It is a commonly known fact that Fiji is a bucket list destination famous for its white-sand beaches, rich marine life, and crystal clear waters. However, you may still be undecided about visiting this slice of heaven. Fiji may appear to be simply another beach vacation for some, but there is much more to do than just relax on the beach.
Fiji is truly a one-stop destination for those that want it all, with so much adventure, culture, and gastronomy to enjoy. The archipelago boasts over 300 islands and atolls, so that you may tailor your Fiji trip to your preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort, a family Fiji vacation, or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, Fiji’s islands have a lot to offer.
Even though we could answer the “Why Visit Fiji” question simply by saying “because it’s paradise on Earth”, we have compiled ten reasons why you need to book a Fiji holiday right now.
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#1 Natural Beauty
If you wonder why you should visit Fiji, this is probably the best (and most obvious) reason. The natural splendour of the Fijian islands will undoubtedly take your breath away. There’s so much to see and do, from spectacular waterfalls and pure rivers to the ocean teeming with marine life and endless stretches of white sand.
Taveuni, in particular, is unlike anything else you’ll see, with gorgeous tropical rainforests covering 80 per cent of the island. A journey around the island will take you through hidden waterfalls such as the majestic Tavoro Falls and the Signtaga Sand Dunes near the Kulukulu community. It’s like something out of One Thousand And One Nights!
And who can forget Brooke Shields emerging from the sparkling ocean after being shipwrecked in ‘Blue Lagoon’? Did you know that several of the movie’s scenes were shot on Turtle Island in the Yasawa? If you’re a movie enthusiast or simply looking for some fun and relaxation, the Yasawas are famous for having some of Fiji’s most incredible beaches.
It’s also relatively easy to move from one island to another by boat. This 8-day exclusive private islands in Fiji trip will take you to the prettiest areas of Mamanuca and Monuriki Island, the filming location for Castaway!
#2 Friendly Locals
The Fijians are the most kind and warm people you’ll ever meet, and they’ll be eager to help you find new and unique local activities to make your Fiji holidays more enjoyable.
The world-famous “Bula” of Fiji is more than just a welcome. It is the true kindness, compassion, and positive attitude that permeates all aspects of Fijian society. Arrive as a guest and leave as a friend by immersing yourself in the Bula spirit via cultural heritage activities like village visits and everyday encounters with locals, just like in this Matamanoa Island trip.
#3 Delicious Food
Fijian food is a delightful blend unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced. Fiji has two delectable cuisines: indigenous Fijian, which is rich in seafood and low in spice, making it ideal for children, and Fijian Indian, which includes plenty of rice, spices, and chilli delicacies for people with more adventurous taste buds. Local ingredients such as mud crabs, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, and recently caught fish are frequently used in recipes.
Once in Fiji, you must taste Kokoda, a Fijian version of ceviche made with local fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk. Curries abound, so if you prefer spicy cuisine, you’re in heaven. Indian curries infused with locally sourced Fiji flavours are restaurant specialities. However, Fiji’s emphasis on fresh, indigenous products will appeal to even fragile stomachs!
If you want to enjoy a truly genuine experience, don’t miss a Kava ceremony. Kava is a root-based plant that is mashed into a drink and is believed to soothe the soul. Kava rituals are held on the floor, with everyone seated in a circle. To prepare the drink, the ceremony’s leader – typically the chief of the village, the most senior Fijian, or the person hosting the kava ceremony — combines kava with water. The kava is prepared in a tanoa, which is a large wooden bowl.
When the ceremony’s leader offers you a bilo (a cup made of coconut shell), clap once and drink the kava. Instead of sipping the bilo like a cocktail, you should drink it all at once. Then, return the bilo, applaud, and say “Bula” (good health). One bilo serves the entire group. Everyone in the circle applauds three times when the ceremony’s leader returns the bilo.
Top tip: If you are unsure about having kava and want to drink a small amount, request “low tide” from the leader. This signals to the leader that you simply want a tiny bit.
