This archipelago in the South Pacific is a dream destination and you’ll find it right near the top of most travellers bucket lists. The idyllic beaches here are everything you could imagine from a tropical beach, with turquoise waters, white sands, and palm trees swaying behind them. If you want to do more on the beaches than just soak up the sun, you’re in luck. Fiji is a hotspot for watersports!
In this post, we’ll take a look at nine of the best water sports you can do in Fiji. All you need to do is decide which one you’re going to do first!
Stand up Paddle Boarding
With calm lagoons and still waters, Fiji is a dream destination for stand up paddle boarders and there are SUP events held throughout the year. The archipelago boasts numerous spots for practising all different disciplines of SUP, including surfing, fishing, and yoga. On the main island, Viti Levu, the Beachouse on the Coral Coast is a great place for beginners to learn SUP. However, with more than 300 islands in the chain, you don’t just have to stick to the main one. Another great location is Namotu Island.
Surfing
There’s surf all year round in Fiji, with two main seasons. You’ll get the most consistent swells from May to October, however, there are also shorter swells between November and March. The only beach breaks in Fiji can be found at Sigatoka, with the rest of the world-class swells occur on coral reefs such as Astrolabe and the Malolo Barrier Reef. While it’s an exhilarating and exciting destination for surfers, it’s not well suited to beginners!
Sea Kayaking
Much like stand up paddle boarding, sea kayaking offers you the opportunity to explore Fiji’s clear waters at a leisurely pace. Most resorts even offer free kayak use with your stay! As well as skirting across the glassy surface of protected lagoons, you can get off the beaten track in mangrove forests or follow the directions of local fishermen.
Snorkelling
With more than 1,500 species of fish and a plethora of brightly coloured coral reefs in the waters off Fiji, it’s absolute heaven for snorkellers. As well as fish, you’ll be able to spot eels, rays, turtles, and sharks. While you can enjoy a snorkelling day trip pretty much anywhere in Fiji, you can just head out from Viti Levu’s Natadola public beach. Without swimming far, you’ll come across an incredible coral reef packed with tropical fish.
Scuba Diving
People travel from all over the world to scuba dive in Fiji, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Have you ever wanted to be surrounded by sharks? The bravest divers can head to the Beqa Lagoon to see bull sharks fight for food right in front of them. If that sounds a bit scary, you could head to Mantaray Island where you’ll see more sedate marine life (we’ll let you work out for yourself what you’re most likely to see).
Aside from that, there are numerous coral reefs – including Astrolabe, which is one of the longest barrier reefs in the entire world!
Though scuba diving is a year-round activity in Fiji, it’s especially good if you come between July and August. There are several diving resorts in Fiji, so check them out if you want to easily reach the best dive sites.
Windsurfing
Off the northern coast of Viti Levu, you’ll find Nananu-i-Ra Island – one of the best destinations in the world for windsurfing. Sea breezes are often between 15 and 30 knots and you can windsurf anytime between April and January – quite a bit window!
Other amazing windsurfing spots in Fiji include Namotu Island in the Mamanuca islands, and Laucala Bay near the capital Suva. There are several high-end resorts that offer windsurfing – sometimes it may even be free of charge!
Jet Skiing
If you want to see a lot of Fiji from the water and get an adrenaline rush at the same time, then a jet ski is for you. There are jet skiing tours throughout the country, and safaris will take you to untouched and beautiful islands. You can normally ride solo or with a friend. Though it’s one of the most popular activities in Fiji and you can do it without any previous experience, jet skiing can be dangerous. So, if it’s your first time, take it slowly and easily!
Whitewater rafting
The last two water sports on our list show that you don’t need to head to the beach to enjoy yourself. Yep, there are a lot of inland activities you can do in Fiji too! The Upper Navua River in Viti Levu offers a whole host of water sports where you can get to the know the heart of Fiji. Pass rumbling waterfalls, squeeze through narrow canyons, and marvel at the luscious rainforest while conquering rapids with your intrepid group of white water rafters!
River Tubing
River tubing is an activity for all ages, and it’s a more chilled out way to get to know the Navua River. Though it definitely speeds up when you hit the rapids! You’ll enjoy much of the scenery that you’ll get when white water rafting, but you’ll have a lot more time to take it in when tubing. It’s a great activity if you’re travelling with your family!
