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Activities
Surfing
Surfing Fiji has a renowned reputation amongst the international
surf community. The rave here is exciting reef breaks (not for
beginners), secluded locations and the traditional Fijian hospitality.
Most reef breaks around the islands are accessed only by boat.
There are beach breaks for beginners on the south coast of Viti
Levu, the main island. Sigatoka has the most reliable breaks
although undercurrents can be dangerous.
Best time April to December. If bringing surfboards into the
country, check first with your airline carrier for baggage restrictions
and excess costs. Local airlines will only carry surf boards
with advance warning and will charge extra.
Fishing
The immense areas of fishable waters with very little pressure
separate Fiji from the more famous fishing venues. The rich
reef ecosystem and nearby blue water is home to over forty species
of gamefish - something for every angler. From fly-fishers to
big game trollers, novice anglers to seasoned veterans, Fiji
can provide the fishing experience of a lifetime. Fiji is just
now being discovered for its outstanding trevally fishing. Giant
trevally, blue trevally and other trevally species patrol the
surf, the edges of flats and reefs, and along the offshore reefs.
Light tackle anglers can throw plugs and pencil poppers over
reefs for GTs that can go over 100 pounds. Trevally can also
be caught trolling surface poppers and swimming plugs. Casting
and trolling poppers will elicit strikes from large barracuda,
snappers, and coral trout. Fly-fishers and light tackle anglers
can wade shallower reef flats and cast small plugs, spoons,
jigs, or hard-foam poppers for a variety of hard-fighting reef
fish. Smaller trevally, barracuda, and snappers inhabit these
shallower reefs along with a dozen other species. When the tide
is moving, rising or falling, anglers can expect consistent
action, and drawing an explosive strike on just about every
cast is not uncommon. Fly anglers can also spend their days
drifting (in the runabout) some of the world's most beautiful
reef flats and sight-fishing for trevally. Blind casting the
reefs is also very effective. If you're looking for bigger offshore
game, you may get shots at mahi mahi (dorado), wahoo or tuna.
Scuba Diving
Fiji is well known to scuba divers worldwide as one of the most
dreamed about vacations. It's reputation comes from what it
has to offer. The variety of soft coral is astounding. Fed by
the rich nutrients streaming up from the Tonga Trench and influenced
by several major rivers, the reef eco-system in the Fiji Islands
is noted for its complex nature.
In Fiji, however, you will see any number of hard and soft coral,
sea fans, dense schools of fairy basslets, schools of barracuda.
Other large creatures and pelagics that can be seen include
also turtle, dolphin, mantas, and a wide variety of sharks.
Fiji diving has something for everyone. Whether you visit as
a snorkeler or novice diver to enjoy Fiji's easy reef diving
or as an experienced diver enjoying Fiji's exotic wall dives
and big fish action. Fiji has it all! As the "Soft Coral
Capital of the World", Fiji's underwater landscape must
be seen to be believed.
SNORKELING - Fiji is world-renowned for the fantastic beauty
of its underwater environment. Tropical fish flash through a
blue heaven of ocean and castles of roseate coral. You might
see the brilliant parrotfish, lionfish, angelfish, crescent
perch, sea cucumbers, and even octopi in your travels.
Golf
You'll find a wide range and quality golf courses in Fiji -
from small local courses to international championship courses.
| Golf
Courses In Fiji |
Holes |
Yards |
Par |
| Ba
Golf Course |
9 |
4874 |
69 |
| Denarau
Golf and Racquet Club |
18 |
7150 |
72 |
| Fiji
Golf Club - Suva |
18 |
5719 |
72 |
| Labasa
Golf Club |
9 |
5522 |
70 |
| Lautoka
Golf Course |
9 |
5464 |
69 |
| Nadi
Airport Golf Club |
18 |
5882 |
70 |
| Pacific
Harbour Golf & Country Club |
18 |
6908 |
72 |
| Penang
(Rakiraki) |
9 |
1849 |
58 |
| Rakiraki
Golf Club |
9 |
1849 |
31 |
| Shangri-La's
Fiji Mocambo |
9 |
1470 |
27 |
Shopping
Shop for cameras, watches, perfumes and other duty-free items,
as well as a wide variety of local goods - pottery, tapa (bark)
cloth, recordings of local music, coral, wood carvings, Fijian
grass skirts and silver jewelry. Don't buy turtle-shell or whalebone
products: They will be confiscated by customs officials when
you return home. Note as well that many duty-free prices may
not be as low as those at discount stores at home.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm and Saturday 8 am-1
pm.
Dining
You'll find a wide variety of food in Fiji, including French,
Asian and Indian. The local food consists basically of pork,
chicken, fish, vegetables and fruit. We also liked the local
version of Indian cuisine. Attend a lovo (Fijian feast), which
offers roast pig, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and dozens of other
dishes. Among the local specialties are kokoda (raw fish marinated
in vinegar and served with coconut milk), dhal (a thick and
spicy lentil soup from India), fish in lolo (coconut cream)
and a variety of curries. The private island resorts usually
serve Western-style food.
