Fiji 2025 Travel Guide

When to Go

When it comes to weather in Fiji, forget about the four seasons you’re probably familiar with. These tropical islands are always very warm. But half of the year is distinctly hotter and wetter, while the other half is drier and a bit more bearable.

That drier and cooler season runs from May to October. These months see significantly less rain, a ton of sun, less humidity, and daily highs in the high 70s F (mid-20s C). Nighttime temperatures fall pleasantly into the high 60s F (low 20s C).

Accordingly, and because these months coincide with school vacations, high season in Fiji runs from June to August. You can expect higher hotel and flight costs and larger crowds during this period, although choosing the right resort can seriously minimize the latter factor. On the other hand, the shoulder months of May, September, and October can be ideal times to visit.

November through April is much hotter and wetter, with daily temperatures increasing by a few degrees, and the islands even see cyclones during these months. With the exception of the usual December and January holiday travel season, this is low season in Fiji. Room rates fall, and crowds get thinner for those who are willing to risk the weather.

Things to Do in Fiji

Fiji is the kind of place where you could easily spend a week lying on a sun bed by the pool or sea doing absolutely nothing – it certainly has the scenery, the beaches, and the resorts for it. But these islands are also packed full of adventure, with tons of watersports to try and island interiors to explore. Above all, be sure to immerse yourself in the beautiful culture of the exceptionally friendly Fijian people.

Top Fiji Activities

Diving in Fiji

Fiji has earned the reputation of being “the soft coral capital of the world,” but in reality, that’s only one of the many reasons to dive here. Divers of all experience levels can take advantage of warm water, friendly currents, and unparalleled visibility. All this, plus the fact that most resorts have dive centers, also makes Fiji a great place to get scuba-certified.

The Beqa Lagoon is one of the country’s most famous spots – not just for its huge amount of colorful corals but also its huge amount of sharks. Unafraid divers can get up close and personal with bulls, tigers, and lemons, as well as white tips and black tips here. Don’t hesitate, as there’s really nothing like a shark dive, and Beqa Lagoon is the place to be surrounded.

Fiji is also home to several vast barrier reefs, including the Astrolabe Reef and Namena Reef, two of the best known. Landscapes range from shallow, colorful coral gardens to steep walls and sheer pinnacles.

If in doubt, there are dozens of great diving spots all around the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains, which are also home to some of the country’s best resorts. You can book your dream hotel here and be assured that their divers will take you somewhere with plenty of vibrant reefs, fascinating fish, and even giants like manta rays.

Popular Watersports in Fiji

You don’t have to go under the surface with scuba gear to be able to enjoy the warm turquoise waters of Fiji. There are a ton of watersports to enjoy, ranging from simple to extreme.

For one, you can see a lot of the aforementioned reef and sea creatures simply by snorkeling above them, and it’s not hard to find a snorkel tour if this isn’t possible straight from the beach. You can also gaze down from a kayak or paddle board, plus take in the stunning views of the islands that look like they’re from a painting.

Surfers will be in heaven with the breaks of Fiji, including famous spots like Cloudbreak. You can also zip across the surface on a jet ski, banana boat, or kiteboard, as they are available at many resorts. Hop on a boat to parasail, wakeboard, or reel in a deep-sea trophy fish offshore.

Hiking & Exploring in the Islands of Fiji

Hiking is possible on most Fiji islands, as most are true volcanic islands rather than flat atolls, and exploring is especially popular on larger ones like Vanua Levu and Viti Levu (the main island). The island interiors are known to be rugged and covered with lush jungle.

Koroyanitu National Park, just north of Nadi, is a great place to start. There are rainforest creeks and waterfalls, volcanic cliff faces, and rolling grasslands. Ambitious trekkers can take on Mount Koroyanitu or Mount Batilamu here, while beginners might consider a guided experience at the Sleeping Giant Zipline, Waterfalls, and Zipline.

