Dubbed the ‘HMS No Comeback’ due to their one-way river journey, the bilibilli (bamboo raft) is a common sight along remote riverbanks on Fiji’s larger islands. These bamboo rafts serve as vital lifelines for isolated inland villages, ferrying both people and produce to coastal towns. You can experience them for yourself on a ride to the Salt Lake in Savusavu, navigate the v-shaped valleys of the Navua river with Discover Fiji Tours or even learn to craft one at the Namosi Eco Retreat in the heart of Viti Levu. Whether you’re steering the raft or simply soaking up the scenery, this authentic river adventure is sure to be memorable.
For unbeatable views and an adventure without the daredevil antics, take to the skies. Nadi Airport serves as the gateway to these aerial adventures with numerous options for helicopter transfers and scenic ‘taster’ flights. Choose from a 10-min whirl above Denarau Island to 30-min flights that take in the breathtaking bird's-eye beauty of the Mamanuca islands or the rainforests and waterfalls of Viti Levu’s rugged hinterland. You can even tag along on a ‘mystery tour’ or arrange a touchdown on a sand cay for the ultimate romantic date. Start planning now with Heli-Tours, Pacific Island Air or Island Hoppers.
Ride the incoming tide downriver on a slow drift past the mangrove forest to Savusavu’s Salt Lake. Depending on which resort you book with, you’ll float there with a lifejacket, rubber tube, kayak or bilibili. If you’re in the Yasawa Islands, book the sunset tube tour with Manta Ray Island Resort or Blue Lagoon to toast the region’s spectacular sunsets with champagne or beer while floating in the warm ocean.
There’s nothing better than a refreshing dip under a waterfall to beat the tropical heat. Luckily, Fiji’s larger islands (especially Taveuni) boast quite a few spectacular waterfalls although many of them require a bit of a hike to get to. For more accessible waterfalls that only require a short walk along fairly flat trails, visit Colo-I-Suva (Suva), Vuadomo (Savusavu) Biausevu (Coral Coast), Tavoro (Taveuni). Check with your resort about how to visit them if you are staying in these regions.
With 333 islands in Fiji, there’s no shortage of island day trips you can take. Leave the main island behind and head out to smaller islands where you can snorkel, swim and sunbake to your heart’s content. Most island daytrips depart from Port Denarau (25 mins from the Nadi Airport) to the Mamanuca or Yasawa islands. Join Cruisin Fiji to uninhabited Monuriki Island - the location of the Tom Hanks’ movie, Cast Away, visit Malamala Beach Club and other favorites like Tivua Island, South Sea Island and Serenity Island. And if you’re in Pacific Harbour or the Coral Coast, head out to the Beqa Lagoon sand cay or Yanuca Island for the day.
If you’ve ever dreamt of swimming (or snorkelling) with manta rays, Fiji is the place for it. This incredible experience unfolds during the manta season (April-October) at different reef locations across Fiji. The Manta Channel in the Yasawa islands is one of the best places to swim with mantas in Fiji but you can also encounter them near Wakaya, Kadavu and Taveuni. When you do, please give the mantas their space and practice responsible swimming. Resorts like Barefoot Manta Island Resort, Wakaya Club & Spa and Kokomo Private Island Fiji work closely with the Manta Project Fiji to promote sustainable interactions with these magnificent creatures. Follow their lead (and these handy tips) for an eco-conscious and unforgettable manta experience.