Joining a program not only allows you to collaborate with local communities, but also offers plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding areas or travel further afield over weekends to see what other parts of the region have to offer.
Field staff are a great source of advice, and have helped us put together the following information on local travel options. Many decide to travel before or after their experience (subject to immigration restrictions), solidifying the lifetime friendships established on the program. Please note that the below suggestions are not included in the program fee, and are for you to organise at your own expense.
Weekend Trips
There are many day activities to choose from, such as ziplining and forest walks, as well as a variety of backpackers, resorts and beautiful beaches to visit. It’s a three-hour journey by taxi, and not easy to reach by bus. Participants usually travel as a group to reduce transport costs.
Leleuvia is a coral island with beautiful white sands which can be reached by boat in 1.5 hours. This is a popular, although costly, destination along the Moturiki passage. Local fishermen in the community can provide transfers if you would like to visit for the day, or spend the weekend there.
Go for a hike into the nearby forests, swim in the hidden freshwater waterfalls, or visit some of the black volcanic sand beaches. If you feel like a more luxurious weekend, and a place where you can do some shopping, there are hotels in Suva (the capital) that offer fully inclusive stays. Suva is roughly 3.5 hours away by bus, or 2 hours by taxi.
This is the old colonial capital of Fiji and a World Heritage Site – which makes for an interesting day trip. Levuka is located on the nearby Ovalau Island which is accessible by ferry and small boat.
Explore the history of this island nation by visiting the Fiji Museum in Suva, where you’ll find ancient tribal artefacts, and one of the best exhibitions on tribal art in the Pacific.
The colourful capital city of Suva is known for its relaxed atmosphere, nightlife and farmers market. The busy port town is about 3.5 hours away by bus or 2 hours by taxi (which is more expensive). Suva has all of the modern conveniences and amenities such as bars, restaurants and cinemas, and a variety of activities to suit all interests. Take a trip to the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park which is dedicated to the preservation of Fiji’s native flora and fauna, and is a haven for local birdlife. Alternatively, you can visit Tiko’s floating restaurant, the Mariamma temple or the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
If you have diver’s training, you can enjoy scuba-diving at the various resorts and dive sites in the region. This region is home to abundant marine life, colourful corals and steep drop offs. If you’re lucky with your dive, visibility can exceed 40 metres.
Take a short boat ride with a local fisherman to visit the famous pod of spinner dolphins that reside on Moon Reef all year round. This is a great way to meet the local community members and support their community.
Further Travels
Dive with bull sharks in Beqa Lagoon, one of the world’s most famous shark diving destinations.
Consider a trip to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, where you’ll find a miniature desert of rolling sand dunes, or for a more relaxing option you can visit the Coral Coast and the Kula Eco Park – Fiji’s only wildlife park.
From Pacific Harbour, you can join a jetski safari, or go white-water rafting on Navua River.
Located midway between Lautoka and Nadi on the main island of Viti Levu, you can indulge in a day of luxury and pampering. The hot springs are believed to have healing properties, making it a great way to unwind.
Explore the town of Nadi, which is about five hours away. Here you will find markets, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, beautiful beaches, resorts, nightclubs and watersports (like paddle-boarding and surfing). There are many fantastic package deals on offer. You can even go skydiving or soak up the electric atmosphere at a rugby match.
