Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2023 Fiji Pocket Guide. Like the sound of those? Most reefs can only be surfed at high tide and are exposed to many extreme weather patterns that can offer a very challenging experience. Location: West of Namotu Island in the Mamanuca Islands. The water and air temperature stay around 25-27C (77-81F) throughout the year, so surfing in Fiji is nothing less than a comfortable and refreshing tropical experience. Turn down this gravel road and follow it for a kilometer straight to the river mouth. The first is the most dangerous river, the Wainikoro river, known for its shark attacks. The biggest challenge around the islands of Taveuni has to be Purple Wall. Check out the daily weather updates for the latest conditions through this link https://magicseaweed.com/Maqai-Surf-Report/4685/ . Tavarua and Namotu are clearly the best suited for hardcore surfers. Have more time in Fiji? No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 19 min Seafood. Location: Nagigia Island (Naninya) on the southwest tip of Kadavu. Things to Do in Vanua Levu, Fiji: See Tripadvisor's 7,644 traveler reviews and photos of Vanua Levu tourist attractions. Vanua Levu thus offers the guest an ideal opportunity to observe local traditions and culture, relatively untarnished by tourism. These two months are usually considered a good time to surf in Fiji for intermediate to advanced surfers where breaks arent too busy, but big enough to still have an epic time. Start planning with The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Vanua Levu. Vanua Levu goes by many names: The Friendly North, Hidden Paradise, Big Island, The Other Island The facts are that Vanua Levu is Fijis second-largest island and one far less visited by tourists. Scuba diving destination review for the Fiji Islands - marine life and diving images, dive sites and travel information. If youre looking for a great surf spot in Fiji just off the mainland then dont miss Frigates. Check out more surf breaks near the Pacific Harbour here. Together with the remote Lau Islands, Vanua Levu and its outliers form the Tovata Confederacy, one of three traditional alliances of Fiji's chiefs. To contact us directly, use our contact page. The main part of the island is roughly shaped like a tall, thin triangle 30to 50 kilometres (1931 miles) in width and 180 kilometres (110 miles) in length, rotated so that the point is to the northeast. 2023 Fiji Pocket Guide. Discover some of the best in our 10 Best Budget Accommodation on Vanua Levu. 1 Verevere Rd. For an off-the-beaten-track surf location in Fiji, head to Nagigia Island on the southwest tip of Kadavu. For more on kitesurfing, seeThe Best Places for Kitesurfing in Fiji. The Plio-Pleistocene Mba Grouop is found on the southwestern portion of the island and consists of porphyritic basalt flows and volcanoclastics grading into greywacke. https://3dfins.com.au/blogs/media-spotlight/have-surfboard-will-travel. Another fun right-hander in the Mamanuca Islands, Wilkes is a reef break that tends to suit all abilities. Though it's Fiji's second-largest island, Vanua Levu (Big Island) is one of the tropics' best-kept secrets. Claimed. Travel Guide Itineraries When to go Map Travel Advice Accommodation Across the strait from Vanua Levu, the smaller island of TAVEUNI is a stunning combination of luxuriant forest, soaring mountains and colourful coral reefs. Welcome/Bula! Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The owners are currently looking for tenants. Surf And Turf. The advantages staying here are that the surf is consistent and world class. With warm waters, consistent surf waves and, well, just the general Fiji beauty, how can you say no to a surf trip in Fiji?! It works best on a south to southwest swell. Unfortunately the regular trade winds often blow this area out but on the northerly winds can make it an extremely fun wave. With a range of boutique resorts catering to couples and exclusive adult-only five-star resorts, youre sure to get your privacy and set the tone right for a romantic or timeout vacation in Fiji. Run by Ian Muller, Surf Shuttle picks up surfers daily from the resorts and transports them up to four breaks that are on the outer barrier reefs from 5-15 minutes away. Kioa is an outlier to Vanua Levu. Either make it your holiday destination to learn how to surf or experienced surfers can get on the waves of the powerful and fun reef breaks that Fiji has to offer. To . . Write a review. . The area in which many of hot springs are located have recently have undergone an extensive landscaping and are now the newest tourist attraction. The exception would be the paved roads linking Savusavu and Labasa and up the coastal (Hibiscus) Highway towards Natewa Bay and Bagasau village. The surf break is often ranked one of the top 10 best or most challenging waves in the world thanks to its 20ft (6m) swells! None of the island's rivers are navigable by large vessels. When the wind direction is from the northeast, the wave peels off