With over 300 islands, there is no shortage of beautiful reefs and exciting marine life and many tourist come to Fiji for the scuba diving and snorkeling. On all of the shallower reef dives there is an abundance of hard corals of every size, shape and color. Its not unusual to dive around large bommies covered with both hard and soft corals.
Most resorts have great hiking trails available around the resort and neighboring islands. Village visits are very popular with tourists and the Fijians who live there are enthusiastic and welcoming. The children are especially intrigued by those visitors with Polaroid or digital cameras. You'll probably be invited to participate in a kava ceremony and maybe even a meke.
Big & Small Game Fishing
Fiji has practically virgin fishing waters of great promise. With or without
a boat, whether you try fly fishing, bait casting, spearfishing, or head for
the deep seas, Fiji offers a variety of catch. In the deep, outer reef passages
are black marlin blue marlin and sailfish, occasional striped marlin and broadbill.
The waters around Vatulele and Beqa islands off the Coral Coast have yielded
large marlin and other species, some just under record size. July and August
are ideal for big wahoo (up to 150 Ibs). In a single day, anglers have caught
12 wahoo weighing 90 to 96 Ibs, four dolfini (20-50 Ibs), a 5O lb barracuda
and a I00 lb shark. Smaller game angling for jack crevalle (saga), barracuda
(ogo), king mackerel (walu), yellow fin tuna (yatu) and dolfini can be enjoyed
all year round on the Coral Coast.
A lot of good bait casting and spinning is available without a boat. A stroll along the shallow flats, estuaries and mangrove streams can harvest a good crop of barracuda, sea breem, salmon cod, mangrove snapper and jack from 2 to 12 Ibs. Freshwater streams and rivers on the main islands are light tackle grounds. Ika droka, the wily jungle perch, are taken up to five pounds. Hand line fishing, nite line fishing, light tackle fishing, trolling and big game fishing are all popular at most of the Fiji resorts. You can also try your luck at spearfishing with the natives along the coral reefs at low tide.
Garden of the Sleeping Giant
Nestled in its own shady, mountain valley with acres of orchids and flowering
plants, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant offers an interesting relaxing way
to experience Fiji's unique tropical beauty. Founded by Raymond Burr in 1977
to house his own orchids, the garden now displays Fiji's largest orchid collection.
You can stroll among an array of gardens, across lily ponds, and up through
a cool, tropical jungle. Visitors are welcome to explore on their own or with
garden guides. Refreshing ice-cold tropical fruit drinks are complimentary.
Located just 4 miles from the Nadi Airport, the garden is a short taxi ride
away. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sundays
Historic Levuka
Levuka, Fiji's "First Capital" a quaint, South Seas trading port,
is the location of the signing of the Deed of Cession to Great Britain in
1874. Today it has been designated a Historic Town by the Government of Fiji
and has recently gained tremendous attention and support from the conservation
and eco-tourism specialist around the world. It is home to Fiji's first school,
social club and the first Masonic lodge in the South Pacific. It is also home
to Fiji's first Roman Catholic, Anglican and Methodist churches. The shops
along the town's main street, fronting the harbour, are comprised of 100 year
old buildings in weather board with high "false fronts" reminiscent
of a bygone era. There are numerous memorials, monuments and a small museum
to visit, tours and treks to waterfalls and through rain forests, snorkeling,
diving, and bicycling.
Blue Lagoon Caves
Located amidst the crystal blue waters of the Yasawas is the island of Sawa-I-Lau,
more commonly known as the Blue Lagoon. This islands unique volcanic structure
stands high above the rest. This area was made famous by the filming of the
movie “The Blue Lagoon”, starring Brooke Shields & Jean Simmons.
The water becomes more turquoise as you approach the island. A white sandy
beach next to the sharp volcanic ridges is breathtaking. A staired walkway
with hand rails to the entrance of the caves is left from the filming of the
movie making access easy. The cool, clear water is excellent for snorkeling.
Inside the caves are swim-throughs that will bring you into other chambers
lit only by the glow of the sun reflected through the water beneath you. From
above the sun shines through jagged rocks. This area is magical and is experienced
by only a few lucky Fiji visitors who have an opportunity to visit the Yasawa
Islands.
The Fiji Museum in Suva
Since its founding in 1904, the Fiji Museum has grown from a small collection
of privately displayed items into the growing institution seen today which
is truly worthy of national pride and international attention. Its mission
has always been to protect, conserve, preserve and research the history of
the people of the Fiji Islands and the surrounding region. The museum aims
to become a dynamic institution for the preservation of the national heritage,
exhibition of artifacts of historical value and development of arts, craft
and culture in Fiji. This encompasses the task of education, especially important
in Fiji's unique multicultural society.
The Waterfalls of Taveuni
The Garden Island of Taveuni has many beautiful waterfalls and natural water
slides that are within hiking distance of local roads and villages. Bouma
Falls has three levels. The first falls and swimming area is an easy ten minute
walk from the road. The dirt riverside path is lined with beautiful flowers
and foliage. The scenic walk continues up to the next falls. There are several
rest stops along the way with beautiful overlooks of the valley below. The
path to the second waterfall is about 20 to 30 minutes above the first. Most
of it is through the jungle. The path can be muddy and slippery, so be sure
to wear appropriate hiking shoes. At one point you will need to cross the
river. A rope is strung across the path for a little extra stability while
walking across the large rocks. The top waterfall is about 30-40 minutes further
and the path becomes more difficult crossing the river several times. The
top falls is worth the hike and the water is suitable for swimming. Make sure
you bring along drinking water and schedule enough time to find your way back
down before sundown.