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12 Things to do in Fiji – The Ultimate South Pacific Dream Trip

Home Β» Travel Types Β» Luxury Travel

Updated: December 12, 2020 by The Planet D

12 Things to do in Fiji – The Ultimate South Pacific Dream Trip
things to do in fiji island paradise

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji is a tropical paradise that attracts. adventure and beach lovers alike. Here are our ideas for the best things to do in Fiji. 

“Bula Vinakka! Hello, Welcome to Fiji!”

You will hear these words everywhere you go in Fiji as warm and genuine smiles greet you at every turn.

Things to do in Fiji

Contents

    • 1. Kava Ceremony
    • 2. Raft the Upper Navua River
    • 3. Visit the Oho Caves – Home of the Headhunters
    • 4. Go Ziplining
    • 5. Jet Boat Safari
    • 6. Visit a Traditional Fijian Village
    • 7. Visit a traditional salt factory
    • 8. Island Hop
    • 9. Swim with Manta Rays
    • 10. Paintball at Sonaisali
    • 11. Garden of the Sleeping Giant
    • 12. Spa Day at the Pearl
  • Where to stay in Fiji

With its 322 islands to explore, planning a vacation to Fiji can be overwhelming. Where do you begin?

Well, we suggest making a base on the main island of Viti Levu at one of its luxury resorts and then plan day trips to some of the popular and more isolated islands by boat.

things to do in fiji | island paradise

Fiji is a tropical paradise that’s a thousand miles from anywhere filled with waterfalls, rainforests, and white sandy beaches. Here are our suggestions for what to do in Fiji.

1. Kava Ceremony

things to do in fiji | kava ceremony

When traveling to Fiji you must take part in a traditional Kava ceremony. 

As you enter any establishment, hotel, or restaurant, you people will yell Bula Vinaka and offer up Kava to welcome you.

Kava is a mild narcotic so you will feel a little numbness in your tongue, but don’t worry, it won’t hurt you and you’ll feel very relaxed afterward.

How a Kava Ceremony Works

what to do in fiji | kava ceremony

When visiting any village in Fiji it is customary to present a gift of Yaqona (Kava root). The root is ground down and strained through a cloth and into a large wooden bowl.

  • The ceremony then begins as the villagers grind up the Kava and strain it through a cloth bag into a large wooden bowl placed in the middle of the room.
  • It is then offered to your chief who is the oldest man in your group
  • Then the village’s executive head drinks the Kava
  • After that it is shared with everyone.
  • The men drink first and then the women.

For more on the Kava Ceremony check out our Kava Ceremony Etiquette. 

2. Raft the Upper Navua River

fiji things to do | rafting upper navua

Rafting the Upper Navua River is probably one of the most peaceful and beautiful rafting trips we’ve ever taken.

The rapids are a leisurely class 3 and 4 but you still get the blood pumping as you bump up and down the river with your very fun guides.

If you have a fear of White Water Rafting, Fiji is the place to do it.

The trip takes you 26 km down the most picturesque scenery you will ever witness.

Waterfalls of all sizes stream down the deep canyons surrounded by lush jungle.

This is an eco-friendly tour. The village chiefs were asked and many a Kava Ceremony took place to allow Whitewater rafting on their island. All tours are run by the villagers and all guides are local.

Rafting the Upper Navua River is a must when visiting Fiji – Read more here! 

3. Visit the Oho Caves – Home of the Headhunters

fiji attractions | oho caves

The Oho Caves were home to the Navatua Tribe: the fiercest tribe in Fiji.

I often think that Fiji must have been the inspiration for Gilligan’s Island. After all, Fiji is the land of the headhunter, and Gilligan was marooned on a beautiful paradise island filled with headhunters.

When visiting Fiji, you can learn a great deal about its history by taking a tour to the Oho Caves.

The great Navatua Tribe was the first tribe in the area to give up the practice of headhunting and embrace Christianity. After that everything changed.

The villagers and the chiefs were so happy to have us experience their community and we highly recommend this activity when visiting Fiji.

It is a newer tour, so make sure to ask specifically for the Oho Caves tour of the Tao Village. 

