Are you planning a journey to the Fiji Islands? If so, lucky you – you’re in for a treat! It’s one of the last remaining true paradises left on Earth.

If you need help discovering what to do and see while you’re there then you’re in the right place. We’ve got over 10 years experience exploring Fiji and guiding gap year and volunteer programs through these beautiful Islands. So, if you were to ask us what to do in Fiji, you can be rest assured we know what we’re talking about.

So, what exactly are the best things to do in Fiji in 2018?

We’re glad you asked 😊

Proudly presenting, “Think Pacific’s Top Things to do in Fiji.” This is the ultimate guide for anyone wanting to travel to Fiji and who want to experience and explore everything this beautiful country has to offer.

It’s become quite common for our volunteers to do some of their own travelling before or after they join a Think Pacific expedition, so this is designed to ensure no stone is left unturned on a visit to the Fiji Islands.

Luckily, a Think Pacific expedition covers most of these and certainly the ones we think will leave you speechless.

Please do download our brochure or simply get in touch to discover what our award winning volunteering projects involve.

Check out the video below, taken from our volunteering projects to Fiji.

Things to do on Viti Levu

Nadi

Nadi (pronounced “Nandi”), is home to the international airport and as a result, most holiday makers, backpackers, volunteers and everyone else who enters Fiji ,will experience this city. It’s Fiji’s second largest city, but compared to cities and towns in the UK and Europe, it’s still relatively small.

Although Nadi welcomes visitors to Fiji, most will head out to the Yasawas, mainland, or outer islands once they arrive. Nevertheless, Nadi is a fantastic place, full of great things to do. We meet all our volunteers at the airport in Nadi as well as those volunteers who arrived early and spent a few days exploring Nadi.

Nadi enjoys blue skies and lots of sun – making it perfect for those wanting to get the most out of the weather. As a result, check out our top 8 things to do in Nadi below.

Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple – The colourful temple is worth a visit for anyone wanting to truly experience the Indian culture in Fiji.
Denarau Beach/Port – This port connects Fiji’s mainland to many of the beautiful Yasawas and Mamanuca Islands.
Nadi Produce Markets – Local markets are a fantastic way to get get your hands on delicious local food, as well as see the real side of a town or city. Nadi’s produce markets are always worth a visit.
Backpacker Hostels – Nadi hosts some wonderful hostels and lodges perfect for those who want to backpack around Fiji. Even if you’re just stopping off for a few days, these hostels are a great way to meet new people and get involved in some great activities. Get in touch if you’d like to hear our recommendations and our favourite hostels.
Skydiving – Due to the blue skies and all the amazing islands and islets surround Nadi, it has to be one of the best places on Earth to skydive. Many of our volunteers either start or finish their trip to Fiji with an iconic skydive.
Helicopter Tour – If a skydive isn’t up your street, why not treat yourself to a helicopter tour. These offer stunning views around the tropical landscapes of Fiji.
Horse Riding on the Beach – Nadi has some long beaches perfect for horse riding. If you enjoy horse riding, getting the chance to do it on a Fijian beach can’t be missed.
Enjoy a Fiji Sunset – The sunsets in Nadi challenge any in the world. Grab a coconut smoothie and sit back to witness these incredible sunsets.

Suva

Suva is the capital of Fiji and is the gatekeeper to many of the outer islands to the east. Suva hosts many Fijian businesses and is where many locals go to school and work. As a result, there is a great atmosphere in Suva and it offers lots of great things to do.

If you’re in Suva, make sure you say hello to our co-founder, Harry, who lives there. He works side by side with our government partners to deliver effective volunteering projects that make an impact.

