Fiji: Islands, Reefs and History

Fiji lies in the South Pacific and comprises more than 300 islands. Its landscapes range from lush rainforests and mountains to coral reefs and sandy beaches. Accordingly, a trip can be shaped by a variety of interests: nature and the sea, historic sites, culture or shared activities.

Reefs, Rainforest and Remarkable Nature

Fiji’s coral reefs are estimated to cover more than 6,700 square kilometres. One specific example is Rainbow Reef in the Somosomo Strait: the reef is known for its vibrant soft corals and has around 25 dive sites, including the Great White Wall. If you are particularly interested in the underwater world, this is a notable focus for planning your trip.

Fiji’s protected areas also reveal different facets of its natural environment. The Sovi Basin is the country’s largest protected land area; the Garrick Forest Reserve is a protected rainforest area. The Yadua Taba Crested Iguana Sanctuary is a protected area for Fiji’s native iguana. The Wasali Rainforest Reserve is associated with Fiji’s endemic ground and leaf frog, while the Nakanacagi Bat Sanctuary is considered the country’s first bat sanctuary.

Nature and history come together at Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. The park’s forests are home to more than 37 bird species, including eight endemic to Fiji. The park also contains archaeological remains dating back approximately 2,600 years; the early inhabitants were probably of Lapita origin. Wildlife and early settlement thus meet at one named site.

Discover History and Culture

Levuka Historical Port Town was Fiji’s first colonial capital. The historic port town is considered a rare example of a late-colonial port city whose development reflects the connection between local building traditions and colonial rule. The Laucala Ring-Ditch Fortification is an ancient Fijian village site. The Momi Gun Battery offers another historical perspective: it formed Fiji’s first line of defence against invading forces.

In Suva, the Fiji Museum is located in Thurston Gardens on Cakobau Road. Its collection includes archaeological material dating back as far as 3,700 years. The museum has a History Gallery, a Masi Gallery, an Art Gallery and an Indo-Fijian Gallery. If you prefer to explore culture outdoors, you can take a self-guided tour along Suva’s historic walking trail.

Village visits can also include a variety of cultural elements: traditional mat weaving, drinking kava, and Fijian music and dances. So, alongside nature and history, whichever of these experiences interests you most can provide another starting point for planning your trip.

Activities and Trip Planning

The Lavena Coastal Walk runs through Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni. The ten-kilometre loop trail leads from Lavena village to a waterfall. Its length gives you a concrete point of reference when planning a hike. As conditions and operations can change, check the latest situation before your visit.

Another way to experience the landscape is the full-day white-water rafting trip offered by Rivers Fiji on the Upper Navua River, which flows through a canyon landscape in Fiji’s interior. The river has more than 50 waterfalls, some of them up to 60 metres high. Nature watching and physical activity take centre stage on outings like these, unlike a museum visit or a self-guided historical walk.

Kula Wild Adventure Park operates a breeding and rehabilitation centre for endangered species, including the Crested Iguana and the Fiji Peregrine Falcon. For a family trip, different interests can help guide your choices, such as nature, cultural history or a shared cooking activity.

In Wailoaloa, Nadi, the Vavavi Experience offers a five-hour hands-on Lovo cooking class that includes a market visit. The RoC Market takes place on the third Sunday of each month and offers handmade goods, cultural crafts and food. These are two different ways to experience food and crafts: a cooking class with a market visit and a regularly held market. Check booking details and the market date before your trip.

Fiji Link and Northern Air serve most of Fiji’s small airports. As routes and operators can change, check the connection for your travel dates if your plans include a smaller airport.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lautoka, Navotua, Tavua, Nadi, Rewa, Leketu, Nadroga-Navosa, Western Division, Kadavu Province, Ra, Tailevu, Savusavu, Naitasiri, Serua, Labasa, Cakaudrove, Northern Division, Eastern Division, Central Division, Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands.