33+ BEST Things to do in Fiji – Your Ultimate Fiji Bucket List

This blog is about the 33 best things to do in Fiji to help you plan your trip. These suggestions are about getting the most out of your trip to Fiji and having the most memorable experiences possible! It’ll help you create your ultimate Fiji bucket list with plenty of fun and unique activities.

1. Try Kava

Kava is a traditional Fijian drink. It is made from a ground-up plant root (Piper Methysticum) and mixed with water. Traditionally, only village chiefs drank Kava. But nowadays, Kava is consumed at celebrations or even just socially with friends. In Fiji, alcohol is very expensive so Kava is the local people’s substitute.

Kava tastes a little like muddy water or really bad tea. After having many glasses you may start to feel “chilled out” or relaxed as Kava tends to have this side effect.

Don’t have Kava for the taste or the feeling, try Kava for the cultural experience. Attend a Kava ceremony and try one of the most popular drinks in Fiji for yourself in the traditional (ceremonial) way.

You can pay to go on a village tour and try Kava there, or, some hotels/resorts will do Kava ceremonies on certain nights (so you might just get lucky and try Kava for free!) You can also buy Kava at stores and mix it up for yourself, but I wouldn’t recommend it as the Kava Ceremony is all part of the experience.

2. Stay in a Bure

Another authentic Fijian experience is staying in a “bure”. A bure is a Fijian-style bungalow that many resorts have on offer as an option for accommodation. These Bures are usually on the beach and have an outdoor shower. It’s a fun alternative and much more interesting and authentic than your typical hotel room.

The price of staying in a bure really ranges depending on where you choose to stay in Fiji.

If you’re thinking about heading to the Yasawa Islands, you can get a budget bure at White Sandy Lodge for around $200 FJD per night. For something a little more luxurious, check out Navutu Stars Resort. A bure will cost you about $600 FJD per night but this place is seriously stunning.

Tip: Bures are nice for couples too since they are so private. If you’re looking for an amazing resort for your honeymoon in Fiji, you can’t go wrong with choosing a place with a bure!

3. Go Scuba Diving

Fiji is world-renowned for scuba diving! There are tons of brightly colored fish and corals to see as well as sharks. Yes, sharks! Scuba divers come from all over the world to go shark diving in Fiji.

To go shark diving you’ll need to go on an organized trip out at Beqa Island. There, you will dive with the sharks and watch them get fed. To be honest, I didn’t do this myself simply because of the high price tag ($240 USD) but I spoke to people who did and they reckon it was incredible! They felt safe the whole time and saw tons of sharks!

If shark diving isn’t your thing, there are tons of other scuba trips that take you to brightly colored coral reefs off the shores of isolated islands. These scuba trips are much cheaper than shark diving trips and if you aren’t already scuba certified, there are many companies that offer the training.

4. Go Snorkeling

When you’re in Fiji you just have to go snorkeling at least once!

Fiji is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs full of fish that you see on a snorkeling tour. While you can go snorkeling on your own from various hotels around Fiji, sometimes it can be hard to know where to go (especially if you’re staying on the main island of Viti Levu.)

There are lots of snorkel tours to choose from in Fiji. Some include a cruise out to one of the remote islands, lunch, and other fun activities.

For something even more exciting, go snorkeling with sharks! This specific tour takes you out to Kuata Island. From here, your guide will take you out to snorkel with the reef sharks. Don’t worry, these guys are pretty harmless!

If you ask me, snorkeling is one of the must-do bucket list activities in Fiji

5. Go to the Fiji Culture Village

Visiting the Fiji Culture Village is one of the most popular things to do in Nadi. It is very reasonably priced, includes food, and also picks up at most hotels. For families or those just simply interested in Fijian culture, this is a great (and unique) experience to have in Fiji!

6. Watch a Fire Show

A traditional way of dancing in Fiji is with fire! Fire dancers in Fiji are very talented and put on a unique show right in front of your eyes as they spin poles lit with fire.

If you want to see a fire show, you can go to a paid show such as one at the Fiji Culture Village, or you can try and catch a free one in a bar or restaurant. Just be aware, not all fire dancers are as talented as the next. If you want to see the really impressive ones, then I recommend going with the paid experience!

