The village of Nalauwaki, Waya, Yasawa Islands, Fiji. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

A trip to Fiji: How to organize a travel to Fiji

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Fiji is a remote destination located almost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, to visit them you need to make a long air trip that is rewarded by postcard beaches and a culture still largely original and authentic. If you are looking for social life, entertainment and shops, change your destination. Made up of a few hundred islands, two are the main islands: Viti Levu (10,388 sq km) and Vanua Levu (5,587 sq km) which together extend over almost 16,000 sq km that is approximately 90% of the total territory of the archipelago and count almost 90 % of the population of all Fiji.

A trip to Fiji as well as an important financial outlay also requires careful preparation. First of all it is necessary to read up on the local climate to understand what is the best time to visit the islands. Even if the number of islands, their geographic conformation and the marine vastness over which they extend make the values of the rainfall different according to the exposure to prevailing winds. For example, the southern and eastern coasts of the two major islands are much rainier than the western and northern coasts. Having said that, we can say that the best time to visit Fiji is certainly the driest months between May and September.

Octopus Resort, Waya, Yasawa Islands, Fiji. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

WHICH FLIGHTS TO TAKE TO THE FIJI ISLANDS?

A variable that makes prices rise considerably are air flights. So careful planning is needed and if possible make our reservation well in advance. The first step is to find out which airlines fly to Fiji. To do this it is advisable to view the site of the main international airport of the islands that of Nadi (Nadi International Airport), the other international airport of the archipelago is the smallest airport of Suva (Nausori International Airport).

Nadi airport is connected by regular flights with most of the Pacific countries including Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Samoa, etc … There are also flights from Asia and North America, however. Once the airports and the companies that serve the Fijian airports have been identified, it is necessary to make simulations of prices and dates, in doing so always insert flexible dates so that you can see on which days there are the best prices. The flag carrier is Fiji Airways.

Narara seen from Naukacuvu, Yasawa Islands, Fiji. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

WHAT TO DO IN THE FIJI ISLANDS?

Once you have chosen your flight you must identify what your interests are and which islands you want to visit, to visit the whole archipelago it will take more trips unless you stay several months …. The most popular destination in Fiji is represented by the islands Yasawa, this archipelago located north-west of the main island of Viti Levu offers postcard beaches, resorts of all categories, a dream sea and unspoiled and spectacular nature.

THE YASAWA ISLANDS

On a trip to Fiji the Yasawa should never be missing. These are islands characterized by spectacular natural landscapes – with enchanting beaches – and inhabited by a welcoming population. To visit them there are two systems: take a cruise – 3, 4 or 7 day itineraries are proposed – or stay in one or more hotels. For cruises, the competition is between the Captain Cook Cruise and the Blue Lagoon Cruise, the itineraries they offer are similar. The same companies – in particular the Captain Cook Cruise – also offer sailing itineraries in the other islands of Fiji. If you have time and money, we certainly recommend the mix: take a cruise and then stay in one or two islands of the archipelago.

To reach the various hotels scattered on the islands, the connection with the fast catamaran Yasawa Flyer is very useful and convenient. This catamaran departs from Port Denaru – near Nadi – and connects the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands every day. If you decide to stop in more than one island, the Bula Pass is very convenient and allows you to use the catamaran for 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 and 21 days.

THE MAIN ISLANDS

Among the other destinations of the archipelago there are obviously the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. But tourism in recent years has also appeared on the lush island of Taveuni and on the fascinating island of Kadavu. Even the most touristic Mamanuca islands are a popular destination. Currently around 20 Fiji islands offer accommodation for tourists.

As for the two main islands – Viti Levu and Vanua Levu – it is better to visit them by booking a rental car and move around making a circuit that touches the main attractions of the islands. Remember that in Fiji the guide is on the left. Between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu there are daily flights or you can use the ferry services that connect the two islands.

HOW LONG TO STAY ON THE ISLANDS?

The minimum duration for a trip to Fiji is about three weeks, in this period of time you can take a 7-day cruise to the Yasawa, stay in one or two islands of the Yasawa or Mamanuca and make a short circuit of the main island Viti Levu. If you have more time you can go to visit the most remote islands through a cruise or stay in Taveuni, Kadavu and Vanua Levu.

Remember to have a valid passport with at least six remaining months of validity. An entry visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days. To enter Fiji there are no mandatory vaccinations. As in any trip, it is advisable to take out health insurance that includes, in addition to covering medical expenses, also the possible medical repatriation or transfer of the sick person to another country.