Five adventure activities in Fiji
Imagine yourself horizontal in the shade of a palm tree, one of hundreds lining Fiji’s postcard coastline.
That’s the reality of this 300-plus island paradise, where most flights touch down at Nadi on the main island, Viti Levu. From there, many travellers hop on a quick shuttle to their all-inclusive resort on Denarau Island, and long days relaxing by a body of water stretch out ahead.
For some, that’s the dream. For others, that sounds great… for about 20 minutes. If you’re an active traveller, you may have discounted Fiji as a destination that isn’t for you. Beyond the resort gates, there’s whole islands full of adventure just waiting to be explored. The most common regret from visitors is “I wish I’d left the resort more.”
So here are five ways to experience Fiji in the fast lane.
1. Ride the rails at Eco Trax Fiji
Eco Trax Fiji’s unique velocipede rail bike adventure follows a disused sugar cane railway along the Coral Coast, taking riders through lush rainforest and stretches of coastline that are otherwise difficult to access. Cool off with a swim and sip a fresh coconut on a secluded beach. High-five smiling children as they stand trackside while you coast through their traditional villages on the return journey.
The mostly flat route makes it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, while the electric-assisted rail bikes take the hard work out of the journey. This is a charming experience that needs to be on your itinerary. Book early as it fills up two months ahead.
2. Swim with sharks and manta rays
No trip to Fiji is complete without ducking beneath that impossibly clear water. Beqa Adventure Divers takes certified scuba divers into the Shark Reef Marine Reserve in Pacific Harbour which bull, reef and lemon sharks (and the occasional tiger shark) call home.Prefer to stay closer to the surface? Between May and October, snorkel alongside graceful manta rays in the Yasawa Islands. If you’re lucky, you may spot a reef shark here too. Tours are offered for travellers staying at Mantaray Island Resort, or you can join a South Sea Cruises day-trip from Port Denarau.
3. Hike the Sigatoka Sand Dunes
Earn your sunset cocktail with a walk through Fiji’s first national park. Sigatoka Sand Dunes swaps postcard palm-lined beaches for shaded forest teeming with luminescent butterflies and birdlife, before opening to dramatic golden dunes towering over the water.
Choose the easier one-hour trail or the two-hour version, with plenty of side tracks for those feeling adventurous. Adelaidians may recognise the sound of resting fruit bats. Here, it’s the slightly smaller cousin, the Pacific Flying Fox. Pack plenty of water and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day. This hike is best enjoyed unhurried, on Fiji time.
4. Drift downstream at River Tubing Fiji
If there’s one motto that sums up Fiji, it’s “go with the flow”. River Tubing Fiji floats you down the Navua River in an inflatable tube, trading resort beaches for lush rainforest scenery and the occasional gentle rapid for a splash of excitement.
Start with a scenic longboat ride upriver as friendly local guides share stories of Fijian culture, history and village life along the way. Follow this with a refreshing dip in a hidden waterfall and enjoy a delicious Fijian-style riverside lunch. Then it’s back downstream, taking it all in again from tube level.
5. Meet the makers at Honey & Hive
Drop by Honey & Hive, tucked on the edge of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, for an encounter that’ll leave you buzzing long after you leave. Suit up and step into the apiary to meet Fiji’s hardest-working bees up close, as your guide uses smoke to keep them calm. Surrounded by the gentle drone of thousands of pollinators, you’ll see every stage of the bee life cycle within the hive and, if you’re lucky, you might spot the queen.
Make a day of it by pairing this heart-racing experience with more serene attractions nearby – even adventurers need some down time occasionally. First, wander through the countless orchids and tropical plants inside the Garden of the Sleeping Giant botanical garden. Finish the day at the cash-only Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, where you’ll slather yourself in squelchy mud before melting away the aches and pains with a soothing soak in the mineral-rich, naturally heated water.