If you’re staying on or near Taveuni Island, Bouma National Park is home to even more jungle waterfalls. Tavoro Falls is the tallest, most popular, and simplest to reach while venturing further into the greenery reveals cascades that few people get to see.

How to Get There

Nearly all visitors to Fiji will arrive via Nadi, the country’s gateway city on the west coast of the main island, Viti Levu. Nadi is not the capital – that would be Suva, located on the opposite side of the island. But being in the west is better for visitors for several reasons.

For one, anyone staying on the main island will find that most resorts are in the Nadi area or not far from it. For two, visitors headed to outer islands in the Mamanuca, Yasawa, or other chains will be close enough to take a quick speedboat transfer. Finally, larger islands and resorts with their own airstrips have connecting flights straight from Nadi.

To get to Fiji from North America, your only option is Fiji Airways, as they have a monopoly on the handful of cities served on the continent. Tourists from down under have more options, as airlines from Australia and New Zealand also serve Nadi. Various smaller airlines connect Fiji to other island nations in the South Pacific.

It is essential to arrange further boat, helicopter, or domestic flight transportation with your resort in advance to continue your journey after landing. If you’re staying on the main island, taxis are available, as are rental cars. A basic bus service is available for budget travelers.

Cruising to Fiji is also an option, especially from Australia. One anecdotal note for sailors and private pilots is that Fiji has notoriously difficult (and expensive) paperwork requirements for these methods of entry. So, reconsider DIYing your arrival to the country!

Where to Stay

With several island groups spanning thousands of square miles, it can be difficult to decide where in Fiji to stay. Certain areas are better for certain types of travelers, and there are definitely differences in costs. These are some of the best choices.

Denarau Island & Nadi Area

Your simplest choice in terms of where to stay in Fiji is picking a hotel or resort right where you land in Nadi. Just a 20-minute drive from the airport is Denarau Island, the island’s dedicated tourist zone.

Denarau is purpose-built, with a central golf course surrounded by resorts ranging from mid-range to luxury. There’s a large selection of restaurants and shopping, as well as a major port for excursions to the outer island groups. This is also an easy gateway to explore the national parks, beaches, and villages of the rest of Viti Levu.

The same goes for hotels outside of Denarau Island in places like Wailoaloa Beach and greater Nadi. If you choose this convenient and reasonably-priced area, we like the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, which has modern accommodations and easy access to activities like golf and watersports.

Mamanuca Islands

This island chain just off the coast of Nadi is probably Fiji’s most popular group to visit. That’s due to both easy accessibility, as you can take either a quick speedboat transfer or helicopter ride to reach the islands, and because they have some of the most stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters that you can imagine.

There are around 20 islands, which are all small and quiet, surrounded by barrier reefs and coral gardens. Some are uninhabited besides their own resorts, while others have local villages alongside tourist accommodations. The hotels in the Mamanuca Islands are largely high-end, small in size, and with luxury amenities, like individual private pools.

That said, Mamanuca Island accommodations can be quite expensive. But the luxurious offerings, unbelievable scenery, and pristine ocean playground at your doorstep justify it for many travelers. We like the Six Senses Fiji on Malolo Island – every room has its own private pool, the diving and surfing are great, and you can experience local culture both at the resort and in the nearby village.

Yasawa Islands

To the north of the Mamanucas is the more remote Yasawa island chain. The speedboat ride from Nadi to this group will take a bit longer, but in return, visitors can expect less crowds, less buildup, and more pristine nature.

The 20 islands of the Yasawas are volcanic in nature and a bit larger than those of the Mamanucas, stretched across the sea in a long, narrow form. They are rocky and rugged, but shorelines are still graced with the quintessential soft-sand beaches of Fiji. That means visitors can experience both world-class sea life and exotic island features here. Don’t miss the Sawa-i-Lau Caves – a lagoon grotto hidden by the rocky island interior but fed with sea water via underwater tunnels.

There are surprisingly a few budget-friendly resorts in the Yasawa Islands, like the Mantaray Island Resort, but this is a place to go big or go home. If possible, go for something like the Yasawa Island Resort, an all-inclusive paradise that’s adults-only for most of the year and spread across no less than 10 picture-perfect private beaches.