7. Explore a Remote Island

Did you know there are well over 300 islands in Fiji?! Exploring remote islands is one of the most popular things to do in Fiji. In fact, many people base their entire Fiji holiday on island hopping alone.

Some islands are isolated with no inhabitants while others have their own little towns. Some have electricity and internet, and some don’t. Some islands are many hours away by ferry and some are just off the coast. So, choose your islands wisely!

You can either spend a few nights on the islands or just do day trips from the main island. There are day excursions leaving from Nadi and Port Denarau daily to various different islands. I went to Robinson Crusoe Island and had a great day out there! Expect to pay between $100-$200 FJD for a day trip to an island including lunch.

If you’d rather stay on the island, then you have plenty of choices – almost too many that it’s hard to know where to stay. If you’re looking for a luxurious island stay that’s easy to get to the Castaway Island Resort is perfect. It is a huge private island resort that comes as one of the most highly-rated places to stay in Fiji. Here, you’ll find 4 restaurants, a pool, kids club, and an endless list of free activities to keep you busy all day long. You can also take advantage of the tennis court, pool bar, and day spa.

For an island stay that’s a little more budget-friendly, but still just as easy to get to and stunning, then check out the Beachcomber Island Resort. Beachcomber Island Resort is located within a marine sanctuary, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling or diving. There are many different rooms and bungalows to choose from – something for every budget! Dorm beds go for as little as $85 FJD per night, where you can get a standard twin room for $470 FJD.

8. Eat a Traditional “Lovo” Meal

A “Lovo” is a meal cooked in an earth oven (the ground.) This is a traditional method of cooking in Fiji and it is still used today. Meat and vegetables and potatoes are placed on hot rocks and covered with cloth and leaves to cook.

Many day excursions include the “Lovo” as lunch or dinner and it is always very tasty. Expect to have a selection of fish, chicken, beef, potatoes, cassava, and vegetables.

After the food is done cooking, you normally watch them uncover it from the ground. This is a unique and memorable experience you can only enjoy in Fiji. Once the food is uncovered, it is placed on a table as a buffet-style meal for everyone to enjoy!

9. Visit the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple

There is a huge colorful Hindu temple in Nadi. This temple is open to visitors and is a great place to stop at for a few minutes and explore. Hinduism is a very popular religion in Fiji due to the large Indian influence here, and this temple is the perfect example of that.

Historically, many Indians immigrated to Fiji and their culture still lives on in Fiji today. In fact, Indian food is some of the most popular food in Fiji (more on that later!)

The temple costs $5 FJD entry fee and only takes about 20 minutes to explore. You are allowed to take pictures of the outside but not the inside. Ladies must have their knees covered but don’t worry if you are wearing shorts, as they will give you a shawl to use for free.

Although just a quick activity, it is one of the most popular things to do in Nadi and well-worth adding to your Fiji bucket list. Many day tours of Nadi include this as one of the stops.

10. Enjoy the BEST Sunsets

Fiji has some incredible sunsets. You simply couldn’t visit Fiji and not enjoy multiple sunsets over the water. Grab a hammock or a cocktail (or both) and enjoy the show from just about any beach in Fiji.

Another great way to experience the gorgeous Fiji sunsets is on a boat. There is a really great sunset cruise you can join for the absolute best seat in the house!

But the truth is, no matter where you enjoy the sunset, be sure to do so! I watched the sunset every single night while I was in Fiji and they never disappointed!

If you are an early riser, checking the sunrise too is a great idea!

11. Drink Cocktails Made With Fresh Local Fruit

In Fiji, you can get some really delicious fruit cocktails. But what sets these cocktails apart from many that you could order back at home is that they use fresh fruit! No artificial flavors or sugary syrups here, just blended fruit, ice, and lots of alcohol!

A “Fiji-style” pina colada was my personal favorite. However, you must also indulge in various flavors of mojitos or taste a typical mai tai. Most hotel bartenders also have their own tropical creations that you should ask to try as well!

Tip: Almost everywhere in Fiji has happy hour deals where you can snag discounted cocktails. Watch out for these deals in restaurants and bars near you to save up to 50%. Most of the time happy hour is around 4 or 5 pm. This is a great thing to remember if you’re traveling Fiji on a budget.