Our favourite things to do in Suva include:

Shopping/Markets – Suva has some great local shops not to miss. This includes everything from craft markets to local fashion outlets and everything in between. Suva has lots of opportunities to pick up a colourful tropical shirt, perfect for brightening up any boring social event back home.
Food/Drink – There are some amazing places to get food and drink. Fiji hosts some incredible local Pacific restaurants as well as Indian food. There are also a number of hotels and restaurants with lots of western style dishes for anyone wanting a taste of home during their travels.
Fiji Museum – The Fiji Museum is in Suva and is a great visit for anyone wanting to learn more about the rich history and culture of Fiji. Fiji has a great story and has hosted some amazing stories over the years, and this Museum helps document and showcase just a few of these stories.
Albert Park – This city park hosts lots of local sports, including rugby and cricket. The Fijians love their sport and will create an incredible atmosphere for any game.
Rugby/Sports – As well as Albert Park, there are lots of rugby and sports events going on all over the city. Even a local game can involve everyone in the community coming out to cheer their team.
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park – This lush rainforest is only a stones throw away from Suva and boasts some amazing wildlife and plants.
Hibiscus Festival – This event is held in August and includes lots of free activities to get involved with around Suva. From music shows to an amusement park in Albert Park, it’s a fun filled event.
Local Markets – Suva has some great local markets to visit. Lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and other local food – it’s a great experience. We personally can’t visit Suva without picking up a pineapple stick!
Art – Usually found in craft markets or little shops, Suva is a great place to pick up some authentic Fijian art. From sculptures to paintings, there are some amazing art to see, and even buy.

Coral Coast & Sigatoka

Rugby – Sigatoka is often regarded as the home of rugby in Fiji. It’s a town that is sure to offer a range of rugby games to either watch or get involved in.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park – These sand dunes are steeped in history and natural wonder. As an official national park in Fiji, the area boasts unique dune forests and wildlife.
Sigatoka Valley – The river that runs through Sigatoka offers a wonderful glimpse into village life through seeing all the small villages and farms along the river. It also reveals deep Fijian culture and tribal traditions that help tell the story of Fiji.
Natadola Beach – This is a spectacular beach along the coral coast. It offers great opportunities to swim, surf and generally soak up the Fijian sun.
Kula Wild Adventure Park – This nature park offers a glimpse into Fiji’s amazing natural wildlife. It is a great option for families and those travelling with kids who may want to learn about Fiji’s animals. There’s also plenty of activities to get involved with there too. For those who prefer spotting wildlife in their natural habitats, living with local families on a volunteering project gives you a more authentic experience with these amazing creatures.
River Rafting & Tubing – There are a variety of river rafting and tubing tours you can join. From leisurely tours to those for the more adventurous, there is something for everyone.
Kayaking & Canoeing – Surrounded by rivers and ocean, Fiji offers those wanting to kayak or canoe, plenty of opportunities to get in the water. For those who are passionate about these activities, experiencing the original Fijian raft, called a “bilibili,” has to be on your bucket list. Luckily, bilibilis are often part of every day life on a Think Pacific expedition.
Arts Village – There are lots of great crafts and Fijian arts to see and buy around Sigatoka. Wood, pottery, fabrics, you can find it all.
Surfing – Lots of surfers flock to Fiji’s coral coast each year to experience the waves. If you’d like to give surfing a go for the first time, there’s also lots of lessons and classes you can join.

Pacific Harbour

Scuba Diving – Pacific Harbour is a favourite spot amongst scuba divers. This is often the meeting point before you head out to islands and islets in the Pacific ocean to spot amazing underwater wildlife.
Shark Dives – For those who like their diving with a little more adventure, there are some world renowned shark dives operating from Pacific Harbour. These often include seeing the sharks getting fed, in a surreal and unique experience.
Golfing – For anyone who loves golf, some of Fiji’s top resorts are located around Pacific Harbour.
Watersports – With plenty of water surrounding Pacific Harbour, for anyone wanting to join in any water sport, they’re bound to find something. From paddle boarding to sea kayaking, enjoying Fiji’s beautiful coast is definitely a great way to spend a day.

