Fiji is a collection of volcanic islands spanning 1,600 kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean. There are two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, and nearly 900 smaller islands and inlets. If you’re looking for privacy, chances are you’re sure to find a secluded spot somewhere in the country

This is a destination that lives up to all of the hype. White sandy beaches, sparkling aquamarine water, palm trees blowing in the warm breeze…this truly is a paradise

This guide to Fiji can help you plan your trip, in my optional: Fiji is the best budget choice in the Pacific!

Fiji: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2021

What to do in Fiji

Snorkeling

 The best snorkeling spots belong to Fiji

Fiji is known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” and makes the list as one of the best snorkeling spots in the world

Surfing 

Grab your surfboard! The waves in Fiji are awesome. Surf the legendary waves at Cloudbreak, labeled as some of the most challenging in the world. Or, take a lesson, a great activity for families and newcomers to the sport.

Fishing

Fiji is a fisherman’s dream, with a large variety of tropical gamefish to be found all year round. Head to Fiji for the chance to land record size pacific blue marlin, dogtooth tuna, wahoo, pacific sailfish, and giant trevally GT’s.

Hiking

If you’re interested in exploring lush rainforests, breath-taking waterfalls, and spotting a wide array of wildlife, take a hike through some of Fiji’s spectacular national parks.

The best time to visit Fiji

From May to October: is the dry season in Fiji, with clearer water and cooler temperatures. Most tourists choose to visit Fiji during this window. Summer, however, is the peak season for travelers in search of a tropical getaway

November through April: is the rainy season, hotels will be cheaper, so the price-conscious traveler who can tolerate a little rain might prefer to visit during this time. 

 Yasawa Islands, Fiji

In my optional: May is the best time to visit Fiji. Not only will you score cheaper flights and accommodation at this time of year, but you’ll also enjoy clear sunny skies with low chances of rain and high temperatures, making this the best time for outdoor activities. May is also right before the start of peak season so there are usually fewer crowds around the islands and goods and services pricing should still be very competitive

The best places to visit in Fiji

Fiji or Feejee ... no matter how you pronounce it, the meaning is always the same: The Paradise!

Fiji Islands are famous for the kindness of Fijians who have been voted by several travel magazines as the world's kindest people. They are really nice people, smiling and waiting for you on their island playing the guitar and singing and not just for your money because they are like that.

1. Denarau island

 Denarau Island, Fiji

Considered the island of luxury, Denarau island is actually connected to the main island by a causeway meaning it’s extremely accessible for those travelers flying in. Denarau Island is the place to go for stunning swimming pools, shopping excursions, and exciting culinary experiences

2. Viti Levu

If you’re flying into Fiji, you’ll be landing at Nadi airport on Viti Levu, the largest island of the Fiji Islands. But before you scurry off to enjoy the many delights the smaller islands have to offer, be sure to check out the main island’s attractions, from the Navala Village to the capital of Fiji, Suva, or even raft down the Navua River.

3. Kadavu

 Remote and authentic yet easily accessed by plane or ship from Viti Levu, Kadavu is one of Fiji's best off-the-beaten-path assets. Eco-adventurers will find happiness at the dozen or so resorts that grow their own organic produce and work in tune with the local villages.

Anywhere you stay, you'll have to get there by boat from the main village passing by prehistoric-looking jungle coves chirping with rare and colorful endemic birds. The east part of the island is fringed by the Great Astrolabe Reef, the fourth largest barrier reef in the world, renowned for its cavern and tunnel-filled underwater landscapes, manta rays, and phenomenal fishing.

4. Tavoro Waterfall, Taveuni

 Fiji is home to a number of stunning and idyllic waterfalls, nestled in rainforest and jungle settings. One of those is the Tavoro Waterfall on the island of Taveuni. Also known as Bouma Falls, it is a series of three waterfalls in the Bouma National Heritage Park.

The area receives frequent rain, which helps create a lush setting and powerful falls.

5. Coral Coast

 The Coral Coast is often considered to be the most beautiful part of the mainland on Viti Levu. A number of resorts are located along this stretch of coastline and it has plenty of beaches, ocean views, and snorkeling opportunities.

6. Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu 

 Less than 50 kilometers from Suva, Pacific Harbour is the self-proclaimed "Adventure Capital of Fiji." This upscale enclave of vacation homes and resorts began its life as a residential canal development in the 1970s, and today, it's evolving into a hot spot for adrenaline sports.

Popular activities here include river rafting on the nearby Upper Navua River, zip-lining, jet skiing, surfing, 4WD adventures, and a heart-pumping dive with bull sharks in Beqa Lagoon. If you prefer more low-key activities, Pacific Harbour is also home to a popular arts village with restaurants, souvenir stalls, and cultural shows. Accommodation options range from budget hostels to luxury resorts, and the brand new Pacific Palm Marina is underway, with restaurants, upscale residences, a golf course, and spa. About 20 minutes by car from Pacific Harbour, Kila World offers ropes courses and nature walks.

7. Garden of the Sleeping Giant and Sabeto Hot Springs, Viti Levu

 Less than 30 minutes by car from Nadi, snuggled in the lush foothills of their namesake mountain peak, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a rewarding day trip - especially if you're a green thumb. Once the private collection of the late actor Raymond Burr of Perry Mason fame, these gorgeous gardens spotlight more than 2,000 species of orchids, as well as a tranquil lily pond replete with tadpoles and frogs. You can explore the gardens on covered boardwalks that wind through 20-hectares of lawns and native forests. Swings and hammocks invite you to linger and enjoy the peace and serenity of this verdant valley, and free guided tours share fascinating details on the history of the gardens.

 Garden of the Sleeping Giant

After admiring all the botanical beauties, visit the nearby Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool and enjoy a therapeutic mud bath and a soothing soak in the thermal pools.

Sabeto Hot Springs

Important note when visiting Fiji

1. Health risks

Dengue Fever
There are no vaccinations to prevent dengue fever which is transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, aching joints and muscles, vomiting, headaches, and nausea.

Hepatitis A
Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Extreme cases can result in liver damage.

Typhoid
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

2. Keep yourself save in Fiji

Crime in Fiji occurs at a higher rate in urban areas than in rural areas. Tourists should stay alert regardless of their surroundings while traveling. It is also recommended that tourists ask the hotel staff about areas to avoid.

Fiji is a nice place to visit, but remember to keep yourselves safe

In Fiji, hotel theft, purse snatching, and pickpocketing are the most common crimes again tourists. The rate of sexual assaults against female tourists has gone up in recent years. No tourist should ever walk alone at night and any desolate and/or poorly lit area should be avoided.

Never share a taxi with someone you don’t know and never let your taxi driver pick anyone else up

3. Seafood and Shellfish Poisoning

Many cases of food poisoning associated with consuming fish and other seafood are diagnosed each year. There are 3 types of fish toxins which can cause people to fall ill or die: ciguatera, scombroid, and shellfish

Starfish coral wave shell Mana Island Fiji

Toxins that are ingested by filter-feeding shellfish such as scallops, mussels, oysters, and clams can cause allergy-like symptoms and sometimes gastroenteritis, which appear up to an hour after consumption. Some toxins can cause nervous disruption which can cause a coma or death.

All three of these poisonings are medically treated based upon the symptoms experienced