FIJI

Fiji is beautiful archipelago of islands situated in Oceania, south of the Pacific Ocean in the Melanesian area, and it is made of 322 islands though only 106 are inhabited. Fijian people are friendly and welcoming, they will make your stay unforgettable. Lush tropical vegetation, breathtaking views, white sand beaches, turquoise water of the Pacific Ocean, coral reefs and many species of flora & fauna make this land a true tropical paradise. The perfect destination if you are an intrepid traveler with a passion for extreme sports. Scuba dive world famous reefs, trek sacred and uncontaminated mountains, surf over 6 meters waves and snorkel among manta rays and sharks.

The two main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The first one hosts the country’s major cities, the capital Suva, Lautoka and Nadi with its International Airport. Northern of it the second main island, Vanua Levu has major populated areas in Labasa and Savusavu. This island is the preferred destination for trekking and diving enthusiasts.

However, the postcard beaches are not on the main islands but on the surrounding smaller ones. Divided in different archipelagos, the most famous ones are the Mamanuca Group and Yasawa Group which both are reachable from Nady by air or sea.
Closest to Nadi are the Mamanucas Islands and the most touristic ones. Made by 25 volcanic islands, majority of which are flat hedged by coconut palms. In comparison Yasawa Islands are less touristic with an untouched nature perfect for people seeking to relax close to nature. They are a group of 20 volcanic islands in the West of Fiji, majority formed by mountains reaching 600 m above sea level.
Other destinations are the third and fourth largest islands in Fiji, Island Taveuni and Kadavu. Both host some of the best scuba diving places available. There also are a multitude of smaller islands non yet reached by mass tourism like Lau Island and Lomaiviti Islands.

DOCUMENTS AND VISA

A tourist visa is not compulsory for stays less than 120 days. However, travelers must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months left validity from schedule return date and a valid air ticket to leave the country.

For further details visit Fiji Immigration official website:

www.immigration.gov.fj

WHEN TO TRAVEL?

Fiji Islands enjoy a temperate tropical climate al year around. Temperatures vary from 25° to 30° C, making them the ideal destination in all seasons. The best time to visit is during dry season, Fijian winter, going from May to October when temperatures are 20° to 27° C, rains and humidity are less. Humid period goes from November to April with higher temperatures and chances of cyclones from January to March.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Fiji is a quiet, safe country and domestic travels are easy. There are many ways to move around the country.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Domestic airlines connect with further islands like Vanua Levu, Taveuni or Kadavu at affordable prices. Flights allow a checked luggage of 20kg for tourists. Islands are also connected by ferries, not advisable for time poor travellers.

Visit each domestic airline website for information on fares and times:

www.fijiairways.com/en-fj

www.northernair.com.fj

SEAPLANE

If not on a budget, seaplanes are the most efficient and rapid way to visit Fiji. Seaplanes can be privately chartered or booked as a shared service. This last option can prove riskier as flights may cancelled or change departure times. Due to poor weather conditions seaplanes can easily cancelled while sea connections are less prone to this disruption, proving to be a more reliable way of transportation.

Visit local airline website for further information:

www.islandhoppersfiji.com

www.helitoursfiji.com

www.turtleairways.com

www.pacificislandair.com

FERRY

The main boarding point for tourist is the Denarau Marina from where regular ferries leave to Mamanucas & Yasawa Islands using comfortable, efficient catamarans with air conditioning, sundeck, bar and Captain’s Lounge for a more exclusive service. To the Mamanucas there are 3 departure times each day operated by South Sea Cruise. The ride to the Yasawa Islands is operated by Yasawa Flyer, a yellow catamaran linking nearly every island in the archipelago departing at 8:30 am from Denarau and returning at 5:45 pm. Each way to the further island Nanuya takes 5 hours but it is a comfortable ride stopping at different islands. Despite the long journey the service is always punctual and guaranteed with exception of extreme weather conditions.

Visit each company website for further information on times and fares:

www.ssc.com.fj

CRUISE

Fiji is ideal to explore by sea with a cruise visiting more islands without the connections and accommodation changes stress. Cruises in Fiji are operated by good quality vessels with low numbers of cabins. A great option for people with a minimum level of English as the clientele is often made of Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, and the atmosphere onboard casual. Cruises can be easily combined with a stay on one of Mamanuca Islands thanks to direct embark from major resorts.

Major cruise companies are:

1) Captain Cook Cruises: 3,4,7 & 11 nights cruises departing from Denarau to Yasawa and Northern Islands.

Visit Captain Cruise website for further information on inclusions and itineraries:

www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com

2) Blue Lagoon Cruises: 3,4 & 7 nights departing from Denarau to Yasawa Islands via the Mamanuca Archipelago.

Visit Blue Lagoon website for further information on inclusions and itineraries:

www.bluelagooncruises.com

CAR

The road network has doble lanes paved roads in good conditions near major touristic areas. People drive on the left side. An International Driver License is necessary to drive while in Fiji (1949 Geneve Convention Form).

LOCAL CURRENCY

Local currency is the Fijian Dollar (FD). It is always advised to travel with a credit card and enough cash. Preferred cash is Australian, American or New Zealand dollars that can be exchange in every country’s bank. ATM are in major cities; they accept main international credit cards like Cirrus and Maestro. In more remote areas it is unlikely to find ATMs. Main credit cards are accepted in restaurants, shops, medium-high level hotels, travel agencies and hiring car businesses.

LANGUAGE

Official languages are Fijian, English and Fijian-Hindi. English is taught in schools from early on and everyone speaks it.

WHAT TO WEAR

Like the rest of South Pacific countries, Fiji has more intense solar radiations stronger than Italy. Bring a
high protection sun cream and use it often. Wear a large brimmed hat to avoid sunstrokes. Despite being a tropical country, Fijian people are very religious and modest: while swimwear and beachwear is perfect for sunbathing, it should be used only at the beach. When venturing outside resorts area dress in a sensible, appropriate way covering shoulders and knees. Do what the locals do, take the chance to buy a sulu – colourful fabrics wore by women and man to cover their legs. Fijian people have a friendly ready smile and a welcoming attitude especially when their culture and traditions are respected.

ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE

Electricity has a 240 V tension and 50Hz frequency. Plugs are the same used in Australia and New Zealand (type I) with two flat plates at the top inclined 30° and one vertical in the low center. Wall plugs have a switch on/off button. Bring an adaptor with you for all your electrical devices.

Visit Tourism Fiji official website for further information:

www.fiji.travel

ITINERARIES

Paola e Nicola
Paola e Nicola “A dream com true!!!! Discovering this continent made us live some unique experiences and feel indescribable emotions. We spent every day with locals learning their culture and a new lifestyle so different from ours. Australia is and will always be… Read More
Madda e Gigi
Madda e Gigi We thank all the Progetto Australia team. Particularly Paola, knowledgeable, available and friendly person who proved to be patient with every change made to our honeymoon in New Zealand and Cook Islands.  A holiday started in a wonderful country where… Read More
Mauro e Chiara
Mauro e Chiara My wife and I would like to thank Paola and her work partners for planning our trip and assisting us in this incredible country. All our needs were met, and everything was perfect. We recommend using Progetto Australia if you… Read More