best dive sites are found on the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour (both on the western side), where the well-known Beqa Lagoon, the crater of an extinct volcano that measures 16km (10 miles) across, is often frequented by groups. About 12km (7 miles) off the Viti Levu coast, Vatulele is known for its red prawns, regarded as sacred by local people. Northwest of Viti Levu, divers may head to the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups to the south lies
Kadavua, where the Astrolabe, Namalata, Solo and Tavuki reefs are located.

Vanua Levua and Taveuni are particularly good for land-based diving, and ecologically-minded operators have buoyed dozens of sites to prevent damage from anchors. The best sites around these islands include the Somosomo Straits (home to the Great White Wall, one of Fiji’s most famous dive sites) and the Rainbow Reef (where over 20 dive sites can be found). Live-aboard dive tours are available to the more remote islands, such as Ngau, which has no resorts and where the local chief has to grant permission to dive in the waters.

Many hotels and resorts also offer opportunities to go sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, parasailing and game fishing. Surfing is a popular activity and surfers have a seemingly endless choice of locations to choose from. The famous ‘Cloud Breaker’ (6-meter wave) was found offshore at Tavarua, attracting surfers from around the world. Fiji’s waves typically break on coral reefs. Most of the well-known spots are on or near Viti Levu and can often only be reached by boat. Tavarua Island is another favorite surfing spot. There are several surf camps, notably on Beqa and Yanuca islands. Visitors should note that there are dangerous rip tides along the reefs, and should take appropriate precautions.

Adventure sports

The mangrove-lined tidal corridors can be explored on jet-boating trips, which depart every 15 minutes from Port Denauru, 7km (4 miles) from Nadi Town. Bamboo rafting (referred to locally as a bilibili ride) is available along the streams and rivers.

Hiking

Fiji’s network of marked nature trails can be explored either individually or on organized guided walks. Activities such as birdwatching (as for example in the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park), ecotourism (studying the local fauna and flora) and swimming at the waterfalls are often combined with hiking tours. Visitors are reminded to respect local customs when passing through villages (see Social Conventions in the Travel Tips section).

The Lavena Coastal Walk starts at Lavena and follows the southeastern coastline of Taveuni, ending at the Wainabau Waterfalls; the Vidawa Forest Walk is a guided trip through the Bouma Forest Park. Marked trails (including wooden walkways and bridges) also exist in the Kula Eco Park, an area of coastal rainforest rich in wildlife (including fruit bats, parrots and marine turtles).

There is much of scenic and historic worth in Fiji, including its copra, ginger, sugar cane and cocoa plantations. The capital, Suva, has many old shops and markets selling various artifacts and handicrafts. Places of historic interest include the National Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens next to Government House, and the old Parliament Buildings.

Other sites of note include the Cultural Center at Orchid Island, the mysterious earthworks just outside Suva, and the protected Bouma Forest Park and Taveuni Island Reserve. Just 11km (7 miles) from Suva, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the protected Colo-I-Suva Forest Park. Other natural attractions include the acres of orchids and flowering plants in the Garden of the Sleeping Giant at the foot of the Sabeto Mountains and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes off the main Queens Highway on Viti Levu.

Cruises on large schooners or yachts to the different islands can be arranged, and coach tours around the main islands are also available. For the hardy, hiking in the mountains with dramatic views of the islands is another option.

Tavarua is one of Fiji’s main tourist destinations, with over 50 resorts and hotels and excellent facilities for snorkeling and scuba-diving. The Outrigger Reef Resort is located in Korotogo near the scenic town of Sigatoka. It combines the qualities of mainland and island, with over 200 hotels and resorts.