Vitu Levu Interior

Volunteer and Join Local Communities – The interior villages of Vitu Levu are stunning. Found nested within the highlands, these communities are the real Fiji. This is certainly off the beat and track, and not something you can just visit on your own. If you want to experience this real Fiji, then a Think Pacific expedition is the perfect option for you – make sure you download our brochure to learn more.
Driving Viti Levu Interior Roads – Some of these interior roads are a little “basic,” so getting in a 4×4 or truck and getting the chance to drive these roads can be an experience in itself.
Namosi Highlands and Rainforests – The interior highlands offer lush green rainforests and deep river canyons. Some of these can be accessed by tours from major towns – however, there are many hidden gems within the interior, that our volunteers often discover while living with these local families.
Upper Navua River Rafting – Navua river rafting offers adventurers the chance to experience some white-water rafting.

Things to do in the Yasawa & Mamanuca Islands

The islands off the North-West coast of Vitu Levu are famous for white sandy beaches and luxury travel. If lying on a beach and soaking up some Pacific rays is your kind of things, then a stop off on these islands is a must. From budget backpacking and island hopping to honeymoon spots and luxury accommodation, there is a nice mix.

Being so close to the Nadi and the airport, many of our volunteers hang around this area for a few days after project and get immersed into some serious relaxation after a fun filled time living with local communities.

Sunbathe – These islands tend to get a lot of sun, so if you’re looking to top up your tan, then you’ll love these islands.
Snorkel – With crystal clear waters and lots of ocean wildlife to see, snorkelling around these tiny islands is an amazing experience.
Fishing – There are a number of fishing tours that offer guided fishing trips around the Yasawa & Mamanuca islands.
Island hopping – This part of Fiji lends itself very well to island hopping. Check out our guide on island hopping around Fiji if this sounds like something you’d enjoy.
Tall Ship Cruise – There are plenty of 1 day cruises around these islands, giving you a quick but unforgettable experience into these islands.
Underwater Caves – There are some truly remarkable caves around the Yasawa islands. The Sawa-I-Lau Caves are highly rated.
Marine Conservation – The Fijians love and treasure their environment and wildlife, with lots of opportunities to get involved in this kind of work.
Monuriki – The island Castaway was filmed on, this island is rated highly among those travelling to Fiji. The island offers beatuiful beaches with steep inland cliffs.

Things to do in Lomaiviti, Kadavu & Lau Group

These islands are somewhat undiscovered and off the beat and track in Fiji. Nevertheless, they are true gems in Fiji and provide a unique insight into the traditional customs and culture of Fijian communities.

Lomaiviti is the birthplace of Think Pacific and hosted our very first expedition. These communities are as kind and generous as they come, and will always inspire our volunteers.

Levuka – This is the old capital of Fiji and is rich in heritage and history.
Volunteer and Join Local Communities – Lomaiviti is the birthplace of Think Pacific and reflects true island living in Fiji. This is where the very first Think Pacific expeditions went to. The communities are incredibly generous and have given all our volunteers some of the best memories of their lives.
Hot Springs – Many of these islands have hot springs, a gift from nature for our volunteers wanting to relax after a day on project.
Play Rugby – The communities in these outer islands take rugby very seriously, so getting the chance to get involved in rugby here is unforgettable. Many kids and young players don’t have the same level of coaching and support as those on the mainland, so our volunteers often help implement new skills for training for these naturally gifted rugby players.
Spear-fishing – Spear-fishing is a traditional fishing approach in Fiji and is a great way to fish in a sustainable way – only catching the amount of fish the village need.
Boat rides – Boat rides around these outer islands are a great way to spot some of the Fijian wildlife. Whales, dolphins and turtles can all be spotted travelling from one island to another.
Minimalist Living – Many of these communities live a basic lifestyle and this offers an incredible chance to ditch the modern gadgets to immerse yourself in this humbling way of life.
Beach Volleyball – Most of these islands host many beautiful beaches, perfect for a game of volleyball with the locals.
Netball – The Fijian women love their netball so if you’d like to get involved, you’ll be able to find a game going on in the villages. Playing and coaching netball is a big part of our volunteer projects.
Enjoy Fiji Time – Fiji Time is a beautiful phrase that reflects a stress-free way of living that the Fijians live by (it’s also the excuse for when people are late). But when in Fiji, it’s best to adopt this way of living.
Attend a Church Service – Regardless of whether you are religious or not, Fiji church services can be inspiring. The singing alone can be amazing and worth experiencing.
Wildlife Watching – It is in these remote parts of Fiji that you can see Fijian wildlife in its true habitat.
Visit Lau – Lau is the remotest part of Fiji – so remote in fact, that transport to these islands is very unpredictable and sparse. However, anyone that does make it to these outer islands, will experience the remotest villages of Fiji.

