Fiji Holidays
Fiji is famous for its beautiful beaches, coconut palms, turquoise water, snorkeling and tropical island atmosphere. Romantic island adventure movie “The Blue Lagoon” idealized these islands as south pacific paradise for a good reason. Every year more and more people decide on having Fiji Holidays. Fiji as a popular tourist destination to relax, forget about your busy life and enjoy Fiji Time (local expression for not rushing and enjoying life).
This proven 7 days itinerary aims to give you the taste of real Fiji and to make sure you have a great time on your holidays in Fiji. It would suite if you are planning romantic gateway or family holiday in Fiji.
Firstly, you will start from Nadi, where most of tourists are arriving when visiting Fiji. Then, you will visit Denarau Island famous for its luxurious resorts. After that, it’s time to go to the pearls of Fiji – Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Finally, you will come back to Nadi to catch your flight back.
When to Visit Fiji
Fiji has tropical marine climate with only slight seasonal temperature variation. However, the wet season from November to April brings tropical cyclonic storms. If you want perfect weather on your Fiji Holidays, you should travel between May to November. May and September are the best months to visit with perfect combination of ideal temperature, humidity and low rainfall.
Day 1 – Nadi / Denarau Island
Most of the visitors start Fiji Holidays by arriving to Nadi International Airport. This airport is situated on the largest Fiji island – Viti Levu. It’s the most developed island and roads out of airport to Nadi or Denarau Island can get very busy. A lot of visitors to Fiji choose to go to Denarau Island, which is only 20 minutes drive from the airport by taxi and hosts several 5-star resorts, such as Sheraton, Sofitel, Hilton and Westin.
The 5-star resorts are luxurious, but you won’t experience real Fiji staying in Denarau island. This island was reclaimed from mangrove swamps and ocean around it is pretty much dead. We recommend you stay in Denarau Island just for 1-2 nights before you catch your ferry to the beautiful outer islands. Alternatively, if you are not on the budget you might want to skip Denarau all together and take a sea plane or even helicopter to your outer island resort. This way you will enjoy your days in Fiji in fullest and start your holidays earlier without wasting time on the ferry and Denarau hotels.
Day 2 – Ferry to Outer Islands
As mentioned, sea plane or helicopter flight will bring you to your ultimate destination 1 day earlier. But for most of us, who are on the budget during Fiji holiday, fast ferry service Yasawa Flyer is much more affordable option. This ferry service is operated by Awesome Adventures Fiji with free transfer from Denarau resorts and departing at 8:45am from Port Denarau. This is relatively comfortable and safe ferry, but if you decide on going to farther Yasawa island (this could take 4 hours), you might want to consider booking “Captain’s lounge”. “Captain’s lounge” is an air-conditioned lounge with comfortable couches and complimentary drinks and snacks.
Real Fiji Holidays
You have few choices in Fiji outer islands. Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains have around 40 resorts with a lot of them being the only resort on the whole island. If you would like to see several of these islands, you might want to consider Bula Pass offered by Yasawa Flyer. Bula Pass allows island hoping for the duration of your trip. Some of the farther Yasawa islands would take you more than 4 hours to get to, so island hoping will make this trip fun and let you experience different resorts.
However, if you would like to relax and take it easy choose 1 resort and stay there for the duration of your Fiji holiday. This way you will avoid the hassle of waiting for your transfers.
Days 2-6
Mamanuca Islands
Mamanuca Islands are just a quick ferry ride from Port Denarau and offer friendly Fijian atmosphere, great snorkeling, sandy beaches and relaxing holidays.
Where to stay in Mamanuca Islands
There are 3 outstanding resorts on Mamanuca Islands: Navini Island Resort, Likuliku Lagoon Resort and Tokoriki Island Resort. If you want ultimate luxury for a couple check out Likuliku Lagoon Resort with only over-water bungalows in Fiji. Another option for a couple is more affordable Tokoriki Island Resort. However, if you are family or on the budget, checkout Navini Island Resort – hidden gem of Mamanuca Islands.
Yasawa Islands
Magnificent Yasawa Islands were selected as one of 1000 Wonders of the Wold and truly special. They offer remote gateway from the civilization and yet still accessible. This is where 1980 romantic movie “The Blue Lagoon” was filmed and the area is a paradise for snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing.
Where to stay in Yasawa Islands
Yasawa islands have more than 40 resorts and there a choices for every budget. If you are on the budget, your best choice would be Octopus Resort or Coconut Beach Resort. You might want to choose Navutu Stars if you are on the romantic gateway. If you travel with the family, Paradise Cove resort will make sure everyone is happy and your Fiji Holidays are perfect.
What to Do around Yasawa Islands
Snorkeling and scuba diving around Yasawa Islands are the in top 10 best in the world. You have an opportunity to snorkel directly from the resort. The reefs are famous for soft corals and marine life. If it’s windy or rough from one side of the island, you can try the other side and it usually perfect. However, you would need to take a boat tour, if you would like to snorkel with magnificent Manta rays (from May to October). They are common in Manta Ray channel next to Mantaray Resort.
Most of the resort provide kayaks and stand up boards, which are a great way to get to uninhabitable beaches along the islands or just explore the lagoon.
There are also day trips to local villages, schools and churches (on Sunday). Moreover, some remote resorts offer an option to visit Sawa-Lau Caves features in where you can visit several underground caverns. The legend says that the caves are the resting place of Ulutini, the 10-headed ancient Fijian god.
What to Eat
You have to try Kokoda in Fiji. This delicacy has raw fish (mackerel or mahi mahi) marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk.
Lovo is another traditional meal cooked under ground in the pit. The pit is lined with hot rocks and meat wrapped in banana leaves.
Cassava – root of tapioca plant and Uvi – wild yam are a healthy substitute for french fries.
If you are more adventurous join locals for a Kava ceremony. Kava is a light bitter narcotic drink, it slows down time and relaxes your mind.
Day 7 – Nadi / Denarau Island
This is your last night in Fiji before you return to reality. It’s the same deal as on your first night and if you have an option not to stay in Viti Levu, take it. The beauty of Fiji is in Outer islands and Viti Levu won’t give you the same experience.
