Best Tours and Adventures in Fiji

When you hear the word “Fiji”, it naturally evokes images of romantic deserted islands, expansive beaches, and emerald lagoons. Yes, Fiji is known for all of these things. However, Fiji is more than just an island paradise. It is a natural wonderland, rich with history, excitement, culture, and adventure – something for everyone. There are literally dozens and dozens of organized excursions and tours that will help you find adventure, explore new islands, or visit authentic Fijian villages to meet some of the warmest and most interesting people on earth. Here are a few of the best ones to consider.

Land Based Favorite Fiji Tours and Activities (on the Main Island of Viti Levu):

• Sigatoka River Safari –

This award winning favorite offers half-day tours along the beautiful Sigatoka River aboard their custom-built safari jet boats. You’ll travel to local Fijian villages, experience an authentic Kava Ceremony, meet wonderful people, take in amazing vistas and have some jet boat fun (360 degree spins) on the way home. This uniquely Fijian adventure will let you experience the heart and soul of Fiji!

• Rivers Fiji’s Upper Navua Rafting Tour –

Whether you are a veteran white water aficionado or new to rafting, this full-day tour is a must do if you spend time on the main island. You will experience class II and class III white-water in a guided inflatable rafts (safe for children and the inexperienced). Each of the guides grew up along the river that you will explore and know and respect their environment better than anyone. This tour is more exhilarating than strenuous and allows you to witness some of Fiji’s most amazing terrain. The remote highlands along the Upper Navua Gorge are shrouded in lush tropical rainforest. You will see as many as 70 waterfalls and tackle challenging rapids along miles of deep, narrow, black volcanic canyon walls that are as narrow as 15 feet and as high as 120 feet at some points – Natural Fiji at its finest.

• Sleeping Giant Zipline or Zip Fiji Zip line Tours –

You have your choice of Zip line adventures with many locations convenient most major resorts on Viti Levu. Just half an hour from Nadi and Denarau Island, the Sleeping Giant Zipline will have you blasting across treetops above the tropical paradise of Sleeping Giant Mountain. Set among a 35 acre ecofriendly adventure park complete with 4 waterfalls, ancient vine covered rain trees, wild coffee plants, colorful parrots and four amazing waterfalls, you will have 5 Zip lines to enjoy with unlimited “zips” from beginner to daredevil. With Zip Fiji, you can experience speeds of up to 40 mph from 100 feet above the ground in your choice of two zip adventure parks in Momi Bay or near Pacific Harbour.

• Authentic Fijian Village Tours –

There are many traditional villages that you can visit while in Fiji. However, when visiting the village of Navala, you truly have the rare opportunity to travel back in time. The Fijian villagers of Navala are among the few still living in traditional thatched roof huts (called “bures’). Most other Fijian villages, although still true to the village structure, have adopted more modern roofing materials. Navala village is neatly set up or carved into the side of the mountain of Ba. These villagers rely mostly on nature to supply their daily livelihood. They plant their own food supplies of root crops, fruits and vegetables. It will be an experience equal to none because Navala is the best preserved traditional village in all Fiji.

Sea Based Favorite Fiji Tours & Activities:

• Day Cruises to the Islands –

If you are staying on the mainland, make sure you take a day cruise out to the outer islands. There are many cruises that will take you to the Mamanuca or Yasawa Islands where you can see the crystal clear emerald lagoons and white sand beaches that drew you to Fiji in the first place. One option is sailing to Tivua Island aboard the Ra Marama or Fiji One. Climb aboard and experience a full day spectacular sail cruise. The all-inclusive voyage includes a topical buffet lunch, kava ceremony, music & entertainment, beer, wine & soft drinks on the island and even guided snorkeling tours and the use of sea kayaks. There are other day cruises of course, including the famous Whale’s Tale, SeaSpray, and the Oolala.

• Snorkeling & Diving (w/ or without sharks involved) –

It is well known that Fiji has some of the best scuba diving in all of the world. Why else would Jacques Cousteau name Fiji “The Soft Coral Capital of the World”? There is diving…and there is adventure diving. No one knows adventure diving better than Beqa Adventure Divers. Their premier offering is the infamous “Fiji Shark Dive”. Here you will be able to witness expert divers feed up to eight species of sharks (including bull and tiger sharks) by hand as dozens of sharks swim around you with nothing to separate you, but your wetsuit. The award winning Beqa Adventure Divers also offer more traditional, yet still amazing undersea experiences like leisurely snorkeling trip along the rainbow colored soft corals of the world-renowned Beqa Lagoon. You will experience spectacular reef landscapes teeming with an entire eco-system of breathtaking sea creatures.

• Cloud 9 Floating Bar and Pizzeria –

After some more active outdoor adventures, why not relax with a cocktail and a wood fired pizza at the amazing Cloud 9 Floating Bar and Pizzeria? Cloud 9 is a two level floating paradise, set in crystal clear waters in the Mamanuca Islands near the famous Cloudbreak surf break. Cloud 9 can be relaxing and sedate or the setting for some oversea excitement depending upon the crowd of the day. Either way, you are sure to enjoy the pristine turquoise lagoon with 360 degrees views. It is only 40-45 minutes boat ride from Port Denarau and even closer to some island resorts. Visitors can lunch on Italian wood-fired pizzas (vegetarian, non-vegetarian and gluten free options available), and imbibe on their choice of beverages (local spirits, beer, soft drinks and fresh juices available). There are also day beds, hanging chairs, sun decks, music and water sports to enjoy. Bring a snorkel and make sure you plan ahead. Not every resort has regular transportation to Cloud 9, but there are daily tours from the mainland (including on the Excitor Jet Boat) and water taxis can be arranged with some notice.

Air Based Favorite Fiji Tours & Activities:

• Castaway Island Day Trip –

Fiji is beautiful from any perspective, but from the air it is amazing. Create some memories that will last a lifetime by combining a scenic helicopter or seaplane ride over the Fiji Islands with a visit to the legendary Castaway Island Resort. After a scenic helicopter flight, you will be treated as a special guest with a gourmet lunch and access to all of Castaway’s non-motorized watersports equipment as well as beach volleyball and tennis for the land-lubbers. After getting your fill of kayaking or sailing, you can return in style to the mainland.

• Scenic Helicopter Tours –

If you don’t have a full day to spare take as little as 10 minutes for a helicopter “teaser” or a more intense 55 minute scenic extravaganza. Tours will take you anywhere from the Sleeping Giant mountain in the Mt. Evans range to the more remote islands, including Modriki, where the movie “Castaway” was filmed. You can even arrange for a picnic on your own deserted, private island. A helicopter will drop you off with a three course, champagne lunch, an umbrella, towels and snorkeling equipment and come back to get you after you have enjoyed your private island time.

Relaxing on the beach while allowing the Fijian sun to melt your stress away is a very respectable activity while in Fiji. However, after you’ve recharged a bit and soaked up some rays make sure that you try one of the adventures listed above. You’ll be glad that you did.