Vanua Levu & Taveuni

These are the second and third-largest of the Fiji islands, both located to the northeast of Viti Levu. Both have airports, many villages, and road networks, but make no mistake – they are far from built-up or developed, and you’ll feel a million miles away on these islands.

Divers are particularly attracted to Vanua Levu and Taveuni, as there are some spectacular sites in the channel to their south. Savusavu Bay, Namena Barrier Reef, and the famous Rainbow Reef are all in this region. The beaches may not be as picturesque on this coastline, but the offshore wonders like reef walls and whale migrations are beckoning.

Consider the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort if you want to dive at these sites and have exceptional all-inclusive resort facilities to come back up to. Along with dive site access, Taveuni is packed with waterfalls, lush jungle, and idyllic beaches and has a handful of resorts to explore it all from.

Kadavu & Neighboring Islands

Kadavu is the fourth-largest island in the country. It’s located to the south of Viti Levu, and while its shores are dotted with a number of villages, Kadavu and the smaller islands nearby are very remote and undeveloped. It’s another very rugged and lush landscape.

Visitors choose this region to experience off-the-beaten-path nature, with great opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and particularly great diving. This group sits on the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. Its remoteness preserves some of the most vibrant and diverse sea life in the Fiji Islands.

There are a few semi-budget-friendly dive resorts here, especially throughout the smaller islands to the north of Kadavu. But there’s an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort that overshadows them all: Kokomo Private Island Resort. Stay here if you want a secluded beach villa or hilltop residence from which you can dive, relax, explore, or indulge as you please.

Suva & Eastern Viti Levu

Finally, some visitors find themselves wanting to visit the capital city, Suva, to experience the rich colonial history of Fiji. This is also the population and business center of the country, meaning any business travel will likely be based here. Plus, nature lovers and beachgoers still have some reasons to stay on this side of the island.

The city itself isn’t the beachy paradise Fiji is known for, but it is home to the Fiji Museum, the Municipal Market, and other local shopping and historic places. Just minutes away, lush rainforest and waterfall hikes can be found in the Colo-I-Suva Nature Reserve. You can find basic and budget accommodations, vacation rentals, and chain hotels in Suva.

You’ll find a few more resorts further down the coastal road south of Suva, which are within a short drive of the city but still offer the typical beach resort experience. The most popular is definitely the Nanuku Resort Fiji – accommodations are ultra-luxurious, as you may have seen on the American television series The Bachelorette. Plus, the dive center here makes trips across the channel to the Beqa Lagoon, Fiji’s famous place to be surrounded by sharks.

Where to Eat and Drink

Your dining and drinking in Fiji will depend on what kind of accommodation you choose, as described above. When you’re at a remote resort in the Mamanucas or Yasawas, for example, you may not have an option other than your hotel’s restaurants.

On the other hand, staying in the Nadi area, Suva, or on another large island may give you the opportunity to try local hotspots. Here are some of the top spots if you’ll be nearby:

Broady’s Bar & Café: A newer but instantly popular local hotspot for all-day breakfast, open-faced sandwiches, and nighttime live entertainment in Nadi, away from the tourist traps.

Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant: For true Fijian cuisine and a casual, friendly atmosphere, you don’t need to go far, as this local restaurant is in the Port Denarau Shopping Centre.

Wicked Walu Seafood Restaurant: It’s in a remote location on the southern shore of Viti Levu, but it’s been named among the best restaurants in Fiji. Located on its own small island, this place serves the best of meats and seafoods in a romantic adults-only atmosphere.

As for nightlife, Fiji isn’t exactly party central – but that doesn’t mean it’s all quiet in the islands. If you know where to look, you can find great drinking, dancing, and fun with locals and visitors from around the world alike. Here are some of the best bars and clubs:

Ed’s Bar: One of the most famous local bars in Nadi, with a casual atmosphere where locals and tourists mix with drinks and music.

