Boat and Ferry Travel

Because Fiji is surrounded by water, boat travel is one of the primary means of transport. In some of the more remote areas (Kadavu, for example), boats are often the only means of transport, and many resorts have their own. Boat travel can be rustic, so use your best judgment if you're uncertain about the weather conditions. Ask about the safety of the boat, look to see if it has life jackets, a radio or phone, and find out how long it will take to reach your destination before making your decision.

Island-hopping is a favorite pastime of visitors to Fiji, and interisland ferry trips and sightseeing tours have increased because of this. Regular ferries service Viti Levu with Vanua Levu, Ovalau, and Taveuni, while there are not-so-regular ferries among Suva, Lau, Rotuma, and Kadavu. Many ferries transport people, cars, and cargo, and have café food or snacks and even overnight cabins available. The Yasawas and Mamanucas have made a solid business from island-hopping tours, so speak to the Tours Desk at your resort or lodging about options and passes.

Contacts

Awesome Adventures - The Yasawa Flyer. The Yasawa Flyer serves the Yasawa Islands resorts, leaving Port Denarau in the morning, reaching the northern Yasawas just after lunch, and returning back to Port Denarau late afternoon. Port Denarau Marina, Nadi, Viti Levu. 675–0499; www.awesomefiji.com.

Blighwater Shipping. This car ferry is based in Natovi, with daily services to Savusavu. It also departs via bus from Suva and connect to Labasa via bus. Sleeper cabins are available. Check website for an up-to-date timetable. Vanua Levu, Northern. 331--8247; www.blighwatershipping.com.fj.

Goundar Shipping Services. Based in Suva, this car ferry offers weekly services to Koro and Kadavu; twice weekly to Savusavu and Taveuni; and monthly to Yasaysasa Moala, Northern Lau, and Rotuma. Narain's Wharf, Suva, Viti Levu. 330--1035; www.goundarshipping.com.

Patterson Brothers Shipping. A family-run interisland car ferry operation, which services the Suva/Levuka/Suva and Suva/Natovi/Nabouwalu/Labasa routes on a daily basis. Offices based in Suva, Nausori, Levuka, Lautoka, and Labasa. Suva, Viti Levu. 331–5644; 666–1173.

South Sea Cruises. Port Denarau Marina, Nadi, Viti Levu. 675–0500; www.ssc.com.fj.