Things to do in Fiji for an unforgettable cruise experience

Sun-soaked days, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, adventure, culture, nature and delicious cuisine – it doesn’t get much better than Fiji! Paradise on our doorstep, Fiji is one of Australia and New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations – and it’s easy to see why.

And what better way to visit Fiji than on an unforgettable Carnival Fiji cruise? With a huge selection of onboard and onshore activities designed to suit every kind of traveller, we’ll help make your Fiji getaway memorable. Immerse yourself in Fiji’s tropical scenery, adventure above and below the waves, get to know the locals, sample the local cuisine, or simply enjoy it all.

Here are our top picks of things to do to make your Carnival experience in Fiji the best holiday you’ve ever had.

1. Go island-hopping across the Fiji Islands

A Carnival cruise to Fiji is in itself one of the best things to do in Fiji. Home to some of the most scenic and iconic islands in the world, a Carnival cruise is an easy and fun way to island hop across Fiji.

Our cruises sail to Fiji from Sydney and Brisbane throughout the year, taking you on an unbeatable cruise through the South Pacific. With many itineraries to choose from, covering multiple ports including Suva, Dravuni Island and Port Denarau, you’ll get to discover so much of what this beautiful country has on offer without having to unpack and repack your bags.

Hop across the different islands and discover far more than you ever would have had you simply stayed at an island resort. At every port on your Carnival Fiji cruise, you can disembark and explore on your own or choose from our huge range of onshore excursions.

2. Snorkel Fiji’s famous coral reefs

Below Fiji’s turquoise waters, you’ll find one of the world’s most stunning marine ecosystems. Across its 300 islands, Fiji has over 4,000 square miles of coral reefs, securing its reputation as one of the best places in the world to go snorkelling.

There are snorkelling opportunities for people of all ages and abilities and, with high visibility and warm water temperatures all year round, it’s always a good time to go snorkelling in Fiji.

Disembark from your Carnival ship and head straight to the white sandy beaches accessible from the ports or book one of our onshore excursions for a closer look at your breathtaking surroundings.

Our Sabre Snorkel experience on a luxurious 78-foot catamaran will take you to Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands. Not only can you relax with a mimosa in one of the comfortable daybeds on board, but you’ll also dive into crystal-clear waters for the most incredible snorkelling experience.

Our Savala Island day cruise is another excellent option that will have you snorkelling among colourful tropical fish in turquoise waters. This onshore excursion also includes paddle boarding, kayaking and a coconut demonstration. A delicious barbecue lunch complete with seasonal fruits will be the icing on the cake, and you’ll even have the chance to purchase souvenirs at the island’s boutique before heading back to your Carnival ship.

3. Experience the Mamanuca Islands

Known by many as one of the most beautiful parts of Fiji, this string of 20 stunning islands is a must-see on your Fiji getaway.

The perfect place for snorkelling and scuba diving, the Mamanuca Islands are also a water sports paradise, with plenty of places to venture out on a SUP, kiteboard or jet ski. Surfers won’t be able to resist Mamanuca’s famous six-metre swells. And if it’s a bit of indulgence you’re after, you will love Mamanuca’s prestigious Malamala Beach Club.

Our South Sea snorkelling excursion is the perfect way to see the Mamanuca Islands. You’ll head out on South Sea Sailing’s 78-foot catamaran, Sabre, with large shaded canopies, daybeds and bean bags and, of course, a welcome mimosa. Sit back, relax and soak up the views and then get ready to explore the tropical coral reefs in the glistening Pacific Ocean. Sabre offers easy access to the water with dropdown steps or make an entrance using Sabre’s waterslide!

4. Say ‘bula’ at a traditional Fijian village

Fijians are some of the friendliest people on the planet and no trip to Fiji would be complete without a visit to a traditional Fijian village. We have plenty of village tour excursions that will take you to the heart of some traditional villages in Fiji. You’ll meet the lovely locals and learn more about Fijian culture and ways of life, including traditional Fijian cooking using the underground oven known as a lovo.

Departing from Suva, our Jewel of Fiji Tour takes you past stunning waterfalls to Raiwaqa Village, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Fijian welcome and kava ceremony, followed by a village buffet lunch and cultural performances.

If you’d like to learn more about kava, immerse yourself in Fijian culture in our Sawani Village Tour, where traditional warriors will lead you to meet the chief and teach you all about kava making. This tour is also the perfect opportunity to learn more about Fijian culture with insightful guided walks.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Suva, Fiji, our Nailili Historical Tour by Longboat gives you a unique vantage point from which to discover local Fijian villages. You’ll take a trip along the Rewa Delta onboard a longboat, sailing past villages and grassy plains before enjoying traditional songs, flower garland greetings and choir performances in the beautiful village of Nailili.

