Fiji Islands
Fiji lies in the middle of the South Pacific, 2,000km north of New Zealand and 4,700km east of Australia and 5,000km south of Hawaii. The climate is tropical with warm dry winters (average 84ºF or 29ºC) and hot wet summers (average 88ºF or 31ºC). In the winter the evening breeze can be cool so it is best to bring a light wrap
About Fiji
The Fiji Islands are made up of over 330 islands, which are mostly uninhabited
With over 4000 square miles of coral reef, Fiji offers unparalleled marine biodiversity and is considered the soft coral capital of the world. Moderate water temperature makes for year-round swimming and snorkelling and the water visibility, particularly around the smaller islands and away of the main island is a photographers dream.
The Fijian People
The population of Fiji is approximately one million and is made up of 50% native Fijians, 45% Indo-Fijians and 5% European, Chinese and other islanders. 70% of the population live on the main island, Vitu Levu.
Fijian lifestyle is a relaxed combination of traditional culture and a strong belief in the family and community and you’ll find that the Fijian people are modest with an irresistible friendly warmth, and the biggest smiles in all of the Pacific.
Despite Fiji’s history of peaceful political coups, day to day living in Fiji towns and the tourist hubs is mostly unaffected by political events
The most popular religions are Methodist and Hindu followed by Muslim and Catholic
Main Island - Viti Levu
Viti Levu is Fiji’s main island which is 146kms long and 106kms wide and is where 70% of the Fijian population live. It is the third largest island in the Pacific – only New Caledonia and the Big Island of Hawaii are larger.
The capital and administrative centre of Vitu Levu is Suva, which is located on the south coast with an international airport.
Most tourists enter Fiji in Nadi which is located on the west coast near Port Denerau. From here, guests can make their way to the beautiful Yasawa Islands that have made Fiji famous.
The main island resorts located on the Coral Coast are also easily accessible from Nadi
Mamanuca Islands
Due to their proximity to Nadi, the Mamanuca Islands are popular day trip destinations for guests staying on the mainland and many of the island resorts are well established with bars, motorised water sports, restaurants and nightlife.
Some of the islands are famous backpacker destinations where the party continues all night long, while others, like our own Tivua Island, are small coral fringed islands that can privately booked for parties or on our Day Sail experience.
Between the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands lie the Sacred Islands -celebrated as the birth place of Fiji
The Sacred Islands
Located between the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are the Narokorokoyawa Sacred Islands.
The 5 islands that make up The Sacred Islands are beautiful beyond belief and are also considered to be the birthplace of Fijian culture. Visitors will be delighted with the spectacular scenery aquamarine lagoons, coral gardens and unspoilt beaches and get to experience a Sevusevu (gift giving ceremony) to pay tribute to the forefathers of Fiji.
The Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands lie off the north-west coast of the main island Viti Levu and stretch for approximately 80 kilometres.
The island chain consists of approximately 20 volcanic islands offering spectacular cruising passages and sheltered lagoons. The islands are situated well away from the main island, Vitu Levu and here you’ll find crystal clear and warm waters, long and mostly deserted palm fringed beaches and prolific marine life to snorkel and dive amongst.
Northern Fiji
To the north of the main island lies Fiji’s next two largest islands – Vanua Levu and Taveuni. These islands are far less commercialised than the main island and access to these islands is either by local air operators from Nadi or Suva or on special Northern Fiji Cruises departing from Denarau.
Savusavu on Vanua Levu is famous for its hot springs and pearl farms and hot spring markets, while Taveuni lies on the 180th Meridian and boasts the spectacular Bourma Waterfall and national parks.
Levaku - Ovalau Island
Levuka lies on the island of Ovalau, off the north-east coast of the main island and is Fiji’s first world heritage listed site.
Historic Levuka was the first European settlement in Fiji and became the centre of British colonial administration and trade. The town is famous for its stately backdrop of 19th Century colonial architecture and waterfront promenades
Access to Levuka is by local air operators from Suva or explore the area on one of our cruises.
CRUISE ITINERARY
one last remote fiji adventure
We know Fiji and our fabulous Fijian crew and Expedition team want to share these unique destinations and cultures with you one last time. Join us before October 2024 on a remote expedition on the gorgeous MS Caledonian Sky. After October we can still share the wonders of Fiji with you by welcoming you on board a Day Sail to Tivua Private Island or Dinner Cruise experience on board one of our gorgeous sailing vessels.
Hear what our past guests have to say
Captain Cook Fiji is a Multi-Award Winner in the Industry