12. Ride an ATV in the Jungle

Riding a quad through the jungle in Fiji is something many tourists miss out on. This is a shame as it’s one of the best tours available in Fiji! It’s full of adrenaline and offers some of the best scenic views around the island.

Quad tours typically depart from Nadi or nearby and tour through the jungle, on beaches, and even up into the mountains for panoramic views! It is one of those activities the whole family will love. Just be sure not to wear your nicest clothing as you will likely get very muddy!

This particular quad tour comes highly rated. Although a bit pricey, it is quite an adventure and includes transfers and lots of photos!

13. Go on a Catamaran Cruise

Spending a day cruising around on a catamaran is one of the top things to do in Fiji on the water. On the boat, you will relax and enjoy gorgeous island views and crystal-clear water.

Most full-day catamaran cruises include lunch, lots of drinks, as well as stops for swimming and snorkeling. You can do as little or as much as you want on a full-day catamaran cruise in Fiji.

The majority of catamaran day-trips depart from Port Denarau not far from Nadi. However, some also offer hotel pick-up at hotels as far as the Coral Coast. Typically, you can expect to pay around $100 USD for a full-day cruise including lunch.

This particular cruise is one I did, and loved! I spent the morning swimming, snorkeling, and adventuring, and then the afternoon sun tanning and drinking – a day well spent if you ask me!

14. Visit the Mud Pools in Nadi

The Sabeto Mud Pools and Hot Springs is one of the best things to do in Nadi! Just on the outskirts of town is this little gem of an activity that’s essentially an all-natural day spa. Visitors first cover themselves in mud which leaves the skin super soft (take my word for it!) Then, you get to enjoy natural hot pools of all different temperatures.

For only $15 FJD it is one of the cheapest things to do in Fiji! You can just jump in a taxi from Nadi or Denarau to visit the pools. The entire activity should only take an hour or so, and it is something people of all ages will enjoy.

Tour tip: Most Nadi day tours also include the mud pools as one of the stops. This tour is very highly-rated and visits both the mud pools and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant (more info below) as well as a few other top attractions in Nadi!

15. Wander the Garden of the Sleeping Giant

Right next to the Mud Pools is the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. This garden is gorgeous and has thousands of orchids around to check out. The mountain next to the gardens looks like a “sleeping giant” which is where this garden got its name.

The entrance fee to the garden is $18 FJD. Like the mud pools, it is often an included stop on day tours of Nadi.

16. Try Standup Paddleboarding

The calm ocean waters around Fiji make for the perfect place to try standup paddle-boarding. The truth is, it isn’t as easy as it looks, but if you try in a calm bay, then you’ll have a better chance of success!

Most remote islands have standup paddleboards available for hire, or sometimes even free to use. I went on a day trip to Robinson Crusoe Island and went paddleboarding there. It was actually quite challenging and fun at the same time.

If you choose to spend a couple of nights on a remote island, you might be able to practice and get really good!

17. Eat Kokoda (and even learn to cook it!)

Kokoda is a traditional fish dish that is very popular in Fiji. It is similar to ceviche in the sense that the fish is “cooked” in very citrusy lime juice but with a Fijian twist, it is served in a coconut sauce. To me, the coconut juice balances out the citrus and adds a sweet taste (which is super tasty!)

Kokoda is often served with Cassava (like fries but made with Yuca instead of your typical potato.) It is often a starter or appetizer and ranges in price depending on the type of fish used, portion size, and how fancy the restaurant is in general.

If you’re really into food then I recommend actually learning to cook Kokoda and possibly other Fijian dishes in a cooking class. Cooking classes are always a lot of fun and you get to bring new recipes and knowledge back home with you! For foodies, this is a must-do activity in Fiji!

18. Learn about History at the Fiji National Museum

History buffs and museum-lovers listen up! Yes, Fiji has a national museum and I actually went there. Most travelers skip the Fiji Museum because let’s face it, most people come to Fiji to relax on the beach or enjoy the ocean. But Fiji actually has a lot of history and culture to share that you can learn about at the National Museum of Fiji.

This museum is located in the city of Suva, Fiji’s capital city. Although the museum is one of the best things to do in Suva, many people never make it to Suva simply because it’s located about a 4-hour drive from Nadi. However, if you do make your way to this side of the island, the museum is a place you really should visit.

I myself am not typically a huge fan of museums. However, this one was pretty interesting with lots of artifacts and explanations everywhere.