into the safety of a deep channel (but still watch out for rocks and rips). Naviti (named after the nearby hotel) is located a 10 minute drive east of Hideaway. Whats more, the affordable hotels, guest houses and homestays make staying on Vanua Levu on the cheap extremely easy. By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. To contact us directly, use our contact page. Only two population centres - Labasa and Savusavu - have been incorporated as Towns. Vanua Levu forums Savusavu forum pepperWales wales 3 posts surfing 13 years ago Save Hi, I am planning a trip next august to Fiji with my 16 year old son who loves to surf. However, there are a couple of modern new buildings nearing completion, but who or what they will house is as yet unsure. Swimming Pools is the perfect playground for both advanced surfers and beginners. Everyone has heard of the most famous Fiji surf breaks such as Cloudbreak and Restaurants. Although there is good surfing off Kadavu, Vanua Levu and the Lau Group, it seems the most popular and consistent breaks are found on the reef passes of the southern most islands of the Mamanuca chainhome to Cloudbreak and the other famous breaks around Tavarua and Namotu. Expect sea breezes or 15-30 knots. The shore break at Natadola is super fun for bodyboarders and beginners, while the inside reef break is ideal for longboarding no matter what level you are at! By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. Savusavu, a smaller less developed town, is gaining popularity as a dive destination and yachting community. Ideal for both leisure and business travelers of all . 2023 Fiji Pocket Guide. Vanua Levu travel guide from Wikivoyage About Savusavu Savusavu is pure paradise. 2022 Robert F. Kay. Located 64 kilometres (40 miles) to the north of the larger Viti Levu, the island has an area of 5,587.1 square kilometres (2,157.2sqmi) and a population of 135,961 as of 2007[update]. Check out our 10 Best Accommodation on Vanua Levu for Foodies. Between 1250 and 1350 the Pacific sea level fell 30 centimetres (12in), exposing the tops of the reefs. On Northerly winds, primarily in our Summer time Kadavu is sure to light up with offshore winds giving you a great experience. Take part in a Fijian or Indo-Fijian cooking class, Learn about traditional medicinal plants on a medicine walk, Watch the ocean from a heart-shaped hot tub. When planning your surf trip in Fiji, start with checking out the 10 Best Surf Resorts in Fiji. There are also many well known rivers on Vanua levu. Muller says sand bottom waves can be more fickle here because large swells and currents can shift the sand bars so that the wave changes regularly. Savusavu Tourism Savusavu Hotels Savusavu Bed and Breakfast Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. Onshore with trades but offshore in North wind conditions. A small island off the coast of Malolo Island, Qalito Island is home to the Castaway Island Resort. That said, beginners can still find beach surf lessons at nearby surf resorts. Doesnt that sound like the dream? If youre looking for things to do between surf days, check out the 20 Wonderful Things to Do in Taveuni. Make sure to hit Tavarua Island while youre there find out why in our 10 Best Islands in the Mamanuca Islands. Lets get straight to the point: its warm in Fiji all year round. Best 5-star overwater bungalow - Likuliku Lagoon Resort Top overwater bungalow for families - Musket Cove Island Resort Best overwater bungalow for nature - Koro Sun Resort These fault lines are the Fiji Fracture Zone (FFZ) to the north, the 176 Extension Zone (176E EZ) to the west, and the Hunter Fracture Zone (HFZ) and Lau Ridge to the east. [8], On December 19, 2020, at least four were killed and millions of dollars in damage as Cyclone Yasa slammed into the island. The disadvantage is that you are isolatedfar from anywhere else of interest. This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Another fantastic option for beginner to intermediates is the waters surrounding Mana Island, also in the Mamanuca Group. Rent a car and drive the Hibiscus Highway to towards Natewa Bay, the in the South Pacific. It has been documented by early sailors that came down from Hawaii, that they experienced surfing being practiced by our ancestors in Vuna, Taveuni and Koro way back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You can also find cheap holiday homes on our list of 10 Best Holiday Homes on Vanua Levu. From the southeastern side of this triangle, a long peninsula stretches out into the Koro Sea. A luxury private island resort in the Yasawa Islands, Turtle Island has a wealth of watersports equipment for guests free of charge. Learn more about this accommodation in the 5 Best Luxury Resorts in the Yasawa Islands. Check out more surf tips in the guides below: Finally, find more epic experiences across the islands in our 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List. By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. Surfing in Fiji during recent times, is still a