Fiji Islands More then anything else, Fiji is an exotic destination. It's the exhilaration of a dolphin arching high into the air beside your boat; the long gliding swoop of an orange dove through the rainforest; the smiles of excited children performing in unison to the beat of a hollow log drum. Our 333 islands can sizzle with excitement or murmur with the quiet calm of pristine nature. Where else can you swim with huge, harmless manta rays congregating by the shore, snorkel over giant rainbow gardens of soft coral, or scuba dive the White Wall and famous Astrolabe Reef. Fiji is where the Cloud Breaker, the incredible six-metre wave found offshore at Tavarua, draws surfers from around the world. It is also where you can float in the calm, quiet waters of a turquoise lagoon at sunset or walk alone through lush rainforest. It is where the sun shines almost everyday and when it does rain, people rush outside for a rainbath in the warm, brief downpour of a tropical shower which ends as quickly as it began. This is where life is lived for the joy of it all, where rushing is rude, and the name of a new friend is never forgotten. Fiji is where people wear flowers tucked in their hair, not to impress visitors, but because they like to.

Fiji Hotels
Fiji Captain Cook Cruises
Fiji Blue Lagoon Cruises
Fiji Map

8 ways to Enjoy Fiji

• Fiji is renowned for some of the best diving in the world.
• Golfers will find a spectacular course near Nadi
• Tropical clothing, carved war clubs, woven mats and baskets, shell jewelry can all be purchased at the town market
• Cultural River Cruises - daytime excursion cruising from Sigatoka jetty upriver visiting a traditional Fijian village, kava welcoming ceremony and pottery making demonstration, then head downriver to Sigatoka Sand Dunes to a historic village of original Fijian ancestors, lovo feast and shopping for Fijian crafts
• Island Cruises - Day or half day cruises are available from Nadi area to Mana, Plantation, Beachcomber, Castaway Island or a combination of these islands in the Mamanuca group. Choose your mode of transport-Catamaran, Schooner, motor-sailor or Ketch! Once you've landed, each island offers water sports, entertainment and dining.
• You can swim with huge, harmless manta rays congregating by the shore, snorkel over giant rainbow gardens of soft coral, or scuba dive the White Wall and famous Astrolabe Reef.
• Fiji is where the Cloud Breaker, the incredible six-metre wave found offshore at Tavarua, draws surfers from around the world. It is also where you can float in the calm, quiet waters of a turquoise lagoon at sunset or walk alone through lush rainforest. It is where the sun shines almost everyday and when it does rain, people rush outside for a rainbath in the warm, brief downpour of a tropical shower which ends as quickly as it began.
• Naihehe Sacred Cave Tour - Explore these sacred caves deep in Sigatoka Valley, and you'll also enjoy the traditional welcome ceremony, entertainment and Fijian luncheon.

  So whether you choose to hike or bike, enter a cave or ride a wave, Fiji is tailor-made for relaxed, authentic experiences and adrenaline filled adventure.
  

  
  

Documents Needed for Travel

Fiji welcomes visitors and to facilitate easy entry, everything has been done to make the process as pleasant as possible. A valid passport for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is required. Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of 1 month for nationals most countries, however some countries require prearranged visas. Check with your travel agent for up to date information.

Language

One of the great things about this Pacific paradise is that everyone speaks English as well as Fijian or Hindi - although there are a few idiosyncrasies.

Time Zone

Fiji has frequently been called "The Crossroads of the Pacific" because the 180th Meridian passes through the islands. In fact, The International Date Line has been adjusted so the entire archipelago falls into the same time zone - 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Beaches

Climate

In a word, Tropical, with the best months being March through to November. Maximum temperatures rarely move out of the 31°C to 26°C range all year round. As you can see, winter is a term, not a season. A cooling trade wind blows from the east south-east for most of the year. It usually drops to a whisper in the evening and picks up again by mid-morning.

Rainfall is highly variable and strongly influenced by topography, with the prevailing south-east trade winds bringing moisture onshore and causing heavy showers in the mountain regions. The wet season is from November to April and results from the southerly movements of the South Pacific Convergence Zone. The wet season is characterized by heavy, brief local showers and contributes most of Fiji's annual rainfall.

Annual rainfall on the main islands is between 2000mm and 3000mm on the coast and low lying areas, and up to 6000mm in the mountains. The smaller islands receive various amounts according to their location and size, ranging from 1500mm to 3500mm.

Cyclones are mostly confined to the period November to April, with greatest frequency in January and February. On average, some ten to fifteen cyclones per decade affect some part of Fiji, and two to four do severe damage. The dominant north-west to south-east tracks gives some increased risk of damage in the outlying north-west island groups.

What to Wear

Casual for both night and day. Pack t-shirts, shorts, light cotton dresses and swim wear. Jeans will be too hot and uncomfortable. For cooler evenings or for out on the water, a jacket is a good idea. Sunscreens and hats are a must and joggers or sandals are good protection for walking and swimming around coral. If you do happen to cut yourself on coral, lemon or lime juice will relieve the pain - as will hydrogen peroxide. "Sulus" (known also throughout the Pacific as pareau, lavalava or sarong) are a must for both men and women. The wrap-around sulu is Fiji's most distinctive and versatile form of dress. For women there at least ten different ways it can be used, even for evening wear. Ask your resort staff for hints on tying and wearing your sulu. Visitors are asked to be careful not to offend local sensibilities. Wearing bikinis and ultra-brief swimming costumes is fine at a resort but not when visiting villages or shopping in town. This is where a sulu comes in handy.

Currency and Credit Cards

The Fijian dollar has standard decimal denominations between 1¢ and $50. Anything below $2 is a coin and $2 and above is a note. There is no limit to the amount of money to be brought in and visitors are allowed to take out currency up to the amount imported. Normal banking hours are from 9:30am to 3:00pm Monday to Thursday and to 4:00pm on Friday. All banks are closed on public holidays.

ANZ operates a 24 hour service at Nadi International Airport's Arrival Concourse. Bank of Hawaii offers Automated Teller (ATM) services in Suva, Nadi, Lautoka. ANZ offers ATM services in Suva, Nausori, Nadi, Nadi Airport, Lautoka, and Labasa, while National Bank and Westpac offer EFTPOS services in Suva, Nausori, Sigatoka, Nadi, and Lautoka. The central bank and bank of issue is the Reserve Bank of Fiji, and The National Bank is a government owned commercial bank. International cards are welcomed by most hotels, restaurants, shops, car rental companies and tour operators. American Express, Diners Club, Visa, JCB International and Mastercard have representatives in Suva. American Express and Visa can replace lost credit cards and travelers checks.

Electricity

The electrical current in Fiji is 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Fiji has three pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. If your applications are 110v check for a 110/240v switch; if there is none you will need a voltage converter. Leading hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc.

Marriage Requirements

Weddings in Fiji are recognized and legal and binding thru out the world.
Original Birth Certificate.
Valid 10 year passports.
Full names, addresses, occupations and religions.

If divorced - Decree Absolute with court stamp.
If widowed - Death Certificate of former spouse and previous Marriage Certificate.
If name has been changed by Deed Poll - legal proof stamped and signed by a solicitor. This also applies if a married woman has reverted back to her maiden name.
If adopted - the adoption certificate.
Minimum age to marry without parental consent is 21 years of age.

Minimum residency before wedding - 1 working day.