Also, don’t forget to visit Cloud 9, Fiji’s only two-level floating bar in the middle of the ocean. Check our 6-day Fiji mainland adventure for more foodie experiences!
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#4 The Diving is Like Nowhere Else in the World
Fiji is a popular diving destination, so if you’re a beginner or already have your diving certification, you should take advantage of this fantastic marine location.
Barefoot Kuata Resort and Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort are two of the best diving spots in the Mamanucas and Yasawas. Other places to visit in Fiji include Beqa Lagoon Resort, Aqua-Trek, and Beqa Adventure Divers (which is known for having one of the best shark dives in the world – no big deal!).
If you don’t have your diver certification yet, this trip to Fiji could be the perfect time to do it! Both beginners and expert divers will find Mamanuca Island to be a paradise, with diving activities ranging from pool breathing exercises to shipwreck diving, reefs, and shark encounters. This Fiji diving trip, on the other hand, will give you a good balance of snorkel and diving.
Whatever you pick, your day underwater is all about refining and improving your diving abilities so that you may safely and responsibly enjoy this mesmerisingly colourful underwater environment.
#4 Sustainable Resorts
It’s logical that Fiji, as an island country, is conscious of the environment. Rising water levels, after all, threaten many of the country’s natural riches as well as people’s livelihoods.
Many resorts have played an essential role in promoting sustainable tourism. The hotels on Yasawa and Mamanuca islands (a famous island-hopping route) are typically tiny and run by locals. In other resorts, electricity is only provided in the evenings, and water heaters are solar-powered. Numerous Fiji resorts are also involved in marine conservation and cooperate closely with experts to monitor the condition of the ocean.
Snorkelling with reef sharks, for example, may help support this conservation effort while also providing essential scientific research. This means you can discover the South Pacific’s diverse biodiversity while contributing to scientific studies that will benefit the local administration of marine protected areas. Win-win!
Our in-destination Local Designers at Designer Journeys use their unique local insight and expert knowledge to design, build and deliver your extraordinary travel experience. Just tap the button below to explore our gallery of customisable Fiji tours and tap ‘customise’ to connect with a Local Designer who will design your free personalised itinerary!
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#6 There is Something for Everyone
Fiji, the country of happiness, is more than just gorgeous beaches, picturesque islands, a turquoise ocean, and a dream holiday getaway. It also has some of the most spectacular hiking paths through lush rainforests, waterfalls, mountain ranges, nature reserves, and sand dunes, allowing tourists to appreciate Fiji’s grandeur from a different angle fully.
Some of the best hiking trails include Mount Tomanivi and Mount Batilamu. Mount Tomanivi, Fiji’s highest peak, is an extinct volcano in the northern area of Viti Levu that offers one of the finest walks on the island. It is a challenging trek with steep terrain towards the peak, standing at 1,324 metres. Those who accept the challenge and reach the peak will be rewarded with amazing views of the Yasawa Islands archipelago on a clear day.
Mount Batilamu, also known as ‘The Sleeping Giant,’ is another must-do trekking destination, with panoramic views of the Mamanuca Islands and Yasawa Islands from the summit. Fiji’s fourth-tallest peak and part of the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is roughly an hour’s drive from Nadi.
It also goes without saying that Fiji is also a perfect place for newlywed couples. Fiji boasts some of the finest honeymoon resorts in the world, with a mix of extravagant luxury and unrivalled serenity. Try this Fiji honeymoon trip of a lifetime, where you’ll have the chance to truly make the most of a private island paradise.
#7 Every Day is an Adventure
Fiji’s lagoons are ideal for sea kayaking, and the creeks that run through its mangroves enable you to explore these enigmatic ecosystems. Fiji’s native guides lead groups river rafting through the jungles and highland settlements on the main island and sea kayaking out to Benq Island, famous for its fire-walkers and surfing.