4. Go Ziplining

zip line fiji | adventure things to do in Fiji

The Pacific Coast is the adventure capital of Fiji and zip lining is the number one attraction here.

Zip Fiji offers a canopy tour that lasts an afternoon taking you through 8 zip lines that soar over the jungle canopy.

The lines are long, they are fast, and they are fun!

Like most Fiji attractions, Ziplining is eco-friendly.

Ropes and harnesses are used to fasten the metal platforms to the trunks of the trees rather than nails.

Great care was taken to make sure that the surrounding vegetation was not disturbed when creating ziplines. It makes for an amazing experience zipping over an untouched jungle canopy.

  • Find out more of our Fiji adventure at Zip Fiji Ziplining

5. Jet Boat Safari

adrenaline things to do in fiji | jet boat safari

Jet Boating the Sigatoka river is by far the wildest Jet Boat Experience we’ve ever taken.

The small boat whizzes through the river, doing 360’s at lightning-fast speeds through incredible scenery.

The local guides are knowledgable about history and Fijian culture telling us stories of the old headhunter ways.

It was in 1867 that the last Cannibalized human was eaten. The Reverend Baker made the grave mistake of taking a comb out of a village chief’s hair and he paid the ultimate penalty.

They killed the missionary and barbecued him over an open flame. They then ate him and even tried to eat his boots!

Between stories like this and heart-pounding twists and turns, it’s an excursion we’ll never forget!

6. Visit a Traditional Fijian Village

cultural fiji | things to do visit a traditional village

Immerse in Fijian culture as you take a boat down the river far away from civilization.

Stopping at Tuvu Village to take part in a Kava ceremony with the villagers was one of our most memorable moments on Fiji.

Everyone is friendly and welcoming and the afternoon is spent dancing, eating, and listening to music.

Here we enjoyed a very authentic Kava Ceremony. Kava ceremonies happen at all resorts and around the island, but at a traditional village, it is done as it has been for centuries.

Plus, the Kava mixture is potent. You’ll have a numb tongue for hours!

  • See more at the Sigatoka River Safari.

7. Visit a traditional salt factory

salt factory visit fiji

Gathering salt from tidal pools is hard work.

A visit to a traditional salt factory will give you a first-hand view of just how difficult that work is.

Women walk out to wells located in a tidal pool to gather water to be harvested for salt..

They carry buckets of saltwater back to a very hot and humid hut where they boil it until it evaporates.

It is here that traditional salt methods live on as they have for centuries.

  • Learn more about it at our traditional salt factory visit.

8. Island Hop

fiji what to do | isolated beaches

There are so many islands that are waiting to be explored by you just off the coast of Fiji.

We have had the luxury of visiting Fiji twice and have taken part in three different day cruises to explore secluded islands.

The most popular islands to visit in Fiji are the Mamanuca islands. They are located just off the coast of the main island of Vitu Navu.

There are daily flights from Nadi airport if you want to go out for an overnight trip, or you can take a taxi to Port Denarau from Nadi to catch a transfer to one of the islands.

Here you’ll be able to snorkel the incredible barrier reefs of Fiji.

  • A popular resort on the Mamanuca Islands is the Beachcomber Islands Resort.

We took a day cruise one of our luxury stays at The Pearl Fiji to a private beach. Many resorts offer days tours to the islands.

Are you dreaming yet?

9. Swim with Manta Rays

things to see in fiji manta rays

Scuba diving is a very popular activity in Fiji with its crystal clear waters and coral reefs.

  • Shark Reef Marine Reserve has some of the best shark diving in the world
  • Sososomo Strait is known for its soft coral
  • The Great Astrolabe Reef has incredible corals and wall dives.

But, between May and October, it’s manta ray season that attracts snorkelers and scuba divers to Fiji.

Barefoot Manta Island is the main attraction for swimming and diving with Manta Rays.

10. Paintball at Sonaisali

things to do in fiji paintball

A unique adventure in Fiji is to take a trip out to the Sonaisali Resort for a game of Paintball in the jungle.

Crawling around in the heat and humidity made me think of just how awful things must have been for soldiers on both sides of the Vietnam War.

War games in the tropics hard enough for us. But it was a pure blast to be able to crawl around in the mud and hide from the opposing team.