It only cost $10 FJD to enter and took about an hour to go through. With that said, if you read all of the information you could easily spend a lot longer there.

19. Eat Indian Food

Fiji actually has a history of Indian immigrants, and therefore Indian culture is very prevalent. You’ll see Hindu temples all over the place as well as restaurants serving curries, papadams, naan bread, and a selection of Indian food.

Honestly, outside of India itself, Fiji is probably the next best country to eat authentic Indian food!

Most of the time, Indian dishes are quite cheap in comparison to western dishes or Fijian dishes with seafood. You also don’t need to go to an actual Indian restaurant to have Indian food, and you’ll typically find a selection of curries on the menu at most restaurants all around Fiji!

20. Visit Kula Wild Adventure Park

At Kula Adventure Park there are waterslides, canopy adventures including ziplining and parks, walking trails and canopy walks, as well as interactive animal experiences. Yup, they have it all!

Kula Adventure Park’s fees change depending on what activities and experiences you want to have. You can also buy your admission ticket in advance.

Kula Adventure Park is located on the Coral Coast and is very accessible from most hotels on Viti Levu.

21. Ride in a Helicopter on a Scenic Flight

There is no better way to view the gorgeous ocean and thousands of tiny islands that make up Fiji than from the sky. From a helicopter, you can see the islands, the mountains, and just Fiji’s overall beauty!

This helicopter tour departs from a floating helipad and includes a 45-minute flight with pilot commentary. It isn’t cheap at over $250 USD, but helicopter tours never are. Alternatively, you could always book a helicopter ride as a transfer out to a remote island to stay for a few days. This is one (expensive) way to arrive in style at your chosen island resort!

22. Shop and Eat at Denarau Island

Denarau Island is a small island that is actually attached by a road to the main island of Viti Levu. It has become somewhat of a tourist haven full of fancy resorts, restaurants, and shops. For this reason, many travelers chose to stay on Denarau Island for their Fiji holiday.

But even if you aren’t staying on Denarau Island, the port is well worth a visit for a few hours anyway. Here you’ll find lots of stores and restaurants.

To me, Denarau is one of those must-visit places in Fiji and somewhere everyone should check out even if it is just for an hour or two.

23. Visit a Local Market

Without a doubt, the best place to find fresh and fruit and veggies in Fiji is at one of their local markets. This is where the locals shop for groceries and there is no reason why you can’t visit! Load up on some local fruit to bring back to your hotel with you for a little snack later on.

At local markets sometimes you can find things other than food as well. It’s a great place to shop for unique souvenirs. And besides that, you’ll always meet some friendly locals while you’re there.

In Nadi, the Nadi Market is the largest, and in Suva, check out the Suva Municipal Market. If you want souvenirs rather than food, then you should consider heading to the Nadi Handicraft Market instead.

24. Adventure on a River

Fiji isn’t all about the ocean, in fact, there are plenty of rivers around too! On the main island of Viti Levu, you can choose from a range of river adventures to get the adrenaline pumping.

One of the most popular activities in Fiji is river-tubing. On the Navua River, you can join a tour that will have you floating down the river in a tube. This particular tour also includes hotel pick-up, lunch, and a village visit!

Another different river activity in Fiji is jet boating. This particular tour takes you on a crazy jet boat ride on the Sigatoka River as well as a walking tour and village tour.

Cruising along on rivers in Fiji is a great way to take in a different landscape than the beach, and explore a side of Fiji that is a little less known.

25. Go Ziplining

Ziplines in Fiji are high above the jungle canopy and are sure to get your heart racing while also offering spectacular views!

Not far from Denarau and Nadi is a pretty crazy zipline experience. This particular zipline experience includes 16 different ziplines that stretch over 3 miles! The entire experience lasts for a couple of hours and includes a cave visit.

It’s a really fun half-day activity and easily one of the best things to do in Fiji for an adventure lover!

26. Take a Photo with the President’s Guard

In the city of Suva, you’ll find the president’s house. While you can’t go inside, you can wander around the outside and admire the building and grounds.

At the front gate there is always a president’s guard. The guard does a march every 15 minutes, but other than that, just stands there protecting the gate. Tourists often visit here (myself included) to get a photo with the guard. He won’t speak to you or even acknowledge you for that matter, but it is okay to take a photo! Oh, and it’s free!

