Fiji has a bit of everything. A tropical paradise, there are beautiful beaches that are perfect for a lazy day, but there are also many activities on offer for adventures suitable for all ages. Consider the following when planning a trip to the islands.
Activities to Include in Your Itinerary
A country is made up of 333 islands, a trip to Fiji needs to include some exploration to take in the different scenery. This ranges from sandy beaches with coral reefs and tropical forests to large cities and traditional villages.
Day Cruises
To see parts of the country other than Viti Levu (the main island), you have options including flights, ferries, and water taxis. Day cruises are ideal to see several islands at once without needing to figure out your own transport.
Swimming with Ocean Creatures
Fiji is home to a diverse array of fish and other creatures, especially around the reefs. Snorkeling is the best way to see these, and it’s easy and inexpensive to rent equipment in the top snorkeling spots. Depending on where you go, you may be able to see manta rays, sharks, or even pilot whales.
Hiking
Inland, Fiji offers fantastic hiking opportunities. One of the best is Bouma National Heritage Park, which is located on Taveuni Island. Seek out the three waterfalls, swim in the pools, and look for tagimoucia, one of the rarest flowers on the planet.
Helicopter Tours
To see Fiji from a different perspective, take a helicopter tour. There are various options available, depending on whether you want to see mountains, rainforest, reefs, or coastline.
Cultural Experiences
Villages and resorts alike often offer cultural experiences for visitors. Options range from interactive activities like traditional cooking lessons and kava ceremonies to demonstrations like fire walking, weaving, and dancing.
Staying Safe and Comfortable
Key to any good trip is preparing in advance. This is especially important for Fiji because there is such variety in what a vacation to the islands could look like.
When to Visit
Since Fiji has a tropical climate, it’s hot all year round. However, there are two distinct seasons: the rainy season from November to April and the dry season from May to October. Most people prefer to visit during the dry season because there is lower humidity and it’s more suitable for outdoor activities. However, visiting during the wet season may help you avoid crowds.
Spend the Right Amount of Time
Deciding on the activities you want to include in your itinerary should help you figure out how long you’d like to spend in Fiji. Seniors tend to have the luxury of flexibility, which means you may even be able to stay a couple weeks. However, if you’d find this too tiring, one week or even five days may be better — anything less than this probably won’t be enough, though.
Find the Right Accommodation
The most popular accommodation options in Fiji are the resorts, which are scattered across the islands and range from budget to luxury. If you want a more authentic experience, though, you may prefer a village homestay, where you can live the Fijian culture firsthand. Staying in a five-star resort will be expensive (although if it’s all-inclusive you won’t need to worry about budgeting for much else), whereas a homestay with meals at local restaurants could be quite affordable.
Adapt to Fiji Time
A big thing in Fiji is what the locals call “Fiji time.” This refers to the relaxed attitude around schedules. People often use Fiji time to mean something will happen eventually, but you don’t need to worry about it. And if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t matter.
Take Precautions Against Mosquitoes
Fiji doesn’t have a huge mosquito problem and it’s mostly free from major tropical diseases, but it’s still important to take precautions to avoid bites. Use mosquito repellent when outdoors and consider staying in a resort that uses repellent throughout the facilities.
Pick Up a Sulu
Locals in Fiji wear sulus (a type of sarong that extends past the knees) when out and about. If you don’t already have something you can use, pick up a sulu while you’re in Fiji.
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