Yaqona, or kava, Fiji's national drink, is part of a ritual.
It's made from a mixture of pulverized dry roots of a pepper
plant, soaked in water - it looks like muddy water. For the
ritual, everyone sits cross-legged on mats, with the master
of ceremonies facing a wooden bowl (a tanoa) filled with yaqona.
The master of ceremonies dips a coconut shell (the bilo) into
the liquid and passes it to the guest of honor, who drinks the
entire cupful in one gulp. The bilo is then refilled and passed
to the next person. The ritual continues until everyone has
had a drink. Yaqona is a mild narcotic, but you would need to
drink a lot to get much of an effect. (Those who drink a lot
of it on a regular basis may get dry, flaky skin.) Mostly it
will leave your tongue with a numb, tingling sensation.
Additional Activities
Additional Activities are available depending on your specific
destination and resort. See the Accommomodations Guide for more
information.
- Beaches
- Hiking
- Para
Sailing
- Wind
Surfing
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Horseback
Riding
- Whitewater
Rafting
- Bird
Watching
- River
Tours
Attractions
Lautoka
Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, Lautoka
This magnificent park has something for everyone: a chance to
explore waterfalls and forests, swim in a mountain stream, picnic,
hike or take a rigorous mountain bike trip.
Nadi
Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, Nadi
This unique Hindu temple, the largest in the southern hemisphere,
reflects an architectural style rarely seen outside India, and
houses sacred statues designed by craftspeople brought over
from India.
Denerau Beach, Nadi
This beautiful, warm-water beach stretches past several resorts
and is a great place for long walks, volleyball, swimming or
just people watching.
Navala Village, Nadi
One of the most picturesque villages in Fiji, this one retains
the traditional bures (thatched huts supported by center poles)
that have been replaced in other villages by prefabricated concrete
homes.
Subar Maniya, Nadi
Be sure to remove your shoes before entering this colorful temple,
the largest Hindu temple in Fiji.
Sheraton Denarau Golf and Racquet Club, Nadi
Golfing is a true delight at this beautifully manicured and
challenging course that also has a restaurant, bar and golf
store.
Nausori
Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Nausori
Wander through this incredible plantation of over 2000 different
types of orchids, started in 1977 by the late actor Raymond
Burr, of Perry Mason and Ironsides fame.
Pacific Harbour
Pacific Harbour Golf Course, Pacific Harbour
At this lush, riverside course designed by Robert Trent-Jones,
the golf is challenging, but easier than at Denarau, its rival
course.
Rakiraki
Tomb of Udre Udre, Rakiraki
Fiji's most notorious cannibal and tribal chief is buried here,
and the 872 stones surrounding his tomb represent each of his
unlucky victims.
Sigatoka
Kula Eco Park, Sigatoka
Get close to native plants and animals at this wildlife park,
filled with huge trees, iguanas, parrots and fruit bats.
Tavuni Hill Fort, Sigatoka
Tour this restored ancient fort where you'll learn about pre-colonial
Fiji life and enjoy great views from two lookout points.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Sigatoka
Not only are these dunes incredibly beautiful, but they were
also designated Fiji's first national park, and have a rich
archaeological history.
Coral Coast Railway, Sigatoka
Chug past a scenic coastline or through a thick green forest,
stopping at the Muka Caves for a refreshing underground retreat,
on this enchanting train ride.
Natadola Beach, Sigatoka
Considered one of Fiji's best beaches, Natadola features pure
white sand, many much-needed shade trees and horses for hire
- both gentle rides for children and adult-level treks as well.
Suva
Suva Municipal Market, Suva
Immerse yourself in the festive, friendly atmosphere of this
wonderful street market, where you'll find every tropical fruit
and vegetable imaginable.
Fiji Museum, Suva
Archaeological findings dating back 3500 years as well as cultural
objects reflecting Fiji's inhabitants during the past 100 years
are housed in the oldest museum in the South Pacific.
Parliament, Suva
These impressive, orange-colored government buildings were modeled
after traditional Fijian thatched huts, and the complex is open
to visitors.
Municipal Handicraft Centre, Suva
Try your hand at bargaining for artifacts and handicrafts at
these outdoor market stalls.
Albert Park, Suva
This park was made famous when Charles Kingsford-Smith made
an emergency landing here on his 1928 trans-Pacific flight.
Taveuni Island
Bouma National Heritage Park, Taveuni Island
This magnificent rainforest park offers superb swimming and
hiking, and harbors the mysterious tagimoucia flower, said to
grow only here and thrive no place else in the world.
Tavoro Waterfalls, Taveuni Island
Pack a lunch and head over to see these three waterfalls, each
on a different altitude level.
Lavena Coastal Walk, Taveuni Island
Beginning at Lavena village, this guided walk takes you along
Taveuni's wild southeastern coastline, past breathtaking views,
black sand beaches and beautiful forests.
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