Everything you need is supplied. Just wear a good pair of durable shoes and bring a sense of adventure.

  • Read all about our paintball adventures

11. Garden of the Sleeping Giant

things to see in fiji | lush landscape

If you are looking for something a little offbeat to do in Fiji, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a lovely attraction for outdoor lovers.

Botanists will love this garden filled with orchids and plants of the South Pacific.

Take the raised canopy through a winding forest trail to spy the original collection of flowers by Raymond Burr. (now that’s a random fact)

12. Spa Day at the Pearl

spa day at the Pearl Fiji

There is nothing better than basking in luxury at The Pearl Fiji.

Located on the quieter side of the island it’s the perfect couples retreat.

Their couples’ massage was like no other. We were lucky enough to have a suite at this resort and a full day to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

We also had another incredible spa day in Fiji at Outrigger Fiji.

  • Read: Spa Etiquette – From Stripping to Tipping

Where to stay in Fiji

beauty of fiji
  • The Pearl was by far our favourite accommodation
  • Sonaisali Resort was wonderful too. We definitely would have spent a few more days here.
  • Outrigger Fiji is very family-oriented and we didn’t love it, but other people seemed to think it was grand.

With 332 islands to explore, it could take a lifetime to truly see all everything and experience all the things to do in Fiji, but if you have a couple of weeks, you can definitely have your dream trip of a lifetime.

We cannot wait to go back again and hear those two uplifting words again – Bula Vinakka!

Read More about travel in Fiji:

  • Paintball at Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji, What?
  • Tao Village Visit – Cannibals and Caves of Fiji
  • Pacific Coast Fun with Zipline Fiji
  • Kava Ceremony in Fiji Etiquette
  • Fiji Travel Guide

For more exotic and tropical islands check out

  • 23 of The Best Tropical Islands in the World
  • 14 of The Best Things to do in the Maldives
  • 10 Unmissable Things to do in Seychelles
  • Things to do in Grand Cayman – 15 Awesome Cayman Islands Adventures
  • 13 Unique Beaches To Visit in Your Lifetime
  • Exuma Cays – Dream Trip to the Bahamas
A pure dream trip to the South Pacific, Fiji is a tropical paradise that is pure heaven with lots of fun activities. Here's our tips for what to do in Fiji.
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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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Categories: Fiji, Luxury Travel

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Comments

  1. Mary Nichole says

    May 11, 2020 at 2:07 am

    Your pictures are amazing and your blog gave a thought for planning a trip to Fiji. I’m very excited and eagerly waiting to visit Fiji. Thanks for sharing this wonderful blog!!

    Reply
  2. John says

    April 30, 2020 at 8:49 am

    Awesome and very exciting details for the tour of Fiji. I am delighted to read about the exciting places to visit.

    Reply
  3. Khalid says

    April 26, 2020 at 1:53 pm

    A feel good story with dreamy pictures. Thank you so much!

    Reply
  4. ANJANA says

    November 13, 2017 at 4:31 am

    WOW, FIJI IS AN ARCHIPELAGO WHICH HAS MORE THAN 300 ISLANDS. FIJI MUSEUM, THURSTON GARDEN, AND THOSE ETHNOGRAPHIC EXHIBITS ARE JUST MINDBLOWING…

    Reply
  5. Kristen says

    July 8, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    Fiji looks amazing. My husband is Australian and often mentions Fiji as a good stopover or trip we can take while we’re over there. That sunset is gorgeous.

    Reply
  6. Travel Bottles says

    February 26, 2015 at 2:09 am

    Fiji is one of the best cities in Japan and no doubt of how wonderful the place is. It has everything you are looking for in a holiday vacation destination.

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      February 26, 2015 at 8:45 am

      I think you are mixing up Fiji with Fuji? This is a tropical island in the South Pacific. I haven’t been to Fuji but I am sure it’s amazing too!

      Reply
  7. Rahman @ Iran Travel Blog says

    February 4, 2015 at 4:51 pm

    Walking on the beach and sitting there till you see the sunset should be a great experience specially at a green place like Fiji. Your photos are amazing and genuine!

