Fiji is a country that conjures images of tropical islands, white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees, and it’s an image that you can find in real life across the archipelago.
There’s much more to the island nation than this though, and you’ll be mesmerized by the towering volcanic peaks, lush green rainforest, and the crashing waterfalls.
The Pacific nation is comprised of hundreds of islands, each with its own unique character, and you’ll find even the main island groups to be very different from one another.
Viti Levu is the largest island, and here you can find bustling towns, cruise ship ports, wonderful scenery and plenty of the best things to do in Fiji.
Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji, but its much quieter, less explored and home to untouched marine parks and large areas of wilderness. Taveuni, Fiji’s third-largest island, is also home to untouched marine parks, beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery.
The Yasawas and Mamanuca Islands are a tropical idyll, and you can laze your days away on beaches or snorkel in the clear water. There’s a lot to do on the islands, so to inspire your trip, here are the best things to do in Fiji!
Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Fiji (Travel Guide)
16 Things to do in Fiji – Viti Levu
1. Fiji Museum
You might be visiting Fiji to experience tropical islands and white sand beaches, but in Suva, on Viti Levu, you can learn more about the country’s intriguing history at the Fiji Museum.
It’s a great place to delve into the island’s history of Polynesian immigration, then its time spent under British colonial rule. There are some great exhibitions showcasing the local culture and heritage, with archaeological finds that go back thousands of years on display.
Our top recommended tours of the Fiji Museum:
2. Raft the Navua River
The Navua River is one of the best places to visit on Viti Levu, and one of the best things to do in Fiji. The Navua River isn’t the longest river in Fiji, but it is arguably the most beautiful, and it’s fast becoming an adventure tourism hub.
Flowing across the highlands, the scenery is lush and green, and you can tackle the white water rapids on rafting trips, go tubing or kayak or canoe on the quieter sections of the river.
Our top recommended tours of Navua River:
- Fiji Combo Day Tour Including Navua River Canoe, Fijian Village Visit, and Magic Waterfall
- Suva Shore Excursion River Tubing Fiji
- Full-Day Fiji Rivers Jet Boating Adventure
3. Garden of the Sleeping Giant
Close to Nadi, you can find Fiji’s most impressive botanic gardens. The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is every bit as interesting as its unusual name suggests.
The garden is home to thousands of unique species of plants, flowers, and trees from across the world, but it’s best known for its colorful orchids.
Our top recommended tours of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant:
- Vuda Lookout, Sabeto Valley and Garden of the Sleeping Giant Tour
- Nadi Tour- Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Temple & Mud Pool Combo
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour from Nadi Including Local Village and Garden of the Sleeping Giant
4. Sigatoka Sand Dunes
One of the best things to do in Fiji is to visit the Sigatoka Sand Dunes. This spectacular national park is found along the coast, and the sand dunes here rise up to 60 meters in height.
There are several trails that lead you through the national park, and you can walk in the shadow of these towering sand dunes, and reach viewing points for excellent panoramas.
Our top recommended tours of the Sigatoka Sand Dunes:
- Scenic Sigatoka Valley Drive, Fijian Pottery Village, Local School & Sand Dunes
- Explore Sigatoka Tour with Fijian village, School, Sand Dunes and many more
- Full-Day Coral Coast Tour
Things to do on Vanua Levu
5. Visit Savusavu
On Vanua Levu, Savusavu is the island’s tourism hub, and it’s one of the best things to do in Fiji.
Compared to the towns on the main island, Savusavu is a quiet retreat, with lush forests on one side and the tranquil ocean on the other. You can bathe in hot springs, enjoy small-town Fijian life and use Savusavu as a base to explore the rest of Vanua Levu.
6. Namena Marine Park
One of the highlights of Vanua Levu is visiting the Namena Marine Park. This underwater world is teeming with marine life, and you can snorkel or dive through crystal clear waters in a paradisiacal setting.
The park surrounds Namena Island, and it protects a large area of pristine coral reef that is often billed as the most biodiverse marine environment in Fiji.
7. Waisali Rainforest Reserve
One of the best things to do in Fiji is to explore the Waisali Rainforest Reserve. This untouched rainforest is one of the country’s largest areas of natural forest that still remains, and it’s found in the rolling hills around Savusavu.
You can tackle the different hiking trails that cross through the reserve, stopping off at waterfalls and lookouts along the way. The rainforest is home to many of Fiji’s different animal and plant species, but it’s particularly renowned for its colorful birdlife and large orchids.
8. Flora Tropica Botanic Gardens
The Flora Tropica Botanic Gardens on Vanua Levu are another great opportunity to immerse yourself in Fijian nature. Overlooking a beautiful stretch of coastline close to Savusavu, the gardens are home to a varied array of plant species, making it a colorful place to explore.
There are walking trails that take you through the gardens, over the undulating hills that are found here and that are covered in vibrant flowers and tropical trees.