If you’re looking for something even more adventurous, our Nausori Highland 4×4 Tour takes you 2,000 feet above sea level towards the peak of the Nausori Highlands lookout point. You’ll enjoy a guided tour at the highland village of Yavuna as well as a trip to the Namaka Fruit and Vegetable Market, a local Hindu temple and Nadi town.

5. Soak in the Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs

Located at the base of the Sabeto mountains, the Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs have long been revered for their healing powers. With our Carnival onshore excursion to Sabeto, you too could enjoy nature’s day spa.

Located just outside of Nadi, the Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs offer a unique experience that will help you relax and unwind and rejuvenate. Take a soak in the mud pools and let their therapeutic properties work their magic. Leave the mud to dry in the sun before rinsing it away in the hot thermal pools. Your skin will feel smooth and refreshed, and you’ll head back to the ship feeling reinvigorated and ready to enjoy the evening’s entertainment and activities onboard.

6. Zipline through the rainforest

See Fiji from a whole different vantage point with a zipline tour.

Equal parts enlightening and exhilarating, our zipline tours will have you soaring through the treetops. Enjoy the thrill of travelling at high heights and high speeds, and stop on one of the many observation platforms to take in the beautiful island views.

Our zipline shore excursions include our breathtaking Waindadoi zipline tour as well as our Tau Cave and zipline tour, which includes ziplining and an underground expedition into limestone caves. Thrill seekers will especially love our Sleeping Giant zipline excursion, which will see you soaring over jungles, rivers and waterfalls at speeds of up to 40 kilometres an hour.

7. Enjoy a boat ride off Denarau Island

One of the top things to do in Fiji is undoubtedly a boat ride, so you can explore Fiji from the ocean. You can enjoy a range of boat ride options off Denarau, including half and full day cruises, sunset cruises, jet boat rides and more.

One of our most popular excursions is our day cruise to South Sea Island, as well as our South Sea snorkelling cruise on board Sabre, a 78-foot catamaran.

If fishing is your thing, you’ll love our half-day fishing excursion departing from Port Denarau. The most picturesque fishing adventure, this day cruise will see you gliding across the glistening ocean in a comfortable fishing vessel. With nothing but ocean and coastline in every direction, you’ll relax, soak up the sunshine and troll for tuna, mahi, wahoo and giant trevally.

8. Visit the Fiji Museum in Suva

History buffs and culture enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Fiji Museum. Founded with the intention of researching, preserving and displaying Fiji’s rich history and culture, the Fiji Museum houses over 10,000 items, including objects, textiles, flatwork, photographs and archaeological findings dating back 35,000 years.

Located in the beautiful Thurston Gardens, a trip to the Fiji Museum also gives you the chance to enjoy a peaceful walk among Fijian flora, including water lilies, ginger, palms and other plants native to the South Pacific.

The best way to get to this must-see museum is with our hassle-free Best of Suva onshore excursion. In addition to the Fiji Museum, our Best of Suva side trip will take you on a scenic drive with spectacular views of Suva Harbour and Suva’s Central Business District. Plus, with a stop in downtown Suva, you’ll have a chance to do some souvenir shopping.

9. Explore Colo-i-Suva Forest Park

Immerse yourself in nature with a trip to the stunning Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, one of Fiji’s most cherished national parks and one of the best things to do in Suva. This luscious rainforest offers non-stop serenity with natural swimming pools, waterfalls, nature trails and exquisite birdlife.

The Carnival onshore excursion to Colo-i-Suva will take you on a scenic trip through the suburbs of Suva, passing the showstopping views of Suva Harbour and Laucala Bay before leading you into the tropical rainforest. Follow one of the nature trails through the lush greenery and tropical flora to breathtaking waterfalls where you can cool off in the pristine water.

10. Spot exotic wildlife at Kula Wild Adventure Park

Ever wanted to get up close and personal with Fijian wildlife? One of the most fun things to do in Fiji, Kula Wild Adventure Park is Fiji’s biggest family fun park as well as an ecological preserve. It’s home to an impressive array of Fijian wildlife like fruit bats, iguanas, birds, turtles and parrots, including the Kula parrot, Fiji’s native bird. There’s also a stunning coral display, offering you a close look at coral, anemones, tropical fish and more.

To put the adventure in Kula Wild Adventure Park, this family-friendly fun park also features Fiji’s only jungle waterslide and only zip rail experience. Truly a fun day out for the whole family, you’ll get your nature fix and your thrills all in the same place.

