Backpacking Fiji for 30 days

Hi everyone!

I am planning a trip to Fiji for 30 days during December of this year. I have a loose plan for the month, and am open to many different things. I am 20 years old and love to be social, but also don't mind being on my own as I will be making this trip solo. I'd love to camp as much as possible, but it seems like hostels will be the main bit of my stay. I also am planning to take about a week at a low budget surf resort in the Mamanucas or Yasawas. Any recommendations?

I love to hike and camp. I also love surfing, diving, and snorkeling. Is diving and snorkeling easily accessible, and is diving super expensive? I enjoy fishing as well and am curious about fishing for dinner and camping on some beaches... is this legal and possible? It also seems that the surf breaks are all only accessible by boat.. is this true and how expensive?

Any opinions on independent cooking/cheap food options are also appreciated, as well as cheap accommodations throughout the nation of Fiji.

Additionally I have been thinking about buying/renting a kayak when there if I can island hop on my own and camp through different island chains... does anybody have any insight on this?

Again, I am open for anything. I'd love to explore the rain forests as well as the coral reefs and the different groups of islands.

Thank you in advance for the help!

Cheers

Hey there, just a quick reply. Fiji is pretty expensive compared to other places. But you can find deals. Best to always ask for discounts - the worst they can say is no.

I would stick to the yasawas if I were you. They offer the best diving and snorkelling. My favourite was Barefoot Island. They have kayaks there and could easily organise a trip for you. I would not recommend you doing a trip on your own at first as you would have to know the currents, the weather etc. Could be quite tricky. Maybe get to Fiji and then go stay on an island and then ask around. At Barefoot you can do a village stay and I am sure if you wanted they could teach you Fijian canoeing which could involve island hopping etc. But yes my recommendation would be to go to Barefoot and start from there and see what you want to do.

If it is rainforests you are after, then go trekking with Tanoa Treks. They are on facebook as well I think.

Oh and avoid the coral coast and Pacific Harbour. The diving there is poor. The Beach House is a nice place to party and sit on the beach but the diving and snorkelling have been depleted due to run off from the mainland.

Have fun and enjoy!

Thanks man! All of this reply is much appreciated. I will look into Barefoot and Tanoa Treks. I was thinking about spending my first few days at the Beach House but if its just a place to relax I may avoid it.. looking for adventure.

Thanks again!

Hi,
I'm going to be arriving in Fiji on the 24th of Dec. Right now I ve 2 places to stay via Couchsurfing in Nadi. I want to explore the whole island, do lots of diving and a few other things like flyboarding.... Perhaps we can meet up and share an adventure?!?!?

I was backpacking back in 1999 and spent about 3 December-weeks in Fiji. My plan was to relax on beaches, party and scuba dive.

I ended up spending about a week in Tavewa Island (Next to Turtle island where the 80s movie The Blue Lagoon was shot) with bunk beds or private huts and meals included in the price. I think the price was around 20 $US/night (for bunk bed) and boat trip from main island (2-3 hrs) included. They also had a bar. Free trips to caves, snorkeling sites, other islands etc were organized. Great snorkeling and nice water light blue water and white sandy beaches.

Next I spent a couple of days on an island close to the main island which name I don't recall and it wasn't much to remember since it was raining all the time..

The last 1,5 weeks I spent on Mana Island sleeping in a bunk med with meals included (even cheaper than Tavewa) and lot of partying going on here, but I also took my Advanced Open Water scuba diver licence.. Great night diving, shark spotting and wreck diving back then..

Since all of this was almost 16 years ago a lot could have changed but wanted to share this anyway..

I hope you´ll have a great trip / Jonas

Hi there!

Unfortunately I will be leaving Fiji the 24th of December as I arrive November 22nd, just missing you. Would have been fun, maybe next time around.

Good luck on your Fijian adventures.

Hey Jonas,

Thanks for the input. I will definitely keep some of this in mind but I will keep note that this was 16 years back. I am sure some has changed, but some could be the same if not better. Anything helps with planning.

Appreciate the advice, Cheers!

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