14 Things to Do in Viti Levu, Fiji: Best Places to Visit on Fiji’s Main Island
- Barbara
- Jul 22
- 9 min read
Fiji is made up of more than 300 islands, and it is truly a dream destination. Most travellers arrive in Fiji through Nadi International Airport, located on the island of Viti Levu. Although Suva is the capital of Fiji, Nadi is often the first place visitors see because of the international airport.
This is also where we landed from Sydney, and we used Fiji as our base for flights to other Pacific islands, including French Polynesia, Tonga and Samoa.
We went to Fiji a few times, and while my favourite place is still the Yasawa Islands, there is also plenty to do on the main island of Viti Levu.
Table of Contents:
Here are the best things to do in Viti Levu, Fiji.
14 Best Things to Do in Viti Levu, Fiji:
Visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant was one of my favourite stops on Viti Levu. This beautiful garden has more than 2,000 orchids and is a peaceful place to walk around, surrounded by tropical plants and lush greenery.
The garden gets its name from a local legend. According to the story, there was once a giant who ate so much that he fell asleep at the top of the mountain and turned to stone. The mountain overlooking the gardens is said to be his shape, and with a little imagination, you can still see it across the landscape.
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant was started in 1977 by Raymond Burr, the actor from Perry Mason. Today, it is a relaxing and beautifully curated garden, perfect if you want a slower and more peaceful activity on Viti Levu.
It takes around 1–2 hours to visit, and there is also a lovely viewpoint.
Opening times: Daily, 9am–5pm Entrance fee: Around 35 FJD Website: The Garden of the Sleeping Giant
Hike Through Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is another great place to visit if you enjoy nature and hiking. Depending on the path you take, the hike can take around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, and I would describe it as moderate.
Make sure you stay on the marked paths, as it can be easy to get lost. Comfortable shoes are also a good idea, especially because there is a steep downhill section on the way to the waterfall. If you prefer, you can also hire a guide at the entrance.
The hike takes you through beautiful tropical forest, and at the end of the trail you can cool down in natural rock pools. There is also a waterfall, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim after the walk.
Entrance fee: Around 5 FJD
Relax at Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool
The Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool are one of the most popular things to do near Nadi. The experience is simple but fun: you cover yourself in mud, leave it to dry, and then move through different hot pools as the mud slowly comes off.
It is a very relaxing and unique experience, and at the end you can also choose to have a massage.
Entrance fee: Around 30 FJD
Website: Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool
Swim at Biausevu Waterfall
We actually stumbled across Biausevu Waterfall by chance while driving to the Coral Coast, and it ended up being a lovely stop.
You will arrive in a small village, where a local lady usually collects the payment. A local guide, often a young student who wants to improve their English, will then guide you to the waterfall. The walk involves crossing seven small rivers before reaching the waterfall.
The hike itself is easy, but you may want to remove your shoes or wear waterproof shoes to cross the rivers. The water usually only reaches your ankles, but it is still easier if you are prepared.
At the end of the walk, you will reach a beautiful waterfall, perfect for a refreshing swim and a relaxing break.
Entrance fee: Around 25–50 FJD
Discover Suva, the Capital of Fiji
Suva is the capital of Fiji and a good place to visit if you want to see a different side of Viti Levu. You can wander around the Fiji Museum, walk around the botanical gardens (Thurston Gardens), or snack your way through the colourful Suva Municipal Market.
It is a nice way to experience a more local and cultural side of Fiji beyond the beaches and resorts.
Go Shark Diving at Beqa Lagoon
If you are brave enough and have an Open Water diving certification, you can try the famous shark dive at Beqa Lagoon.
With professional divers, you dive down to around 30 metres and can see many different types of sharks, including black-tip sharks, lemon sharks, grey reef sharks and even tiger and bull sharks.
You can find more information here: The Fiji Shark Dive
Snorkel at Beqa Lagoon
If you do not have a diving certification, you can still enjoy Beqa Lagoon by snorkelling in the reef and spotting lots of colourful fish.
There are tours that organise snorkelling trips, such as Sea Fiji Reefs Beqa Half Day Tour. Alternatively, if you stay in one of the resorts at Beqa Lagoon, snorkelling equipment is often complimentary.
We were not brave enough to snorkel with sharks on this occasion!
Take a Day Trip to One of the Nearby Islands
One of the best things about staying on Viti Levu is that you can easily join day trips to nearby islands. Various companies organise trips to places such as the South Sea Islands, the Mamanuca Islands, Beachcomber Island and even floating bars in the middle of the ocean.
These day trips are a great way to experience the crystal-clear water and white sand beaches that Fiji is famous for, even if you are staying on the main island.
Day Trip to the Mamanuca Islands
A day trip to the Mamanuca Islands is one of the most popular day trips from Viti Levu. You can hop on a catamaran from Denarau and spend the day exploring white sand beaches, snorkelling-friendly reefs and that iconic Fiji-blue water.
South Sea Cruises are the main boats that go to the Mamanuca Islands, or alternatively you can book a water taxi.
You can find more information here: Mamanuca Islands Day Trip by South Sea Cruises
Visit South Sea Island
South Sea Island is another popular day trip from Viti Levu because it is very close and easy to reach. It is a good option if you want a classic island day without spending too long on the boat.
South Sea Cruises offer different packages, or alternatively you can book a water taxi.
You can find more information here: South Sea Island Day Trip
Spend the Day at Malamala Beach Club
Malamala Beach Club is only around 20 minutes from Denarau, making it another good option if you want to snorkel and enjoy crystal-clear water without too much boating time.
It is a stylish beach club experience, perfect if you want a relaxing island day with beautiful water, food, drinks and beach views.