Things to do in Taveuni
9. Tavoro Waterfalls
One of the best things to do in Fiji is to visit the Tavoro Waterfalls on the island of Taveuni. This is one of the country’s most famous sights and hidden amongst dense tropical jungle you can find three different waterfalls.
The Tavoro Waterfalls are situated within the Bouma National Heritage Park, and each is as stunning as the last. The first is the easiest to reach, and you can stroll along a well-trodden path through the forest, and marvel at the high waterfall before jumping into the cold plunge pool to cool off.
From here, you walk increasingly more difficult footpaths that become more overgrown, and you can stop off and swim at the second and third waterfalls, before returning the same way.
It’s a great place to spend the day, and you’ll be immersed in the jungle, and surrounded by nature when you visit the Tavoro Waterfalls.
10. Lavena Coastal Walk
Taveuni is known for its spectacular coastline and a great way to experience the best of it is to hike the Lavena Coastal Walk.
The short hike takes you along 5 kilometers of beautiful beaches, fringed by dense, lush jungle. You can stroll through rural villages or even kayak along the coast for a different view of the beaches. Bring along a mask and snorkel too, because the water off the coast is perfect for swimming.
Our top recommended tour of Lavena Coastal Walk: Lavena Coastal Walk Waterfall
11. Lake Tagimaucia
Taveuni is known for its diverse scenery, and as well as stunning beaches the island has plenty more natural sights. One of the best is Lake Tagimaucia, a remote lake that formed in the crater of a volcano.
The lake is an important habitat for wildlife and you can hike around the lake in search of local animal and plant species.
12. Somosomo Strait
Between the islands of Taveuni and Vanua Levu, the Somosomo Strait is one of the best places in Fiji to find marine life. The strait is perfect for snorkeling or diving, as the vibrant coral reef that’s found underwater is home to a huge array of tropical fish, turtles and other larger creatures too.
It’s one of the top-rated SCUBA spots in the country, and there are dive sites that are suitable for all abilities and experience.
Read reviews and check prices with our Hotel Search Engine, that gives you the best hotel deals found on the web. Our search engine pulls results from all of the major booking places, including Expedia, Hotels, Booking and more. All the options, all the deals, all in one place and just for you.
Things to do in the Yasawas and Mamanucas
13. Snorkeling and Diving
The Yasawas and Mamanuca Islands are the real epitomization of tropical Fiji, with white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and some of the country’s most vibrant coral.
The calm, clear waters make for excellent snorkeling and dive sites, and many travelers visit just for the chance to explore this colorful underwater world. Grab a mask and snorkel and jump into the ocean, or gear up to go deeper and to dive the varied dive sites around the islands.
Our top recommended tour including Snorkeling and Diving:
14. Sawa-i-Lau Caves
One of the best things to do in Fiji is to visit the Sawa-i-Lau Caves, which are located in the Yasawa Islands. These almost mystical caves are steeped in local lore and legend, and you’ll quickly be mesmerized by the shimmering turquoise water and beautiful rays of light that break through the rock.
The caves are formed from limestone rock, and you can jump into the water to cool off and to really experience their true natural glory.
15. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of Fiji’s most popular natural attractions because this is a true Fijian paradise. Found In the Yasawas Islands, the Blue Lagoon is easily one of the most beautiful destinations in the country.
A pristine, white sand beach is framed by palm trees on the edge of a clear, blue bay, and it’s beautifully photogenic. You can spend all day relaxing on the sand or swimming in the ocean, while the nearby beach bar can provide much-needed refreshment.
Our top recommended tours of Blue Lagoon:
16. Castaway Island
If you’re still looking for those pristine, white sand beaches and a tropical getaway, then catch a boat to Castaway Island.
Part of the Mamanuca Islands, this is one of the most beautiful places in Fiji. The island is small, and although a few hotels have been built on one side, for the most part, you’ll simply find undeveloped coastline, and plenty of quiet, sandy beaches to relax on and to enjoy being a castaway for the day.
Our top recommended tours of Castaway Island:
| Recommended Tours | ||
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
| Wanderlands Fiji 8 Days From Nadi to Waya Island Max group size: 10 | Fiji Viti Levu Island Experience 6 Days From Nadi to Nadi Max group size: 20 | Fiji Island Hopping Adventure 9 Days From Nadi to Nadi Max group size: 20 |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
More on Fiji:
- 9 Adventures You Cannot Miss in Pacific Harbour, Fiji
- Fiji Honeymoon-Romance and Adventure Guide
- Cloud 9 Fiji-Your Floating Paradise Guide
- 11 Epic Day Trips from Denarau, Fiji
- Guide to Taveuni-Fiji’s Garden Island
- 7 Reasons to Stay at the Koro Sun Resort and Rainforest Spa in Fiji
- 2017 Travel Review – 7 States and 7 Countries
