Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji is famous for being a tropical paradise that attracts both beach lovers and adventurous types. Fiji is home to 333 tropical islands and promises visitors a lot more than just an idyllic vacation destination. Past visitors have noted that their Fiji holiday was essentially a taste of true happiness in it’s finest form.
Fiji has so much to offer. It’s flora and fauna alone is something to marvel at, but then you also have it’s outstanding collection of beaches, restaurants, resorts, and other thrilling attractions. The people of Fiji are known to be warm and hospitable, and really the over-all vibe in general is laid-back and inviting. That shouldn’t come as that big of a surprise, however, as Fiji essentially is the closest you can get to heaven without leaving this world behind.
Whether you’re planning on visiting Fiji for a romantic weekend getaway or a couple of weeks, there are endless things to keep you and you’re travel companions entertained, relaxed, and elated throughout your trip.
Viewcation Presents: The Best Things To Do In Fiji
Nadi’s Open-Air Markets
This multicultural town lets visitors experience the authentic culture of Fiji. It’s an excellent place to partake in delicious cuisine, go shopping, and sip away your anxieties with authentic Fijian tropical drinks.
Nadi is a bustling tourist hub located on the west coast of the stunningly beautiful island of Viti Levu. As you explore the open-air souvenir market, you’ll find stalls that sell things like wooden Kava Kava bowls, hand-crafted knick-knacks, and hand-painted sarees.
Other activities that Nadi is known for include ziplining, snorkeling, and mud baths.
Coral Coast’s Luxury Resorts
The Coral Coast is one of Fiji’s most popular and beloved tourist destinations. The majority of resorts are located along the beachfront, including some from the most popular international hotel brands like Warwick Hotels, Outrigger Hotels, and Shangri La Hotels.
The Coral Coast begins about 15 kilometers south of Nadi and features beautiful scenery of pine forests, sugarcane fields, and breathtaking views of the South Pacific Ocean.
The coastline is a lovely blend of rocky outcrops, white-sand beaches, deep-blue bays, and mangrove forests. Steep hills rise sharply out of the coastline and extend into the nearby mountain ranges.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, centrally-located place to stay and enjoy the beach in Fiji, the Coral Coast is one of your best bets.
The Mamanuca Islands Helicopter Tour
In our opinion, one of the best ways to see this gorgeous island chain is from above. If you want a unique view of Fiji that’s worth writing home about, consider taking a helicopter tour out of Nadi International Airport to the Mamanuca Islands.
As you explore the string of islets that lie just northwest of Viti Levu, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning views in the region. These tours do tend to be a bit on the pricier side, but the views alone make it worth it. Plus, you’ll get to see a birds-eye view of all of Fiji in style.
Colo-I-Suva Forest Park’s Hiking Trails
If you’re an avid hiker, then this Fiji park is perfect for you. The Colo-i-Suva National park boasts a clean and bubbling river set among a backdrop of serene rainforests, making it an ideal location for hikers of all skill levels. If you desire to add a dash of adventure to your trip, trekking through a lush forest is one of the best things to do while in Fiji. On average, a hike through Colo-i-Suva Forest Park takes about an hour or so if you’re moving at an average speed, but if you’re sightseeing or want to do a little bird-watching or photography, it could easily occupy the better of an afternoon.
Other things you can participate in at Colo-I-Suva Forest Park include rope swinging, swimming, and waterfall exploration.
Stay In A Bure
A Bure is a traditional Fijian hut with a thatched roof and natural wooden construction. Most of Fiji’s resorts offer bures as a type of accommodation for travelers interested in having an authentic Fijian experience. The inside of the luxury varieties on offer at many resorts can feature very high-end and modern fixtures, amenities, and furniture, while more traditional bures tend to be very bare-bones and basics, with guests sitting and sleeping on rustic straw mats. Generally speaking, resorts that specialize in bures tend to be very eco-friendly.
Take A Drive Through The Nausori Highlands
If you want to see some of the most beautiful views of Fiji’s rural countryside then head on up to the Nausori Highlands off Nadi Back Road. From the road, you’ll be able to hike around a few of the hills while enjoying clear views of Denarau, Nadi, and the ocean.
Experience An Authentic Kava Kava Ceremony
As you enter pretty much any hotel, restaurant, or other establishment, you’ll hear people yelling Bula Vinaka while offering you Kava Kava as a welcome. Kava is a mild narcotic beverage that produces an effect similar to alcohol. It tends to warm and numb the tongue, while producing mild feelings of euphoria. But even if mind-altering substances typically aren’t your cup of tea, Kava is known for being quite safe and doesn’t usually result in a head-pounding hangover. After partaking, you’ll feel relaxed and uplifted.
