If You Like
There are lots of things to like about Fiji and plenty of things to do while you're here.
Natural Wonders
Everywhere you look, you'll be blown away by the beauty this island nation possesses. Viti Levu alone has landscapes that are unmatched anywhere else. There are the 300-foot-high black volcanic rock walls of Navua Gorge; the 1,106 acre Sigatoka Sand Dunes that were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 and are home to Fiji's earliest recorded prehistoric sites; and the Colo-I-Suva Forest Park, a lush square mile rain forest that has numerous walking trails and several natural pools.
Yasawa and Mamanuca's beaches are undisputedly the country's finest. Mana Island has a particularly beautiful stretch, and, of course, there are the Yasawa's magnificent Blue Lagoon and its fascinating coves.
Diving and Snorkeling
With 333 islands in the archipelago, you'll find great spots to dive and snorkel around every bend in Fiji, as well as PADI-certified dive instructors and operators. There will also be plenty to look at because Fiji is the soft coral capital of the world and home to more than 1,000 species of fish.
Rainbow and Vuna, two of the South Pacific's top reefs, are found off the coast of Taveuni and are rich in colorful coral and fish. Rainbow Reef is also home to the Great White Wall, so named because of its all white soft coral composition. The Astrolabe reef, found near Kadavu, is the world's fourth-largest barrier reef at 120 km (75 miles) long; the reef is named after a ship that collided with the reef in 1827. There are also great sites on the fringing reef, mostly off the southern coast of the island, including shallow spots ideal for snorkeling just off-shore.
If you’re into predators, the shark dives in Pacific Harbour are not to be missed. Watch bull and tiger sharks being hand fed on a double dive in just 70 feet of water.
Looking for more snorkeling options? The lack of weather around Yasawa and Mamanuca make the visibility over the area's coral exceptionally clear and the sites are usually just a short swim from the beach. May through October you might be lucky enough to snorkel with manta rays.
Outdoor Activities
You don't have to dive or snorkel to have fun in the sun while visiting Fiji. There are a whole slew of outdoor activities, including surfing, bird-watching, fishing, and kayaking, to occupy your hours.
Even though Fiji has world-class breaks, the country has yet to develop a surf culture, which means little or no wait to ride the huge waves at Viti Levu's Frigates and Wilkes Passages; it also means long, uninterrupted rides, but only for intermediate and expert surfers.
Sigatoka is becoming an adventure hotspot offering high-speed river boats rides, jungle buggy tours, and other adventure activities like Kula Eco Park where kids of all ages can touch Fijian iguanas and baby pythons or feed turtles.
Taveuni is bird-watcher heaven with the famed Orange Dove, stunning Silktail, and Red Shining Parrot flitting about the island's lush rain forest. If you're looking to hook "the big one," head to Kadavu, where you can also kayak. The island's rugged terrain, lack of roads, and fantastic water-based views make it easy to head to the water to explore.
Resorts
Fiji's lodging options range from small pensions and village stays to hotels, resorts, and private island hideaways. There's something to fit every budget and personality. The most exclusive luxury escape, Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, frequented by Hollywood’s most reclusive stars, is on the tip of the Yasawa Island chain, but the rest is a backpackers paradise. The Mamanucas, known for affordable, family-friendly resorts, is also home to the exclusive and extremely private Vomo resort. Village stays are common on Vanua Levu, but the fabled Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is also here.
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