Fiji Adventure Travel Guide

Introducing Fiji (Continued...)

e are the scattered islands of the southern seas, with Kadavu Island the largest.
Fiji’s tropical climate is moderated by easterly trade winds. Summers can reach over 30C in December and January. Winters (July and August) are just a few degrees cooler. The possibility of cyclones in the November to April wet season mean that travel plans should be left more flexible. The cool, dry months between May and October are ideal times to visit.
The rugged interiors of Fiji’s larger islands harbour emerald rainforests and jagged volcanic ridges, with Tomanivi on Viti Levu (1,324 metres) the highest point. The windward (south-eastern) sides of the larger islands receive frequent rainfalls and are typified by lush vegetation, whereas the leeward (eastern) zones are dry, sun-drenched grasslands.

Kitesurfing

The best winds are to be had during the trade wind season (April-January) when consistent 15-30 knot cross-shores are the norm. For calmer winds, quiet beaches and cooler conditions, visit in the off-season when bigger kites are needed.

Ellington Wharf is a top destination for beginners and experts alike, with the windy channel at ‘Kite Point’ offering perfect conditions. With water temperatures in the mid-20s, bring boardies and a rash vest.

Windsurfing

With year round south-easterly trade-winds, Fiji is a dream windsurf destination. Ellington Wharf (Sunshine Coast), benefits from a tunnel of wind, bringing 15-30 knots from May to December, and calmer winds of 10-20 knots from January to April.

Three kilometres across the water is the island of Nananu-i-Ra. Its easterly facing beaches offer supreme conditions, with Mile Long Beach a popular spot. June to November is the optimum windsurfing season, with over 75 per cent of days at force four and above.

Multi-Activity

To pack in as much adventure as possible, basing yourself around Viti Levu is a good idea. Try zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, sea-kayaking around Nadi, white-water rafting on the Wainikoroiluva River, or attending a traditional ceremony with a village chief.

Fishing

Fiji’s waters are teeming with fish and from casting in the mangroves to week-long game charters, the choices are limitless. No fishing licence is required and the South Pacific’s rich ecosystem supports a year round season for many species, including the Giant Trevally, Mahi Mahi and, probably the fastest fish in Fiji, the Wahoo. July is particularly good for marlin and tuna.

Denarau Marina, near Nadi, or Ellington Wharf, are both well equipped and are good bases from which to charter a boat to the Mamanuca Islands.

The Coral coast, (Momi bay to Pacific harbour) offers superb bait fishing in the mangroves, or try spear fishing with the locals at low-tide; expect barracuda, sea bream and mangrove snapper.

Pacific Harbour is a classic launching point for the Great Astrolabe Reef, which arcs along the south coast of the Kedavu Island group. In the deep canyons and rich currents here, expect to be hauling in 100lb Spanish mackeral and 400-800lb marlin.
In the Northern Islands, the deep waters off Taveuni are a top destination, with abundant billfish among the big game found here.

Kayaking

Separating Fiji’s two main islands, Bligh Waters offer the opportunity to explore the scattered islands of the wider Ellington Wharf area, whilst kayaking alongside turtles, dolphins and whales. There’s a massive choice of paddling destinations, from traditional Fijian villages to secluded islands and breath-taking reefs.

If island hopping’s your thing, try the Yasawa archipelago - a chain of 20 stunning islands, arching north-west from Nadi. Paddling’s best done in the calmer mornings, leaving the afternoons free for visiting Fijian villages or indulging in some of the country’s finest luxury resorts.

The Kadavu Island group (90 km south of Viti Levu) is fringed by the Great Astrolabe Barrier Reef. Kayaking and snorkelling here, you can expect to see a serious variety of marine life, from tiny seahorses to giant manta rays.

Sailing

Fiji’s warm breezes, tropical waters and secluded anchorages offer stunning sailing conditions. Sailors have the advantage of being able to visit some of Fiji’s most remote islands, inaccessible by other tourists. Catamarans are often the preferred choice of vessel.

Sailing off the Sunshine Coast, discover the wider Ellington Wharf area, visiting idyllic islands, exploring hidden beaches and discovering Fijian villages. Further west, you could cruise around the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, easily accessible from the airport at Nadi.

The sailing season runs from April to December when warm, reliable trade-winds blow at 15 knots and above. The unpredictable weather and tropical cyclone season from January to March is best avoided.

Classic Itineraries

Most visitors base themselves on the main island of Viti Levu and the nearby Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups. Here, travel is easy and the tourist infrastructure is well established. If heading east to Vanuna Levu, south towards Kadavu or to even more remote islands, research your trip more thoroughly and allow a little more patience.

From the international airport in Nadi, heading straight to the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups is a popular choice for Island hopping. On the mainland, kite and windsurfers should base themselves around Ellington Wharf and Nananui-i-Ra. To explore Viti Levu’s rugged interior, travel west to the Koroyanitu National Park and Nausori Highlands.

Other Activities

Extensive coral reefs and 50-metre visibility make Fiji one of the best scuba-diving spots in the world; the Great Astrolabe Reef, near Kadavu, and the Rainbow Reef, near Vanua Levu Island, are top destinations.

For adventurous surfers, Fiji’s reef breaks offer challenging conditions, whereas beginners should head to the beach breaks on south-western Viti Levu.

Hiking is spectacular in Fiji, with thousands of trails and mountain passes winding through the islands. Koroyanitu National Park and the Nausori Highlands are first-rate options on Viti Levu or, in the Northern Islands, try Bouma National Heritage Park in Taveuni.