Raft Along The Upper Navua River
Rafting along this river is one of the most peaceful and beautiful things you can do in Fiji. The rapids are pretty tame, ranked at a leisurely class 3 or 4, but you’ll still get quite a thrill as you bob up and down the river with your knowledgeable guides.
If you’re a little apprehensive about white water rafting, Fiji is a great place to have a first expereince. The trip take you down 25 kilometers of the most photo-worthy scenery you’ll ever get to see. Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls of all sizes as you zip down the massive canyons that surround the rich rainforests.
Rafting tours in Fiji tend to be fairly eco-friendly and have received the blessing from the local indigenous populations. All tours are run by villagers of these remote locals.
Go Spelunking At The Oho Caves
Fiji is the land of the headhunter. When visiting Fiji, you’ll learn a great deal about this ancient practice. The Navatua Tribe was the first group in the area to give up the practice after converting to Christianity. By touring the Oho Caves, however, you can discover what headhunting actually entailed and how indigenous people’s culture has evolved over the centuries.
The village of Tao offers visitors tours of the Oho Caves. The tour is a bit newer, but its nothing short of fascinating. Plus, the caves themselves are almost otherworldly.
Go Shopping For Produce At Suva Municipal Market
There is no better place to shop for fresh, locally-sourced fruits and veggies than Suva Municipal Market. This experience is one that shouldn’t be missed as Suva is always bustling and full of unique finds. It was established in the 1950s and is quite popular with both locals and tourists. The market is especially interesting for street photographers and those looking for fresh grub at reasonable prices.
As you wander through the market’s lanes and stalls, there’s no telling what you might find. From fresh tropical fruits to unusual vegetables to fresh-caught seafood, Suva has got all of the bases covered. The market is open from 6am to 6pm everyday but the best time to shop is between 8am and 2pm.
Snorkeling At Castaway Island
While most people think about beaches when imagining what Fiji is like, what will really make you fall in love with the islands is the snorkeling. With so many islands to explore, it’s difficult to pick the one that provides the best snorkeling opportunities, but you can’t go wrong with Castaway.
The marine life here sure knows how to give visitors a remarkable show. Snorkeling tours tend to be reasonably priced, and your guide will be able to give you a rundown on all of the basics if you’ve never gone before.
Exploring the Coral Reefs of Monuriki
Fiji has been called the soft coral capital of the world. Monuriki in particular is a mecca for those wishing to explore the aquatic life by deep sea diving in the wide-open azure waters. Deep below the surface, you’ll see a vibrant rainbow of soft and hard corals as well as schools of colorful fish that will leave you breathless.
Relax On The Beaches Of Wakaya Island
Wakaya is an unspoiled and serene island famous for it’s white sand beaches, blue lagoons, towering cliffs, and diverse collection of flora and fauna. One of the best ways to experience the unbounded freedom on offer at this undisturbed island is by staying at Wakaya Resort and Spa.
Activities on the island include fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and coral reef viewing. There are also many hiking trails to tackle as well. Be sure to spend a day or two lounging out at the beach while enjoying a good book and few fruity adult beverages.
Take A Sigatoka River Safari
For an unforgettable journey into the interiors of Fiji, consider taking a Sigatoka River Safer. The adventure starts from the coastal town of Sigatoka and takes you far into the Fijian countryside. Along the way, you’re driver and captain will provide you with fascinating and rich details about Fiji’s culture and history.
Savor The Local Flavor
Fish and root veggies tend to be the two main staples of Fijian cuisine. One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by sampling the delicious flavors and dishes that Fijians have been cooking up for centuries. Fijians have a very distinctive way of preparing these mouthwatering meals using only the finest fresh and local ingredients.
The best food in Fiji includes dishes like Lovo – a traditional meal baked in an underground oven, Kokoda – a fresh fish dish soaked in coconut milk and flavored with lemon juice and spices, mahi-mahi – a deepwater fish that’s either grilled or pan-fried, and rourou – which consists of fish wrapped in taro leaves and cooked in coconut milk.
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed going on this little tour of Fiji with us. Unfortunately, we’ve got to wrap this video up, but you should now have at least a few ideas of where to begin when planning your next vacation to Fiji.
Did you know that there are 333 islands that make up Fiji and that it’s home to the most extensive collection of soft coral in the world? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for watching.