You can find more information here: Malamala Beach Club
Visit a floating bar (Cloud 9 or Seventh Heaven)
Cloud 9 and Seventh Heaven are both popular floating bars in the middle of the ocean. Yes, it is real, and yes, it is amazing.
They are a fun option if you want something a little different from the usual island day trip. Think turquoise water, music, drinks and a floating platform surrounded by the ocean. They are about 1 hour boat from Denaru, you can book the daily boat transfers directly on their website, For Cloud 9 prices starts from FJD 239 which includes a $60 voucher for food and beverage. Website: Cloud 9
For Seventh Heaven prices starts from FJD 169. Website: Seventh Heaven
Snorkel with Sharks in the Yasawa Islands
I talked about this in my previous article on the Yasawa Islands. On Kuata Island, located in the Yasawas, you can snorkel with sharks.
If you want to travel directly from Denarau to Kuata Island for the experience, you can book here: Ultimate Encounters Snorkel with Sharks
Snorkel with Manta Rays
I also mentioned this in my previous article on the Yasawa Islands. You can join the same ferry and stop at Mantaray Island Resort to swim with manta rays.
Just keep in mind that it is around three hours each way, so it is a long day trip from Viti Levu. However, swimming with manta rays is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You can find more information here: Manta Ray Experience
My Suggestion for Shark and Manta Ray Experiences
For both snorkelling with sharks and swimming with manta rays, I personally suggest going to the Yasawa Islands and staying there for a few days.
That way, you can fully enjoy the experience without having to rush there and back on the same day. The Yasawa Islands are also my favourite part of Fiji, so I think they are worth more than just a quick day trip.
What to Eat in Fiji
When you are in Fiji, make sure you try kokoda, a zesty ceviche-style fish dish marinated in coconut milk and lime. It is fresh, delicious and perfect in the tropical heat.
You should also try a traditional lovo feast, where meats and root vegetables are cooked underground.
Bonus tip: say yes to fresh pineapple everywhere you go. You will not regret it! In the picture the Kokoda we prepared during a cooking demonstration in the Yasawa.
Where to Stay in Viti Levu Fiji
I think the best place to stay on the main island of Viti Levu is the Coral Coast. It is the perfect spot if you want peace, relaxation and good snorkelling.
One thing to consider is that the Coral Coast is quite far from Denarau and the airport. It takes around two hours to drive there, which is important to keep in mind if you are booking day trips from Denarau or if you have early flights.
Staying on the Coral Coast: Wellesley Resort
On the Coral Coast, we stayed at the Wellesley Resort, and we loved it.
It is very, very peaceful, so it is perfect for couples or anyone looking for a quiet retreat. Some villas also have their own private pool, and there is another larger pool for the rest of the guests.
This is the perfect spot if you want to relax and completely switch off. However, it is probably not the best option if you are looking for a hotel with lots of children’s activities or entertainment.
There is a beach just in front of the hotel, and you can use snorkels and paddle boards free of charge. They do not sell alcohol, but you can buy alcohol beforehand and consume it at the hotel.
Website: Wellesley Resort
Staying in Denarau: Hilton Fiji Beach Resort
Another hotel we stayed at was the Hilton on Denarau Island. Denarau is not really a proper island, but more of a peninsula, and you can take a small free boat to reach the hotel.
The hotel is very nice and has plenty of amenities, including a pool. There is also a beach, but the water is not as beautiful as in the Yasawa Islands or on the Coral Coast, so you will probably end up swimming mostly in the pool.
However, it is a good location and a good hotel if you are planning to do day trips from Denarau. Website: Hilton Fiji Beach resort
Staying near Nadi Airport
If you only have a short layover in Fiji, you could stay at either Tokatoka Resort or Fiji Gateway Hotel.
They both have a pool, which is perfect for relaxing before going to the airport. They also both offer a free airport shuttle and are located very close to Nadi International Airport.
Websites: Tokatoka Resort and Fiji Gateaway Hotel
Need to Leave Your Luggage in Fiji?
We used Fiji as a base for our Pacific trip, so we left our big luggage in Fiji and travelled to the other islands with just a small backpack.
At the airport, there is a luggage storage service called Left Luggage. It is usually open daily from 05:00 to 22:00, with prices depending on the size of your luggage.
This can be really useful if you are using Fiji as a base for travelling around the Pacific.
Final Tips for Visiting Viti Levu, Fiji
Currency: Fijian Dollar, also written as FJD.
Getting around: Renting a car is a good option if you want to explore beyond the resorts. You can also travel like a local by taking the buses, which are fun and colourful.
Best time to visit: May to October is the dry season and is perfect for exploring Fiji.
Be careful with cheap tours: If someone offers you very cheap trips on the beach and the price seems too good to be true, be mindful that it could be a scam. Most people in Fiji are very kind and hospitable, but it is still important to be careful.
Book island day trips early: Popular island day trips can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Is Viti Levu Worth Visiting?
Yes, Viti Levu is definitely worth visiting. While many people use it as a quick stopover before heading to the smaller islands, there is actually a lot to see and do on Fiji’s main island.
Fiji delivers the kind of island magic you will never want to leave.
Bula, and happy travels! 🌊
You can also read past blog posts: Yasawa Islands Fiji - All You Need to Know
Vanuatu: Best things to visit and WHere to stay in Efate Tonga Travel Guide: 17 BEST things to do in Tongatapu and Tonga
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All recommendations in this article are 100% based on my personal experience and are currently unpaid. I aim to keep my content genuine, but please note that I am open to future collaborations, and any paid partnerships will always be clearly disclosed.
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