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Fiji On The Water: 8 Ocean Adventures You Can’t Miss
Brimming with vibrant coral reefs and peaceful lagoons, Fiji is a dream destination for ocean lovers. Whether you’re snorkelling with manta rays, surfing epic waves or setting off on a sea-kayaking safari, there’s heaps of fun things to do both on and below the water. Here’s a list of ways you can have the time of your life exploring Fiji’s watery playground.
1. Snorkelling
Pop on a mask, grab some flippers and dive into Fiji’s vibrant underwater world. Snorkelling is an absolute must-do for any visitor, with everything from shallow lagoons through to massive coral reefs to explore.
If you’re lounging at a resort on the Coral Coast or island-hopping through the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, you’ll likely discover your resort’s ‘house reef’ just steps from your beach towel. Elsewhere you can hop aboard your resort boat and join a guided tour to explore colourful barrier reefs or coral bommies.
For an extra-special snorkelling experience, there’s also swimming with reef sharks near Kuata island in the Yasawa Island or gliding beside majestic manta rays during the season (May to October) in Wakaya, Kadavu and the Yasawa Islands.
2. Scuba Diving
If you’re eager to explore deeper, scuba diving is your ticket to adventure! Many resorts boast on-site dive shops that offer discovery dives (ideal for newbies) and full dive courses for anyone 10 years and up – making it a fantastic family activity for older kids. From easy-peasy beginner shore dives to a thrilling liveaboard expedition, there’s a dive site for everyone. Along with the colourful coral, abundant sea life and great visibility, Fiji is the ultimate destination for scuba diving. Just don’t forget your GoPro so you can share the magic with friends and family back home.
3. Freediving
Freediving is making a splash as an underwater sport and Fiji is no exception. Mastering this exhilarating sport is all about blending control, discipline and strength as you plunge into the ocean without a tank. The best part? The skills you pick up from this unique experience could be useful for all sorts of aquatic adventures. Learn the ins and outs of recreational freediving basics with an expert operator like Liquid State Freediving in Savusavu who will help you practice in a safe environment and have a whale of a time.
4. Surfing
With spots ranging from sheltered breaks for newbies through to world-class waves that pro surfers plan entire trips around, Fiji is a true surf paradise. You’ll probably find seasoned surfers daydreaming about Cloudbreak – a fearsome left reef break that comes alive with a big swell. But there are still heaps of other fun waves for all skill levels, especially around the southern Mamanuca islands or in the Beqa Lagoon (accessed from the Coral Coast). Start there if you’re planning a surf holiday in Fiji.
Though most of Fiji’s surfable waves are reef breaks and best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers, beginners need not fret! If you’re just starting out or want to hone your skills, surf schools like Fiji Surf Co and DP Surf in Nadi or Endless Summer on the Coral Coast will get you gliding on beginner-friendly breaks in no time.
5. Kitesurfing, Foiling, SUPing
When the waves don’t play ball, there’s lots of other ways you can enjoy the ocean. Most resorts will have a SUP board or two that you can hire for a leisurely paddle along the coast.
If you want to learn with experts on some of the best waves in Fiji, Namotu Island in the southern Mamanuca islands run annual weeklong Signature Series trips where you can hone your skills kiting, surfing, SUPing, foiling and fishing to your heart’s content. There’s limited space and they’re quite popular so plan ahead and secure you spot on their waitlist.
If you bring your own gear, you’ll also find popular kiteboarding spots in the Blue Lagoon (Yasawa Islands), Nananu-i-Ra (Suncoast), Vacala Bay Resort (Taveuni) and near Matanivusi Eco Resort and Fiji Beachouse (Coral Coast).
6. Fishing
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in a prize catch. Most resorts and fishing charter companies offer guided fishing trips from family-friendly handline fishing to intense deep-water fishing battles. If you want to try your luck at hooking a big one, game fishing charters specialise in deep water fishing to find you fish like marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, giant trevally and mahimahi. Some fish are ‘catch and release’ only due to sustainable fishing regulations, and some you’ll be able to take back to your resort to have cooked for your lunch or dinner. Start planning your dream fishing holiday with expert anglers like Immersion Fiji (Savusavu), Hidden Gem Fiji (Nadi/Mamanucas) and Makaira Sports Fishing (Taveuni)
7. Jet Ski Safaris
If you’re craving an exhilarating way to explore Fiji’s beautiful coastline, a jet ski safari whizzing over the lagoon to deserted beaches will really get your heart racing. Check out guided tours from Hydrosports Fiji and Surf/Dive/Ski Fiji or keep an eye out for other resort-based jet ski excursions too. Keen to test the waters? Opt for a short, half-hour spin around a marked track close to shore. Or, if you're up for more, spend a few hours zipping along the coast or out to the islands.
8. Sea Kayaking
With 1129 kilometres of coastline, it’s no surprise that sea kayaking is a popular way to explore the country. Most coastal resorts have their own kayaks which you can use to paddle around the bays and beaches nearby. Be sure to wear a life jacket even if you don’t plan on going deep, because currents might be stronger than you expect.
But for a true off-grid adventure, consider signing up for a sea kayaking safari, where you’ll paddle between remote bays, visit authentic local villages and discover secluded bays and hidden beaches. Check out Southern Sea Ventures in the Yasawas for self-contained camping sea kayak safaris or go with Tamarillo Active Travel in Kadavu for epic island-hopping itineraries with a mixture of small eco-resorts and village homestays.
8. Sailing & Cruising
In Fiji, an Island trip is an absolute must. It’s the easiest way to get your tropical fix of beach lounging, reef snorkeling and watersports while being plied with a delicious buffet and cold drinks.
Explore stunning sand cays on a day cruise like South Sea Sailing, Coral Cats or Cruisin Fiji, soak up the scenery on a leisurely sailboat from to Tivua Island or toast the end of the day on a sunset dinner cruise with Captain Cook Cruises. For multi-day cruises that swap up your daily beach views, check out private yacht charters like Big Blue Fiji or Tradewinds Fiji or small-ship cruise itineraries with Blue Lagoon Cruises and Captain Cook Cruises.
Warning…with so many islands and sailing options to explore, it might be hard just picking one.
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