Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

how to get from caqalai island to savusavu

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji

can anyone help?

we need to know the easiest route to get from caqalai island to savusavu?

thanks!

You will have to go back to Viti Levu, there is no direct route. Caqelai used to have a small boat that took you to Natovi Landing (north of Suva) but I don't know if that still operates. Otherwise you will have to get their boat back to Levuka and from there go back to Suva. Boat or plane from there to Savusavu.
There was a roll-on, roll-off ferry that went from Natovi Landing to Vanua Levu, but it went to Nabouwalu (on the Western side) not SavuSavu.
My experiences are several years back, so someone else may have an update for you - but I'm pretty sure there is no direct link (we tried to find one!)

1

ok, thanks!

any idea of the time it would take to get from caq to suva?

if money was not an issue!

thanks,
rx

2

Best way would be to get their boat back in to Levuka - not sure if they could drop you near the airport which is situated closer to Caqelai than Levuka is. Going to Levuka means you would then have to get a bus or minibus ride round the coast back to the airport. Some time since I did it but I think it took around 30 minutes, could be underestimating that. The plane ride is relatively short (maybe 15 minutes?) and there used to be a morning and a late afternoon plane daily. You could then get a plane to Savusavu - again I don't know the current schedule. Nausori Airport is about a 30 minute taxi ride from Suva central, so you would want to check whether flight times coincided, otherwise you could be stuck there for several hours.

3

Hi,
I Travel to Caqalai twice a year and find getting their a wonderful cultural experience every time.
Ring Caqalai Island resort they might be able to help, their phone is on their website fijiislandresortcaqalai.com,
I am sure they could organise a boat from Caqalai to their drop off bridge on mainland, and organise a taxi to wait for you at this bridge to take you to Nasauri Airport to meet your connection for Savusavu.
Or leave Caqalai a day earlier and Stay in Suva for a night and get a taxi to Nasauri the next day,
Boat 40 mins,
Taxi 30 Mins,
Hope this helps

4

thank you for the response...

i would be curious: on caqalai, where is the best snorkeling?

is there stuff you would recommend since you go there so frequently?

i am really curious.

thanks

5

Hi,
Snorkling anywhere around Caqalai is great, it is a wonderful but small island,
The staff will look after you very well, and a 5 min boat ride to neighbouring Moturiki Island which has 9 villages and wonderful people, would give you a true insight into real Fiji culture.
You could also take a 30 min boat ride to the old Capital of Fiji, Levuka on Ova Lau Island, Old Colonial buildings, awonderful experience,
Regards,
Jonacane and Sala

6

thank you so much for your response.

one LAST question.

we arrive at suva airport at 8.30am.

from there, how is the best, easiest and fastest way to reach caqalai island? can we hire a taxi at the airport to get us to the place where we get a boat?

any help on this appreciated!

thank you

7

Bula,
Make sure you ring Caqalai to let them know that you will be at waidalaci bridge at the boat pick up time.
Then you can get a Taxi from Suva airport to the Bridge or if you have time before the boat pick up,ask the taxi and negotiate a fair price to take you to nausori town and have a look around the shops and market, and get some treats to take to the Caqalai.
There is also a little shop near the bridge, just ask a local.
Caqalai Island phone numbers
Phone: +679 3620388
Mobile: +679 7530069

Have a great time and experience,
Say hello to Rai from Jonathani and Sala
P.S.
If you want to go or do things, just ask the staff and if possable they will help you in any way,
Vinaka Vaka Levu
Sota Tale
Moceeeeeeeeeeee

8

Bula
When on Caqalai,
ask Rai at the office and Negotiate a price to take a boat ride across to the Chiefly Village of Niubasaga on Moturiki Island, it only takes about 10 mins, mention our names to Rai and ask her to get Bill to meet you in the village and show you arround,
Ask Bill to show you the Lomalagi Bure, that is a traditional hut the village built for us when we stay in the village,
Wish we were their now, wont be long before we get back,
have a wonderful time,
Jonacani and Sala

9

thanks a ton, guys, for the helpful info.

we spoke to caqalai resort, and they plan to pick us up at the bridge at 2pm.

although, our flight lands at suva airport at 8.30am.

what do you suggest we do until 2pm?

we will have our large backpacks with us, etc....

any ideas? many thanks!

10

Hi,
we usually agree on a price for the driver for him to stay with us until he drops us off at the bridge, we leave our bags in the boot of the car while we look around Nausori or Suva, ask the driver to show you some of the local sites,
Regards,
Jonacani and Sala.
P.S. when are you going to Caqalai

11

we are leaving for fiji in 2 days, should be in caqalai in 4 !!

12

Bula,
Have a great time, and remember that everyone goes at a slower pace (Fiji Time) than the rest of the world, The trip to the island can be a bit bumpy, but that is part of the experience through the mangrove curved river to the open water and then to the island.
Dont forget if you want to go anywhere or do things,with or without a guide, just ask the staff, and if its possable they will help.
We hope we have helped,
Kind regards,
Jonacani and Sala,
Sota Tale
Moceeeeeeeee

13