We make it easy to get there with Carnival’s Kula Wild Adventure Park excursion, which will take you from Port Denarau down the Coral Coast to the award-winning Kula Wild Adventure Park.

11. Take the whole family on a South Sea adventure

For something the whole family will love, a South Sea adventure is one of the best things to do in Fiji.

Take a ride onboard a high-speed catamaran and head to the scenic South Island with our South Sea Island day cruise excursion. Located just thirty minutes from Denarau Marina, every member of your family will love snorkelling, kayaking and taking in the views of the Viti Levu coastline.

Alternatively, you and your crew could climb aboard South Sea Sailing’s 78-foot catamaran and sail to South Sea Island in style with our South Sea snorkelling adventure. Enjoy complimentary refreshments before diving into the sparkling water.

The young and young-at-heart will love making a splash with the boat’s waterslide, and everyone will love the South Sea’s awe-inspiring snorkelling experience.

12. Take a day trip to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant

Uncover one of Fiji’s best-kept secrets with a Carnival onshore excursion to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.

Just 10 minutes’ drive from Nadi, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is located at the foothills of the Nausori Highlands – known as the Sleeping Giant. Take a walk through the jungle past lily ponds and soak in the stunning flora. The Garden of the Sleeping Giant’s showstopper is its collection of orchids, originally started in 1977 as the private collection of Canadian actor Raymond Burr.

Our Sleeping Giant and village tour excursion includes a trip to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant as well as a kava ceremony in Viseisei Village and a stop in Nadi where you can browse local handicrafts or enjoy some duty-free shopping.

13. Go sightseeing in and around Nadi

Often thought of as merely a stopover port, Nadi is so much more.

Located on Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, within easy reach of many resorts, beaches and attractions, Nadi is home to picturesque villages and sugar cane fields. A melting pot, Nadi is the perfect place to sample Fijian cuisine, meet some locals, see the sights and embrace cultural experiences. Nadi is also a great shopping destination with local handicrafts and duty-free products to choose from.

Plus, Nadi offers easy access to explore Fiji’s many highlights, including Natadola Beach and the Sigatoka River. Carnival’s Nadi sightseeing excursion is a great way to leisurely explore Fiji’s second-largest city.

Our Nadi excursion includes a stop at a lookout point along Vuda Road, where you can take in Port Denarau and its surrounding islands. You’ll also enjoy views of the stunning Sleeping Giant mountain range. Our Nadi sightseeing excursion also includes a stop for light refreshments and a coconut demonstration at Vuda Marina, as well as a stop in town for some shopping.

14. See marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour

Want to see some of Fiji’s finest coral reefs and tropical fish without getting wet? Looking to explore the local marine life but snorkelling just isn’t for you? Or perhaps your travel companions are too young for donning snorkels and flippers just yet. A glass-bottom boat tour offers the perfect solution and an unforgettable experience the entire family will love.

Sit back and relax and enjoy the views of endless turquoise waters all around you, and tropical fish and breathtaking coral beneath your feet.

Why cruising to Fiji just makes sense

Surrounded by the ocean, a cruise to Fiji really is one of the best ways to make the most of everything this South Pacific paradise has to offer. With a Carnival Fiji cruise, you will:

• See so much more than if you’d stayed in a resort. While a resort is a relaxing and luxurious option, you’ll be restricted to that one island or area. A Carnival cruise which is often referred to as a floating resort anyway – will have you island hopping without any of the hassle.

Get more value for money. With dining and drinks packages, you won’t have to worry about spending extra at expensive resort restaurants when you travel with Carnival. Not to mention, every Carnival ship includes non-stop activities and entertainment, so you can rest assured you’ll never be bored.

Have access to easy, hassle-free onshore activities and excursions. With Carnival, there’s no need to search through endless Fiji tour operators and figure out transfers – our handpicked excursions are some of the best things to do in Fiji and we make it super easy to enjoy them.

Time to tick Fiji off your holiday list

If you’ve been thinking about heading to Fiji, now is your time. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of your daily life and unwind on board a Carnival cruise heading straight for the South Pacific.

With plenty of itineraries to choose from and countless activities and entertainment options, Carnival has a Fiji cruise for everyone. After a relaxing few days at sea, you’ll be ready to explore the natural wonders of Fiji, meet some locals, taste authentic Fijian cuisine and embark on adventures like no other.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll realise just why so many people visit Fiji islands again and again. And with so much on offer both onboard and onshore, you’ll never regret a Carnival cruise to Fiji.