Traps Bar: The equivalent spa for late-night dancing and drinking in Suva, particularly popular with tourists from all over.

Cloud 9: A literal floating beach club with sun loungers, cocktails, and nighttime DJs and partying, cruising in the turquoise waters off Nadi.

What to Know Before Going

The Fiji Islands probably sound like a dream destination if you’ve made it this far. But there’s a bit more to know before picking your island, your resort, and your activities (or non-activities). Be familiar with the following basic information about Fiji before departing.

A Short History

Fiji is in a region of the South Pacific known as Melanesia, but much of its culture and history are shared with the neighboring islands of Polynesia. The islands have been inhabited by indigenous Fijian people for thousands of years, who voyaged there from island groups to the west in the same way that the rest of Polynesia was inhabited.

The first Europeans visited Fiji in the late 1600s, while Captain Cook landed there in the late 1700s. Contact and trade with the locals picked up over time, and the land and its people were eventually exploited. Forced laborers were brought in from across Melanesia and other parts of the Pacific to work on cotton, sugar, and other plantations; this continued until the British annexed Fiji in 1874 as a colony.

Shortly after, the British began importing indentured servants from India to do the job – tens of thousands of them. This is the origin of the large Indian population in the islands today, as well as elements of Indian culture, language, and religion in Fiji.

Fiji gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1970. The decades after saw some difficulty, with several coups, including two in the early 2000s. But overall, and especially in recent years, Fiji is a stable and peaceful country that even supports international military missions around the world.

Current Travel Information

Today’s Fiji is famous as a tourist destination, which drives the country’s economy along with agricultural production. It’s considered a middle-income nation and one of the most developed of the Pacific Islands, with high levels of education.

English is one of the official languages and is widely spoken, along with Fijian and Fijian Hindu. They use the Fijian dollar, and you should not expect to be able to use foreign currencies like the US or Australian dollar – but these are easily exchanged. Credit cards are widely used, especially in resort areas.

Fiji can see some extreme weather, and the cyclone of December 2020 made news around the world for the horrible destruction it caused in the islands. Therefore, you should strongly consider the seasonality advice we gave above. But during the other half of the year, this is one of the most pleasant places to be, with warm sun and water.

Fiji is a safe place to visit and has a low crime rate. The US Department of State lists it as a “Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions” destination. The biggest risk is opportunistic petty theft in busy areas, so just take the normal steps you would to stay safe. Luckily, solo travelers and women should be comfortable in Fiji.

Tips for Travel

• Bula is the Fijian greeting word, and you’ll hear it very often in the same way you hear “aloha” around Hawaii.
• English is widely spoken in Fiji, as it’s one of the official languages. You may hear British English and Australian terminology due to the country’s Commonwealth history and main tourism market from down under.
• Fiji uses the Fijian dollar, and you should not expect to be able to use any other currency. Cash is easily exchanged at the airport, in cities, and at resorts, and credit cards are widely accepted (although they sometimes incur a fee).
• The Fijian language has some unique pronunciation rules that you may come across in the names of places. For example:
  • The letters d, g, and j are pronounced as if they have an n preceding them. For example: Nadi is actually pronounced Nandi, Sigatoka is Singatoka, etc.
  • The letter q is pronounced -ng as in mango. For example, the yaqona plant (used to make kava) is pronounced yangona.
  • The letter c is pronounced -th, as in thanks. For example, Mamanuca is pronounced Mamanutha.
• Fijians drive on the left side of the road – important to know if you’re renting a car on one of the larger islands.
• Power outlets in Fiji are the same as those in Australia and New Zealand, so you may need an adapter. Not only that, but voltage is usually 240V, higher than that of the US. Make sure your adapter is also a converter to avoid electronics damage.
• Some resorts on remote Fiji islands are the only development there, while some islands may just have a very small village. Consider when budgeting that you may not have any dining options outside of your resort. All-inclusive packages may be appropriate in this case.