The best things to do in Fiji: diving, island hopping and hiking

Get ready to soar, paddle, hike and dive through a perfect holiday destination, writes Dilvin Yasa.

It’s a little unfair to think of Fiji as a fly-and-flop destination. After all, how else can we explain how often ‘Things to do Fiji’ and ‘Best things to do Fiji’ is asked of Google before anyone so much as approaches Fiji’s 333 islands?

Postcard beaches and glittering resorts? Fiji certainly has those, but happily, there are activities, experiences and adventures across the islands for every kind of traveller.

Here’s an edit of some of our favourites.

In short

Malamala Beach Club opened in 2017 as the world’s first island beach club. (Credit: Andrew Lewthwaite/Tourism Fiji)

If you only do one thing in Fiji, make it spending the ultimate day out at one of its famous beach clubs where international DJs set the soundtrack for a bounty of snorkelling, jetskiing or sunlounging adventures. Among the top options?

Malamala Beach Club, which is located on its own island some 25 minutes from Port Denarau, the spectacular Cloud 9, a two-level floating platform which offers everything to DJs to watersport options, and Seventh Heaven, carbon-neutral pontoon powered entirely by solar panels which comes to the party with a slightly more laidback option.

Snorkelling, massages, dancing and serious noshing; nothing is more quintessentially Fijian than this.

Dive (or snorkel) Fiji’s underwater playground

Spot sharks when you explore life underwater. (Credit: Timo Dersch/Tourism Fiji)

Fiji is often called the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’ and it’s a well-earned title, with its calm, coral-rich lagoons, warm waters and bounty of marine life, there really is no better place to put that snorkel mask and fins to good use.

The waters around the Mamanucas are calmer than most, making the destination a firm favourite with snorkelling/diving novices and families with young children, while the Yasawas are all about memory making with manta ray swims – particularly between May and October when the rays are in abundance.

While the Great Astrolobe Reef, one of the world’s largest barrier reefs located off the coast of Kadavu Island, offers over 60 spectacular dive sites, other top options to explore life underwater include Beqa Lagoon – famous for its shark dives, the Rainbow Reef in Taveuni, and the Great White Wall which thrills with its sheer drops covered in vibrant coral.

Hike Fiji’s highlands

Take a detour onto Taveuni Island for a refreshing dip at Tavoro Falls. (Credit: Elliot Grafton/Tourism Fiji)

While Fiji’s beaches get much of the attention, the country is made for hiking – particularly for those who like their trails lush, wild and at times a little muddy.

Prefer waterfalls surrounded by rainforests, rugged coastal paths or dramatic volcano peaks? Fiji has them all, all located within relatively short distances so that a quick change of footwear is all that’s required.

On the Garden Island of Taveuni, the Bouma Falls track and Lavena Coastal Walk deliver jungle immersion for everyday hikers, while Viti Levu’s Mount Tomanivi presents more of a challenge. Of course those who fear they’re not up to task are well-represented too: we recommend checking out some of the easier trails dotted around Colo-i-Suva Forest Park – also on Viti Levu.

Take up island hopping

Island hopping through the Northern Yasawa Islands offers access to Fiji’s pristine corals and secluded lagoons. (Credit: Tourism Fiji)

Commitment isn’t for everyone and when it comes to Fiji where each island has its own rhythm and reason, there’s a lot to be said about spreading the love. After all, who can say no to spending a day at a beach club in the Mamanucas, followed by a day swimming with manta rays in the Yasawas?

It could be a tricky transition to make if it were not for the Bula Pass, an island-hopping ticket which gives visitors access to a host of islands across the Yasawas, as well as a couple in the Mamanucas. It’s as easy as selecting a preferred duration for the ticket (anything from 5 to 15 days of island hopping) and following the prompts.

Experience a mud bath

The lush Garden of the Sleeping Giant. (Credit: Andrew Lewthwaite/Tourism Fiji)

Spa days are nothing unusual in Fiji – unless of course, that spa day centres on Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, an atmospheric wellness experience tucked at the base of the Sleeping Giant near Nadi.

Here, the prescription to a relaxing day out is simple, if not messy. Step one: roll around in mineral-rich mud before letting it all dry under the glorious sun. Step two: Enjoy a soak (and a wash) in Sabeto’s three thermal springs, each one a different temperature ranging from lukewarm to 60 degrees Celsius. Step three: Say yes to the offers of a relaxing massage offered by friendly locals.

Priced from FJD$30, towels can also be hired from the venue for a few dollars

Address: Wailoko Road, Sabeto, Nadi

Shop the markets

Wander through the Fijian markets for local handicrafts. (Credit: Tourism Fiji)

There’s nothing that helps a local economy thrive than going to town at the local handicrafts markets happily, Fiji delivers with the colourful Suva Handicraft Market where cultural treasures such as printed masi, kava bowls and war drums are in plentiful supply. Nearby, the food market is the place to taste those local bites with Friday and Saturday remaining the biggest and best days to visit.

Got a little more room in that suitcase? Suva’s ROC Market comes to life on the 3rd Sunday of every month where vendors, including artisans and producers of cultural products, showcase their wares. Open from 9am, it’s best to get in early.