Things to do on Vanua Levu & Taveuni

Famous for inviting hospitality, beautiful weather and stunning scenery, Vanua Levu and Taveuni are true national wonders of Fiji. Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji and is accessible via boat or small plane. This pair of islands is home to postcard landscapes as well as incredibly friendly local communities. If given the chance, this is a great stop off for anyone visiting Fiji.

Hidden waterfalls, coral reefs, rugged rainforests, it’s all waiting for you.

Scuba Diving – Vanua Levu proudly hosts some of the world’s top dive sites. Savusavu is a great place to go if you want to do some diving and there are many organisations that will guide you on scuba tours around these untouched coral reefs.
Savusavu – Savusavu is a beautiful little town on Vanua Levu. It is often used as a base, if you’re looking to join tours and activities around the island. Home to both locals and expats, there’s a lovely friendly vibe throughout the area.
Waisali Rainforest Reserve – This national reserve includes lots of wildlife and stunning scenery that’ll give you a glimpse into a whole new world.
Nakawaga Waterfall – This waterfall is just one of many in Vanua Levu and Taveuni. These popular ones are great, but for the true adventurers, why not try and discover one that isn’t in any tourist guide or handbook.
Savusavu Hot Springs – Savusavu is famous for its hot springs. Relax and sink into Fiji Time with these water pools.
Coral Reefs – The coral reefs in this part of the world are amazing. Whether you choose to see them snorkelling, free diving or scuba diving, you’re bound to be impressed.
Wildlife – From bird watching to swimming with dolphins, and everything in between, these islands are home to some amazing animals.
Bouma Waterfalls – Surrounded by lush green forests, this waterfall reflects the paradise of Fiji’s interior land.
Great Council of Chiefs’ Meeting Hall – This beautiful hall (called “bure bose” in Fijian) hosts meetings between different Chiefs around Fiji. This illustrates the heritage and history of Fijian traditions and customs.
Waitavala Water Slide – This natural slide, created from the rock, is world famous and offers the adventurous souls a great activity.

What Should You Do in Fiji?

We haven’t even scratched the surface of things to do in Fiji with this list, but we hope it’s got you excited about what Fiji has to offer. If you’re still here after this very long blog post, I think you secretly now know you’re a little curious about visiting Fiji.

But, on hold… We’ve saved the best til last.

Although we’ve listed lots of things to do in Fiji, after every expedition, all our volunteers have exactly the same number 1, absolute favourite thing they loved about Fiji.

Can you guess what it is?

It’s the communities.

It’s immersing themselves into a real community within a team environment and living alongside the happiest people on Earth. Beautiful sunsets, snorkelling, and trekking are amazing but Fiji’s true beauty lies with its people. This is at the heart of what we do at Think Pacific and we make sure you get to experience the real Fiji.

If you’re thinking of going to Fiji then a Think Pacific expedition is the perfect way to enjoy every aspect of the country. For more info and dates, download the brochure and let us show you what a Think Pacific project is all about.

It could just be that life changing experience you were looking for.

Download our brochure today and start planning your trip to the Fiji Islands!