Tip: The president’s house is located in Suva not far from the National Museum. Therefore, combining these two activities on a day trip is a great idea!

27. Enjoy the Evening Atmosphere at Wailoaloa Beach

As the sun begins to set at Wailoaloa Beach, all of the people come out and there are lots of drinks to be had! The beachside restaurants fill up and you’ll have a choice of places with live music, dance shows, and even kava ceremonies.

28. Go Deep-sea Fishing

Deep-sea and game fishing is another unique experience you can have in Fiji. Fishing isn’t the most popular thing to do in Fiji, but it’s one that lots of people would enjoy. With the right gear and guide, you can catch some seriously big (and impressive) fish!

Some of the fish you might just get lucky enough to catch include marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, walu, and more. Some of the fish are catch and release, while others you can actually take home with you and ask your hotel to cook up!

Tour recommendation: This is a great private fishing charter that offers both half and full-day options. Although I never went fishing while in Fiji, it comes really highly rated with exceptional reviews!

29. Jump Out of an Airplane

Skydiving in Fiji isn’t cheap though and you can expect to pay over $200 USD for a jump. You can choose between a 12,000 ft drop and a 14,000 ft drop, with the latter being the most expensive. The plane departs from Nadi, so this is another great activity if you’re staying in and around Nadi and Denarau.

30. Go on an Overnight Island Cruise

An overnight or multi-day cruise in Fiji is one luxurious and convenient way to explore lots of the different islands in Fiji. You will get to snorkel a ton and enjoy an ocean view sunset every day!

You can watch for deals to book these cruises or even book a package deal with a travel agent including flights. Otherwise, there is this one particular 3-night cruise that although costs $900 USD, includes 4 days of cruising and activities, all of your meals, and accommodation right on the boat.

For something a little longer consider a 7-night cruise (pictured above.) You’ll get to explore both the Yasawa Islands and Mamanuca Islands with plenty of activities to keep everyone (even kids busy.) Expect to pay over $2000 USD per person for this 8-day experience.

31. Visit Natadola Beach

Natadola Beach is known as the nicest beach on all of Viti Levu. In fact, many people say it is nicer than any of the beaches on the remote islands too making Natadola one of the best beaches in all of Fiji! It is huge, has pristine white sand, and the water is crystal clear. It is definitely the best beach to visit while you’re in Fiji!

Natadola is located about an hour’s drive from Nadi, 45 minutes from the Coral Coast, or two hours from Pacific Harbor. For this reason, it is very easy to visit on a day trip with a taxi or even rent a car and drive yourself.

Alternatively, there are some really nice hotels right on the beach that are great places to stay. If you stay at Natadola Beach you’ll be able to experience the beach when it is the least busy first thing in the morning before all of the tourists arrive.

Natadola Beach is free to visit. However, if you want a lounge chair and umbrella, you’ll have to negotiate a price with a vendor, or buy something from one of the beachside restaurants.

32. Drink Fresh Coconut Juice

Coconuts are everywhere in Fiji! Therefore, they are cheap and easy to buy. I drank a ton of fresh coconut juice while in Fiji. Not only is it delicious, but it’s hydrating too which saved me on some of the hottest and most humid days.

You can buy fresh coconut juice pretty much anywhere. From restaurants, hotels, vendors on the side of the road, markets, or even at the beach. Expect to only pay a couple of dollars. For the freshest coconuts, they will cut into them right in front of you and then just stick a straw in and you’re good to go!

33. Visit a Fijian Village

There are many small villages in the remote areas of Fiji today. Lots of these villages live in traditional ways today. Tours have begun operating to these villages as a way to help them make income and even provide donations and goods brought by tourists.

34. Do NOTHING!

Let’s face it, one of the absolute best things to do in Fiji is to actually do nothing at all. That’s right, I’m talking about relaxing on the beach, hanging out poolside, drinking ice-cold Fiji Gold beers – all of that holiday relaxing stuff! Fiji is all about relaxation and enjoying the utter paradise. Turn off your phone, take off your watch, and enjoy “Fiji time” (where there is no hurry for anything at all!)

Relaxing is what Fiji is all about, and taking a few moments to do absolutely nothing is a must while in Fiji!