Bula! The best things to do in Fiji
Dreaming of an island getaway? Fiji has 333 of them!
- February 2022
Warm and welcoming, tropical and relaxing, photogenic and loaded with natural riches – Fiji is one dreamy holiday destination. It’s made up of 333 islands, more beaches than you can throw a towel on and some of the most glistening water and technicolour coral you can imagine. The main island is Viti Levu, home to Nadi, the main Fijian port of entry. Nadi, with its shops, restaurants and hotels, works as a gateway to the rest of Fiji. Loaded with eco-friendly adventures, surfing and watersports, fun resorts and cultural offerings, this lush Pacific nation will capture your heart.
Go snorkelling with tropical fish
Fiji is prime snorkelling territory, rich in coral reef ecosystems that you can safely explore. Some you can access straight from the beach, like on Mana Island. Others can be reached via a short boat ride. Check out Supermarket Reef, named for the massive variety of sea creatures you can spot underwater – psychedelic coral formations, stacks of tropical fish, turtles, even reef sharks. Check out dive sites around Beqa Island and Yanuca Island. For kid-friendly sites, try the shallow sandbar snorkel spots within the Mamanuca Islands.
Learn to surf and SUP
So you’ve been snorkelling and seen what’s happening under the water. Now it’s time to get on the surface and learn to ride those waves. Fiji, with its perfect ocean temperature, is one of the world’s best surfing destinations. It’s renowned for massive barrels at Cloudbreak, but there are plenty of options for beginners, especially in the Mamanuca Islands and on the Coral Coast. Take some lessons, hire a board from your surf instructor and let them point you to the best spots. In general, go early in the morning as winds can pick up in the afternoon. Don’t fancy riding a wave? You’ll find Stand Up Paddleboarding lessons in many of the same areas.
Visit the marine parks
Fiji has more than 200 marine parks, and with a focus on sustainable nature-based tourism and marine conservation, there are some unforgettable experiences waiting for you. Start with places like Treasure Island and Vomo Island, where you can visit rehabilitation centres for endangered sea turtles and watch little bales of infant turtles waddling back off into the wild. Other excellent marine parks include Waitabu, Namena, Na Tabu’ and Shark Reef Marine Reserve.
Spend family time on Denarau Island
If you’re heading to Fiji with the fam, Denarau Island is home to eight family resorts, as well as the super-fun Big Bula Waterpark. There are heaps of child-friendly activities at kids’ clubs, or you can all play mini golf, hang out by the pool, hit the bungee tramps, see a cultural show and just generally have a blast of a family holiday. Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are easily reached from Port Denarau if you’re planning a day out snorkelling or diving.
Discover history in Sigatoka Sand Dunes
If you’re looking for a national park that’s something out of the box, visit Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. Not only does this 650-hectare park have sand dunes that arc up to 60 metres in height, it’s one of the most important archaeological sites in the Pacific. It’s the site of one of Fiji’s earliest settlements and excavations have unearthed pottery shards that are 2600 years old! This wildly beautiful park offers some excellent walks, unique native flora and fauna, amazing landscapes and fascinating history.