very young sport amongst the locals even though history states differently. Savusavu is the sole Port of EntryFijis second largest island. Vanua Levu Savusavu Savusavu Restaurants Surf And Turf Surf And Turf Claimed Review Save Share 277 reviews #1 of 15 Restaurants in Savusavu $$ - $$$ Seafood Vegetarian Friendly Gluten Free Options At the Waterfront Building, Savusavu Fiji +679 885 3033 Website Closed now : See all hours See all (82) Ratings and reviews 277 RATINGS Food Service Unsurprising, given its idyllic charm. Fiji ; Vanua Levu ; Savusavu ; Savusavu Hotels; Search. Some of the local resorts such as Daku, offer yoga and art classes. As a sign of the times, there is an excellent wine shop, Savusavu Wines& Spirits. Looking for a place to stay with exquisite food, plenty of food-orientated experiences or self-catering to make your own meals? Copra is also an important crop. The second is the Dreketi river, the deepest river in Fiji. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Explorers and Missionaries encounter Fijian, Explorers, Traders and the first philolgists, New release: Suva StoriesA History of the Capital of Fiji, Rethinking Tourism Its all about authenticity, Taveuni UpdateRoberta Davis reflects on the Covid Era in Fiji and reopening her property, After 44 years, SuvaA History and Guide is in print again. Located 64 kilometres (40 miles) to the north of the larger Viti Levu, the island has an area of 5,587.1 square kilometres (2,157.2 sq mi) and a population of 135,961 as of 2007 . Contact Us. Traders began exploiting sandalwood thickets in the Bua Bay area around 1805, which had been discovered by shipwrecked sailors of the schooner Argo. The resorts have retained exclusivity of reefs surrounding their respective Islands and in order for a visiting surfer to be able to surf these areas, they request that visitors ask permission. The scarcity of food caused conflict and war. Restaurants comes into play when Cloudbreak is big or has a more west angle in the swell. That said theres more waves to considerso read on. Just a quick ferry trip and you will arrive in paradise. Natadola beach (which unfortunately is rapidly going being developed) is perhaps the most beautiful beach in Fiji and has always been a favorite hangout for locals. Find and compare surf holidays for beginners in Vanua Levu. A fun one to hit in winter, during the peak surfing season in Fiji, Black Rock is a break that only picks up south to southwesterly swells. Vanua Levu, or "great land of the people," is the second largest of the Fiji Islands. The best way to get your kids involved is on the two kids clubs on the island. Vanua Levu's main mountain ranges lie near the windward, southern coasts, making them much wetter. Each is governed by a mayor and a Town Council, whose members are elected for a three-year term and choose the Mayor from among themselves. Because of the consistency of the waves these resorts are booked out year around. While you can take part in activities that are available elsewhere in Fiji, Vanua Levu has a well-deserved name for scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as bird watching in its rugged rainforest interior. The Pacific Harbour is known for being the adventure capital of Fiji, so theres plenty of epic things to do in between surf days. The place offers great wine list and lobsters on menu in Savusavu. Surf legendary breaks atop vibrant reefs and be back in time for happy hour at your surf resort. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2022 Robert F. Kay. Well guide you through some of the experiences and accommodations for every type of traveller with this complete guide to Vanua Levu. As for the niche market of sport Tourism, surfing is a thriving business in Fiji. In response, the people moved from seaside villages, for mountaintop fortified villages. Naviti (named after the nearby hotel) is located a 10 minute drive east of Hideaway. Learn more about Kadavu in our Guide to the Kadavu Islands. Its even said to rival Cloudbreak for its power and size. Sink into hot springs for a rejuvenating soak or tour a private pearl farm that cultivates thousands of the multicolored treasures. They wrote that the Fijian surfers were more graceful than the Hawaiians and that there were more women that surfed which back then was known as Vakavodo Ua. By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. One of the most comprehensive surf camps in Fiji, Endless Summer Fiji, offers two-hour group surf lessons, as well as multi-day surf camps to learn how to surf. Contact Disclaimer, surf breaks near the Pacific Harbour here, 10 Best Ways to Experience the Fijian Culture. The towns economy is however on the mend and town fathers are making a serious effort to change the aesthetics. The resort is ideal for families, so if you have a kitesurfer in your group, theyll be pleased with the regular wind patterns blowing across the shores in a southeasterly and off the shores in a northeasterly. Location: Just off Tavarua Island in the Mamanuca Islands.