With its beautiful beaches and abundance of culture, Fiji is a great place to go on a family vacation with kids. The archipelago is home to numerous activities and experiences that would appeal to kids of all ages and multi-generational families. From its stunning beaches, pleasant tropical weather and warm people, Fiji could be an ideal destination for a family holiday.
Whether it is activities or accommodations, you will find most public spaces and many experiences kid-friendly. Many hotels and big resorts have designated kids' clubs, with staff and facilities catering to children and activities influenced by Fijian culture.
Here are some unforgettable adventures for all ages that travellers to Fiji can experience.
For travellers visiting Fiji with family, the beautiful and expansive Viti Levu island is one of the best places to stay with its many family-friendly resorts where you can have a fun stay with many kid-friendly activities. Visit Nadi town, explore the marketplace, and interact with friendly locals. Denarau Island, which is a short drive from the Nadi International Airport, has pristine beaches where you can indulge in various water sports and enjoy with your kids and family. If you plan to take a day to visit Nadi, take your kids to Sigavou Studios for the "Colours of Fiji" tour. Take a tour of the art gallery and let your kids learn about and participate in creating Fijian art, such as the country's traditional masi (bark cloth) craft.
Next, go on a river safari on a jet boat, which kids will love. The Sigatoka River, which stretches for 120 kilometres, used to be the only mode of transport from Fiji's coast to the interiors of the island. Take the Sigatoka River Safari, which covers a half-day tour going upriver into the heart of the Viti Levu island on a thrilling jet boat. While you jet set on the river safari, take time to witness the villages along the way and learn more about Fijian culture.
The beautiful Coral Coast, with its stunning beaches and lush rainforests, offer sweeping views, and you can see glimpses of Fijian villages. You can choose to drive along or stop at Natadola Beach or the Kula Wild Adventure Park. Kids will be enchanted at the Kula Wild Adventure Park along the Coral Coast, which prides itself on being Fiji's only wildlife conservation park. It is also the only captive breeding facility in the country for endangered Fijian indigenous species such as iguanas, turtles, and vibrant parrots. Originally established as a bird park in the 1980s, it is known as a 'family-fun park' and is a great place to take kids, offering them the opportunity to learn about the island's remarkable wildlife. Participate in hand-feeding sea turtles, take a self-guided tour of the park, or let your kids go on one of the many water rides or have a fun time in the splash pool.
If you are craving adventure, participate in the outdoor activities in Pacific Harbour, known as the "Adventure Capital of Fiji." Take your pick from exciting adventures like ziplining, shark diving, and white water rafting. Afterwards, choose to relax on the beach or explore the nearby forests.
If you are visiting Yasawa islands in Fiji, you cannot miss out on seeing the incredible Sawa-i-Lau caves. Made famous by the Hollywood movie, 'Blue Lagoon,' these beautiful saltwater caves are located on this tiny island dotted by a jagged shoreline. Sawa-i-Lau is the only limestone island in a chain of volcanic ones, and the two caves are filled with seawater pools fed by tides. Swim in the turquoise waters and be mesmerised by the gorgeous views. If you are feeling daring, hire a guide who will lead you through the underwater entrance to the second cavern. Most resorts on Yasawa Island ply guests daily to and from Sawa-i-Lau Island. The caves are steeped in beauty and local legends, and a visit here is a fun way to spend a day with family.
For underwater adventures, the channel off Drawaqa Island is where you go. Swim with the majestic manta rays and watch them in their natural habitat. The best time to visit is between May and October, and it is one of the few places in the world where you can experience this beautiful moment with your loved ones as you swim along these gentle giants.
If you are on vacation with kids of any age, a chocolate farm tour has the potential to be an instant hit. On Vanua Levu Island, the coastal town of Savusavu is home to KokoMana. On this unique cocoa farm, you can visit and explore the quirky but harmonious mix of tropical food trees and native plants. Take the immersive 90-minute-to-two-hour "Tree to Bar Chocolate Tour" at the farm and learn about the chocolate-making process, starting at the agroforests, where you can spot the yellow and red cacao pods on the trees. Take home their delicious chocolate bars that you can give away to family and friends.
You can also visit the Vanua Chocolate Factory, Fiji's first open-to-the-public 'bean-to-bar' chocolate factory, and take their chocolate-making tour. Their cafe serves authentic Fijian chocolates and also has options for vegan meals.
Chasing waterfalls is within budget, but it is also so much fun, and Fiji has no dearth of such dreamy escapes. Choose to go on treks jungle hikes and uncover hidden waterfalls in the lush interiors of the island country. Many of the waterfalls have safe swimming holes, making them accessible to kids and adults. Pack your wicker baskets and swimming gear and make it a fun family day.
If you and your family are looking for something adventurous but nothing too strenuous, go River Tubing on the Navua River. With Fiji's pleasant tropical weather, a day out in the great, beautiful outdoors as you float on connected tubes on the scenic river is a day well spent. Riding up the Navua River, you will witness the stunning undulating views, and the overall experience is perfect for families who want more relaxed experience without sacrificing fun.