The Mainland
Viti Levu
This is Fiji’s bustling big island or ‘mainland’ where over 70% of Fijians live. It’s home to numerous villages, towns and cities – each region with its own unique character and charm.
Most visitors to Fiji land in Nadi, the vibrant tourism hub on the west coast, while Suva, (the capital city) sits on the island’s southeast. While you can fly between Nadi and Suva (Nausori Airport) in 30mins, it’s worth taking the scenic round-island roadtrip which connects all the regions. Here’s a quick guide to Viti Levu’s top tourism spots.
Region |
Highlights |
How to Get There (from Nadi) |
Nadi |
- Nadi International Airport
- Cultural activities
- Island daytrips
- Land daytrips
- Vuda Marina
- Sport Events
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- Nadi International Airport is located within the Nadi region.
- Drive: All precincts (Vuda, Nasoso, Martintar, Wailoaloa, Denarau and Nadi town) are within a 30mins drive from Nadi airport.
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Denarau |
- International Hotel Brands (Marriott/Sheraton, Hilton, Sofitel, Radisson, Wydham)
- Port Denarau Marina (Port of Entry and island daytrip hub)
- Port Denarau (shopping & dining complex)
- 18-Hole Denarau Championship Golf Course
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- An upmarket precinct located on a small, island off the Nadi coast, connected to the mainland by a short causeway.
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- Drive: 20-30mins from Nadi airport.
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Coral Coast |
- Village Visits
- Heritage sites
- Sigatoka Sand Dunes
- Snorkelling & watersports
- Surfing
- River adventures (Jetboat)
- Railbikes
- Sport Events
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- 80km stretch of scenic coral reef fringed coastline in Viti Levu’s south.
- Drive: 1 - 2.5hrs
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Pacific Harbour & Beqa Island |
- Top scuba diving region
- Shark diving hub
- River adventures (tubing, rafting, kayaks)
- Land adventures (ziplining, hiking, waterfalls)
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- Lush region on the south coast dominated by mountains, rainforests, the Navua river and the Beqa Lagoon.
- Drive: 2.5 – 3hrs OR 45mins from Suva city.
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Suva & Surrounds |
- Diverse local restaurants
- Affordable shopping & local markets
- Fiji Museum
- Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
- Cruise Ship Port of Call
- Sport Events
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- Capital city and the South Pacific’s economic and diplomatic hub.
- Drive: 3.5 - 4hrs
- Fly: 25min to Nausori Airport (then 30min drive to Suva city).
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Suncoast |
- Top scuba diving region
- Snorkelling
- Land adventures (hiking, waterfalls)
- Dolphin tours
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- Stretch of scenic coast and small offshore islands in north of Viti Levu (between Lautoka and Nausori town)
- Drive: 1 – 2.5hrs
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Vanua Levu
Fiji’s second-largest island is where small-town charm meets untouched beauty. Bustling Labasa town in the north sits near the Great Sea Reef, a diver’s paradise teeming with marine life. On the southern coast, Savusavu is the island’s tourism hub with a relaxed vibe, natural hot springs, and reputation as a haven for divers, yachties, and those seeking tranquility.
Taveuni - the Garden Isle – lies south-east of Vanua Levu. Famous for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and world-class dive sites along the Rainbow Reef, it’s an adventurer’s dream and the perfect place to explore Fiji’s wild side.
Region |
Highlights |
How to Get There (from Nadi) |
Vanua Levu / Savusavu |
- Top scuba diving region
- Snorkelling
- River floats
- Fishing
- Port of Entry – Yachts/Superyachts
- Marinas
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- Airports in Labasa and Savusavu towns.
- Fly: 45mins to Labasa (plus drive) or 55mins to Savusavu
- Ferry: From Suva
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Taveuni |
- Top scuba diving region (Rainbow Reef, Great White Wall)
- Hiking
- Waterfalls
- Birdwatching hotspot
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- Located off southeast coast of Vanua Levu.
- Fly: 1hr 25mins to Matei Airport
- Ferry: From Suva and Savusavu.
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The Island Groups
Western Islands – Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands
Located just off the coast of Nadi with frequent daily access, the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands are an easy escape into paradise. The Mamanuca islands - a collection of 20 stunning islands – offer a variety of places to stay, from family-friendly and adults-only to luxury and surf resorts. And if you’re staying on the mainland, there are heaps of day trips, fishing, yacht and cruise charters from Port Denarau to get you exploring.
The Yasawa islands in north-west Fiji, are generally more secluded with hidden beaches, remote reefs and high craggy peaks that are perfect for diving, snorkeling and hiking. With a daily pick and drop off ferry from Port Denarau, it’s also the best place in Fiji for island-hopping.
Region |
Highlights |
How to Get There (from Nadi)
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Mamanuca Islands |
- Top surfing, watersport and fishing region.
- Daytrips from Port Denarau
- Small-ship cruise itineraries
- Yacht charter cruise
- Yacht & Superyacht region
- Sport Events
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Ferry: 40 - 60mins
Fly (Heli): 10 - 15mins |
Yasawa Islands |
- Island-hopping
- Small-ship cruise itineraries
- Yacht charter cruise
- Yacht & Superyacht region
- Manta snorkel (May-Sept)
- Shark diving & snorkelling
- Sawa-i-Lau sea caves
- Hiking
- Sea-kayaking tours
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Ferry: 2 - 4.5hrs
Fly (Heli): 20 - 30mins
Fly (Seaplane): 20 - 30mins |
Central & Eastern Islands – Lomaiviti and Lau Islands
Lomaiviti – the centre of Fiji - is a cluster of seven volcanic islands surrounded by smaller island gems. Rich in history, it’s home to historic landmarks like Bau Island, Makogai’s fascinating leper colony, and Levuka—the nation’s first capital and only UNESCO World Heritage site.
To the east, the Lau Islands offer untouched beauty and timeless traditions. With over 60 islands split into northern and southern clusters, Lau boasts remote beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life. A haven for private yachts, Lau’s only resort - Vatuvara Private Islands - is pure luxury.
Region |
Highlights |
How to Get There (from Nadi) |
Lomaiviti Islands |
- Levuka – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Top Scuba Diving Region
- Dive Liveaboard
- Fishing
- Dolphin tours
- Manta Ray diving
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Ferry (Bus): 4.5hrs from Suva. |
Lau Islands |
- Yacht & Superyacht region
- Bay of Islands (Vanua Balavu)
- Lagoon (Fulaga)
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Yacht: Port of Entry at either Savusavu or Levuka. |
Southern Islands – Kadavu
Kadavu, Fiji’s fourth-largest island, is a secluded gem in the south. Surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef and blessed with lush rainforests, it’s a dream for divers, snorkelers, fishing, sea-kayaking and bird-watching enthusiasts and anyone who loves getting off the beaten track.
Region |
Highlights |
How to Get There (from Nadi)
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Kadavu |
- Top scuba diving region
- Deep sea fishing
- Manta ray diving
- Sea-kayaking tours
- Birdwatching hotspot
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- Fly: 40 - 50min to Vunisea Airport from Nadi Airport
- Ferry: 7 - 8hrs overnight from Suva
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