    Reply
  8. Tripplanners says

    February 4, 2015 at 1:14 am

    An amazing place to visit. thanks for sharing Very Beautiful Pictures.

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:00 am

      Glad you liked the photos. Fiji is amazing!

      Reply
  9. Solo Traveller says

    February 3, 2015 at 11:44 pm

    Fiji looks like an amazing getaway; full of beauty and adventure. A must for any adventurer bucket list.

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      February 4, 2015 at 7:57 am

      Well said! It is an adventure playground too. We never would have guessed that a tropical paradise could have so many adventure activities, but it’s an all around full destination.

      Reply
  10. Turtle says

    February 3, 2015 at 5:26 am

    That is just cruel to post photos like this while so many of us are shivering away in a snowy winter!! πŸ™‚
    I keep putting off the South Pacific, saying that I’ll explore countries like Fiji when I move back to Australia. Still… it’s kind of tempting just to jump on a plane right now!!

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      February 4, 2015 at 7:43 am

      Haha, it is isn’t it? If it’s any consolation we’re in the cold this year too. That’s exactly why we put the dream trip up. We say, just fake it, turn up the heat, put on some shorts and avoid outside for a day as you put beach photos on the computer πŸ˜‰ You’re lucky though, you are choosing to be in the cold. We Canadians don’t have much of a choice except to embrace it or escape it πŸ˜€ Cheers!

      Reply
  11. Sadie says

    February 2, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    You’ve got me itching! I’m leaving for Borneo mid May and cannot wait. Seeing your pictures makes me that much more antsy. Beautiful shots!

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      February 4, 2015 at 7:41 am

      Amazing. Borneo is such a fun place to visit. Make sure to climb Mount Kinabalu,For the orangutans visit Sepilok and Semmingog

      Reply
  12. ilmudes says

    February 2, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    wow, it’s really beautiful and exciting. The scenery is great, wow πŸ˜€

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      February 4, 2015 at 7:39 am

      Thanks! Fiji is quite out of this world.

      Reply
  13. Kashia says

    February 2, 2015 at 10:39 am

    I have been itching to get to that part of the world right now and you guys are definitely fueling that aspiration even more! Looks like a beautiful place with welcoming people, huge for me (and also why I love Latin America). Living vicariously through this until I can make it myself! Cheers, K.

    Reply
  14. Katie @ Second-Hand Hedgehog says

    January 31, 2015 at 5:11 am

    Gorgeous photos as always. Really beautiful. I went to Fiji a few years ago, but (apart from a couple of brief nights in Nadi) only really saw the Yasawa Islands. They were incredible, but I’d love to go back and explore other parts of the country. It was just such an amazing place! Thanks for the photos – making me feel all warm and tropical on this snowy Saturday morning πŸ™‚

    Reply
  15. Laura Lynch says

    January 30, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    I love that you’ve shown the real side of Fiji and not the over-hyped, photoshopped version. Most people think that Fiji is all turquise blue water, white sand and perfectly-placed palm trees swaying in the breeze. But that’s not the real Fiji. It’s much more raw than that. Such a beautiful and welcoming place.

    Reply
  16. Thomas says

    January 30, 2015 at 8:46 am

    I actually came back this morning to show my daughter the amazing penguin video. And now this. I never know Fiji offered up so much. I mean people talk about the beaches so much you don’t really hear about the other things you can visit or do. The lush landscape looks beautiful. Never been to a salt factory before that would be a good experience. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 30, 2015 at 10:51 am

      So glad we could inspire you! Fiji is filled with adventures!

      Reply
  17. Melissa | Suitcase and Heels says

    January 30, 2015 at 8:21 am

    Gorgeous! I’m getting pelted by freezing rain currently so this post was a really nice escape. Nothing better than a good travel day dream on a Friday.

    Reply
  18. Al Perry says

    January 30, 2015 at 7:41 am

    The tropical getaway in the South pacific! An amazing place for some amazing time to Day dream!

    Reply

welcome

Hi we’re Dave and Deb, a Canadian adventure couple who left our careers in the film industry 10 years ago to travel the world. We’ve been to 115 countries on all seven continents and were named one of the top travel influencers on earth by Forbes.

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