Top Things to Do in Vanua Levu

The reefs off Vanua Levua are some of the best in Fiji – especially just off Savusavu. So if there’s one thing you should do there, it’s go snorkelling or scuba diving. Offshore, the Namena Marine Reserve’s world-class dive sites have benefitted from the landowner’s decision to ban fishing there since 1997. The result is an astonishing variety of corals, invertebrates and over 1000 fish species. This close to a big fish migratory path, you’re likely to see dolphins and all types of whales as well. You might also like to explore sheltered Natewa Bay’s all-weather dive sites or head to the island’s northern coast for one of it’s best kept secrets – the Great Sea Reef. At close to 200km long, it’s one of the largest reefs in the world and virtually unexplored – there’s only one dive company!

The first thing you’ll notice about JHunter pearls is their unusual earthy hues of metallic blues, cool greens and bright bronzes. At just 2500 pearls per harvest, they are the rarest pearls in the world and coveted by top European jewelers. Peek behind the curtains and see how they’re made at the JHunter pearl farm in Savusavu Bay. On the tour you’ll learn how they load and clean the lines and even watch them seeding or harvesting during the season. Bring your own snorkels if you want to swim over the shell beds as well. The tour ends back at their showroom where you’ll see the final product – and maybe even grab a few of these gorgeous gems for yourself too!

If you’ve got a penchant for plants, then this delightful little nursery on Lesiaceva Point Road is just up your alley! The property’s 5 acres of steep hillside and creek flats are crammed with ornamental and fruit trees but it’s the palm collection that’s the real showstopper. Planted throughout the garden are an impressive 250 palm species from around the world; some very rare and endangered. Even if you can’t tell a sago from a banana tree, you’ll still love the peaceful ambience and glorious views over Savusavu Bay. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it! Group tours run at 10am (weekdays) but you can also take a private tour. Hot Tip: Call ahead to book and take lots of water.

Go with the flow on a leisurely float or paddle up the Qaloqalo River to Savusavu’s Salt Lake. Spanning 100 acres, this small ‘inland sea’ is fed by the ocean’s tides; a perfect spot for exploring the mangrove forests by kayak or SUP. Be sure to ask your guides about the local legends and how their ancestors used the river as a shortcut to beautiful Natewa Bay. Check with your resort for more details.

Picturesque Natewa Bay – the largest bay in the South Pacific – is home to two large pods of spinner dolphins. Join a guided tour and spend an enjoyable morning tracking their playful antics on the water. The pod heads out to sea most afternoons, so you’ll most likely round off the trip with some fantastic snorkelling in the bay before heading home. Check with your resort for more details.

Apart from the 3m-high cobra-shaped rock within, the Naag Mandir Temple outside Labasa town looks like most others in Fiji. But devotees believe the rock has special healing powers so they make it lavish offerings of flowers, milk and fruit. Equally odd is the stone’s mysterious growth spurt (from 6ft to 17ft) since it was discovered close to a century ago. Priests have even had the temple roof raised twice to accommodate the extra height! Visitors are welcome to stop by but if you do, make sure to remove your shoes before you enter.