Fiji

The Fiji Islands lie in the south-west Pacific, 220 south of the equator and bisected by the 1800 meridian. Nadi International Airport is the hub of South Pacific air routes and a major stop over for flights between North America and Australia / New Zealand.

Although Fiji is the main centre for tourism in the South Pacific Islands, the numbers of visitors is still relatively small (400,000 annually), and tourists are made to feel somewhat special. Resorts are generally small and many are run privately. There are no high rise hotels and no stretch where commercial tourism has taken over. Intimacy is what Fiji has to offer. Still, the country has more hotels than any of its neighbours, an extensive tourist infrastructure and it is much cheaper than other parts of the South Pacific. The country boasts some of the world's most exclusive small resorts that often feature in Harpers' 'top 50' hotels in the world and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. There are several International hotel chains and some exquisite locally run resorts for couples and families. There are small resorts dedicated to diving, surfing, sailing and art and several luxury cruise itineraries to choose from. There is also an extensive range of budget accommodation and camping throughout the group making it the number one stopover in the Pacific for backpackers .

Fiji is best known as a romantic destination where you can relax on the beach by day and later enjoy cocktails pondering over a stunning tropical sunset. However, few realize quite how diverse and exciting the country is. The dive sights are amongst the best in the world with soft corals, incredible sea life, walls, drifts and shipwrecks to explore. Sailors and surfers alike rave about the waters and friendly local environment. There are hills to climb for stunning views, waterfalls to cool off in, several National Parks with trails, nature reserves for bird watching and walking, rafting trips down rivers and village visits to experience the very traditional Fijian way of life. There are lively markets to visit, Fijian ceremonies to participate in and colourful Hindu festivals to see. What's more, the Fijian people are extremely warm and hospitable and are excellent with kids making it a great family destination explore one of the most peaceful areas of the world, Fiji is an all-round excellent destination for a vacation.

Specialist ocean kayak expeditions are available through Southern Sea Ventures around the stunning Yasawa Group of islands amidst crystal waters and shallow lagoons. The 10 day trips include village visits and some of the best beaches in Fiji. For more of an adventure, there are kayaking expeditions along the rugged coastline of Kadavu and off Savusavu in Vanua Levu. All tours offer stunning coastal scenery, turquoise waters and secluded beaches. Day and week tours available from April to November.

Perfect climate, exotic location, lush vegetation and breathtaking views - what better combination for a golfing vacation in a South Pacific paradise. Golf in the Fiji Islands has come a long way since the days when Vijay Singh was practising here. There are now three championship golf courses in Fiji, all on the main island of Viti Levu. Several smaller public courses can be found around Viti Levu and one each on Vanua Levu and Taveuni. The Shangri-La Fijian Resort and Naviti Resort in West Viti Levu and the exclusive Wakaya Island Club and Naigani Island Resort in the Eastern Islands have their own private courses. Toberua Island Resort has a nine-hole course on the beach at low tide!

Internationally famous Namotu Left and Cloudbreak in the Mamanuca's are recognized as the most challenging surfing breaks in the South Pacific. Both are reef breaks and are not for beginners. There are two small resorts on tiny coral islands just off Namotu Reef which cater exclusively to surfers. Namotu Surf Resort is a very small and informal island with beachside bures. Tavarua is a little larger but is a package only vacation for American Surfers. For those on a budget, Seashell Cove on the mainland has budget accommodation, dormitories and camping in a secluded spot south of Nadi. Seashell Cove offers daily transfers to Namotu reef to surf Wilkes, Desperation and Lighthouse breaks although you can only surf Cloudbreak on certian days and with limited passengers so it is wise to check in advance. The beach at Seashell is not great but there is always a good atmosphere with lots of travellers coming in and out as well as the opportunity to explore the nearby town of Nadi and its surrounding mountains.

There are some excellent breaks around Beqa and Kadavu in the Southern Islands. Frigate Passage, a left-hand break in the middle of the ocean, has a growing reputation amongst surfers for its reliable big barrels and long rides. Serua Rights is a long right hander with a hollow inside section across the passage and Pipe is another left-hander with a mid to high tide break. There are two very basic surf camps on Yanuca island, off Beqa, and a more upmarket small resort on Nagigia Island off Kadavu. Alternatively, Waidroka Bay on the mainland west of Pacific Harbour offers surf packages and frequent transfers to Frigates Passage only 30 mins by boat as well as to Cloudbreak in the Mamanucas. Waidroka has several small cottages nestled into fantastic rainforest and a dormitory. The feel here is of isolation and the American hosts have evrything from scuba diving instruction to the best deep sea fishing facilities in the country. There are several smaller breaks just off the resort.

The best beach breaks are on the south coast of Viti Levu, the main island. Sigatoka has the largest and most reliable breaks although indercurrents can be dangerous. There is surfing off Hideaway although only 1 hour each side of high tide and undercurrents are dangerous. Natadola Beach is good for body surfing.

Best time April to December. If bringing surfboards into the country, check first with your airline carrier for baggage restrictions and excess costs. Local airlines will not carry surfboards without advance warning.