Go white water rafting

White water rafting with Rivers Fiji takes you deep into the Upper Navua Gorge. (Credit: Tourism Fiji)

Swap beaches for rainforest-lined rivers and fast-moving rapids and say hello to the unexpected thrill that is white water rafting in Fiji.

At the Upper Navua River on Viti Levu, a waterworld which winds through remote highlands, past waterfalls and sheer canyon walls, local tour operator Rivers Fiji reigns supreme with a range of tours, including the River Rafting Day Trip.

On the cards? A hike through rainforest before paddling class II-III whitewater as hidden grottoes are explored, calm stretches to soak in the scenery interspersed with bold adrenaline hits. Suitable for beginners to more adventurous rafters and priced from FJD470 per adult and FJD235 per child, it’s a refreshing way to see a wilder, lesser-known side of Fiji.

Address: Pacific Harbour

Go pearl shopping

Gain insight into the delicate process behind each pearl. (Credit: J Hunter Pearls/Tourism Fiji)

Jewellery shopping in boutiques is always fun, but it’s hardly a match for joining a pearl farm tour for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of Fiji’s most prized industries.

Departing daily from Savusavu Bay, the two-hour J.Hunter Pearls farm tour explores a working pearl farm – the experience equal parts educational and mesmerising, with insights into sustainability, craftsmanship and the delicate process behind each pearl.

But first, a warning: back on land, an opportunity is presented to shop for Fiji’s celebrated black pearls at the boutique. Of course, once realisation hits of just how much work goes into the cultivation of these jewels, the prices suddenly seem reasonable. The good news? Those buying pieces in excess of FJD500 can claim the 15% VAT at Nadi International Airport.

Tours run Monday to Friday from 9.30am and are priced from FJD75 per adult and FJD20 per child.

Address: Naveria Road, Savusavu

Tackle a sea kayaking adventure

Go kayaking in calm resort waters. (Credit: Andrew Lewthwaite/Tourism Fiji)

Kayaking can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s about a brief paddle in calm resort waters and for others it’s an opportunity to test their mettle out in the wilds of the ocean.

Those who identify with the latter should look no further than the ocean kayaking safaris offered by the likes of Tamarillo Active Travel. Located off the coast of Kadavu Island where the Great Astrolabe Reef acts as a barrier against ocean swells, conditions remain unusually calm, leaving plenty of downtime for snorkelling, swimming and lingering over long lunches on land.

Ranging from four days to 10, adventurers can expect a tour where salt-baked days are spent paddling between deserted beaches, across coral reefs and towards tiny villages where locals are ready with all kinds of home-cooked meals. Trips are tailored to each participant’s requirements and desires

Experience Cloudbreak

Hit Fiji’s most formidable waves. (Credit: Tourism Fiji)

There are waves around Fiji that many garden-variety surfers could tackle, but for those who could give Kelly Slater a run for his money, there’s Cloudbreak, one of the most formidable waves on the planet.

Located off the coast of Tavarua in the Mamanuca Islands, Cloudbreak, a barrelling left-hand break which thunders over shallow reefs in a way that explains its ‘Thunder Reef’ nickname, draws elite surfers from across the globe. Some days, it’s manageable for experienced surf enthusiasts, and on others, the building swells can be truly terrifying.

Don’t worry; the less sporty among us can still check out the action from the safety of a boat stationed nearby. Expect a five- to 10-minute boat ride from Tavarua or Namotu, the closest islands, or 20 to 30 minutes (or more) from other Mamanuca Islands and the mainland.

Contact local surf companies such as Fiji Surf Co and Dream Surf Fiji for details on tours.

Seek spirituality at Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest Hindu temple is celebrated for its colourful Dravidian architecture. (Credit: Andrew Lewthwaite/Tourism Fiji)

A significant proportion of Fijians can trace their heritage back to India, and few places showcase that influence more vividly than Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi. The largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, it is celebrated for its colourful Dravidian architecture, intricate carvings and rich atmosphere and marks a stark contrast to Fiji’s beach and resort scene.

A visit to the temple isn’t only about spirituality of course, there’s nothing quite like a post-temple bite at Saravana Bhavan, a vegetarian restaurant next door, or heading further afield on a foodie trail through the nearby townships of Ba, Lautoka and Rakiraki. Home to large Indo-Fijian communities, each is known for its wealth of excellent and affordable curry houses, making this one of the country’s most flavour-packed cultural detours.

Address: Queens Road, Nadi

Take an ATV tour

Pump up your adrenaline on a Go Dirty Tours Fiji ATV tour. (Credit: Escape Video/Tourism Fiji)

For travellers keen to momentarily swap those beaches for something dustier, dirtier and more adrenaline-fuelled, Go Dirty Tours Fiji offers a high-energy way to explore Viti Levu’s remote and oh-so-lush jungle interiors.

Kicking off near Nadi, its range of quad bike tours – ranging from a two-hour Play Dirty tour to a full-day Double Edge – take thrill-seekers through all the best of the island – mud puddles (depending on rainfall), past cane field landscapes and through pine forests. The operator’s longer tours also include village visits, a roll around the mud at Sabeto Hot Springs and the kind of hands-on exploration that means deep-level immersion – and mud. Lots of mud. Our top tip for participants? Only wear old rags otherwise designated for bathroom cleaning (we all have them).

Address: New Town Road, Wailoaloa, Nadi