The Fijian Islands are home to some of the most desirable surf locations globally, with surfers travelling from all over the world to test themselves against Fiji’s swells. Tavarua Island, a secluded heart-shaped island not far from the famous region of Denarau, is home to several surfing areas for all skill levels. Whether you’re just learning to paddle out or have been perfecting the skill of surfing for decades, the waves that circulate this island will never fail to surprise you! Tavarua’s beauty, and what keeps surfers returning, is that there is always a wave to catch. This 4-day Fiji surf adventure trip takes you right to the heart of Fiji’s surfing paradise.
If you want more adrenaline, try rafting!
To appreciate the Upper Navua River, venture inland to Fiji’s tropical highlands. This river flows through various volcanic gorges, with several rapids to put even the most seasoned rafter to the test. It is a must-do for anyone seeking high-octane thrills.
However, if you prefer activities on land, then you will love Fiji’s zipline. This 9-day Coral Coast and Yasawa Island vacation allows you to get up close and personal with Fiji’s flora and fauna by ziplining through the trees of an eco-reserve.
After an in-depth briefing from your knowledgeable guides, you’ll glide down eight ziplines deep into the jungle and above the Wainadoi River Valley. The ziplines are one of the most thrilling activities on Fiji’s main island, stretching for almost two kilometres.
#8 Unique Fauna
Snorkelling with wild manta rays is one of Fiji’s most beautiful underwater experiences. Mantas are elegant sea giants with wingspans ranging from three to seven metres and thus are renowned for their underwater acrobatics. Though manta rays are distant relatives of sharks, they are toothless, harmless, and at ease around humans, making up-close interactions both safe and awe-inspiring.
During a few winter months, large groups of gentle manta rays gather in the Yasawa Islands to feed on plankton in the nutrient-rich waterway between Nanuya Balavu and Drawaqa islands.
#9 Family-friendly Culture
Family is fundamental to Fijian culture. So it’s no surprise that Fiji is exceptionally family-friendly. One-on-one babysitter services for toddlers and “Bula Buddies” are frequent free benefits for families.
Teens often have a daily schedule of guided activities to pick from, such as canoeing, snorkelling, and trekking. Keeping youngsters active, occupied, and safe during the day allows parents to rest by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or participate in experiences with peace of mind.
This family holiday to Fiji provides plenty of relaxation time along with an abundance of fun activities for the whole family.
#10 Take Relaxation to Another Level
Relax at the most luxurious spas in the Pacific, which are continuously voted as the finest in the region. Whether you prefer mud baths, massages, or other calming treatments, you’ll be sure to forget all your problems. Spas are, naturally, famous on the islands where relaxation is everyone’s top priority.
While spa services are an everyday activity at nearly every Fiji resort, certain resorts have world-renowned spas that you cannot miss. So, if you live by the slogan “go big or go home” when relaxing, choose a specialised spa resort in Fiji. Our Local Designers in Fiji will be able to tailor your trip to include plenty of relaxation time when planning your trip.
If you prefer a more natural spa experience, you should try mud baths. Because of the volcanic character of several of Fiji’s 333 islands, there are a few spots where you may soak in natural hot springs. The Sabeto Mud Pools, located just a short drive from Nadi, are among the most popular alternatives.
Cover yourself in a thick layer of moist mud and let it dry on your skin. Next, immerse yourself in a naturally heated hot pool to wash away the mud and let the therapeutic elements of the soil and water restore your skin. Following that, there are three additional hot pools to relax while admiring the panoramas of the Sabeto mountains.
Eager To Plan a Trip to Fiji?
To see everything that Fiji has to offer, you must plan ahead of time and with expertise. Our Local Designers, thankfully, have all of that and more!
To get started, explore our wide range of fully-customisable Fiji tours expertly designed by our trusted Local Designers. Offering you a taste of what’s on offer, you can tailor any one of these itineraries to design your dream trip to Fiji with our Local Designers.
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