Fiji is one of the best places in the world to relax – but if you’re looking to get your heart racing, the island nation has something for that too.

With its endless islands, thriving coral reefs and crystal-clear water, Fiji has always been one of Australia’s favourite destinations to get away.

Now the island nation is pushing ahead with its reopening date to welcome fully vaccinated Aussies back from December 1 and has put in place an extensive program to deal with coronavirus that includes testing before arriving in the country and getting a rapid antigen test in a Covid-certified resort.

The huge amount of work done by Fiji, including vaccinating more than 90 per cent of its population against coronavirus, makes it one of the safest and easiest spots for Aussies to holiday before 2022.

And with hundreds of resorts scattered across Fiji’s more than 300 islands, all around a four-hour flight from Australia, the nation tailors to any and all tourists.

So if you’re looking to finally get overseas before Christmas, after a horrible two years in lockdown and under Covid restrictions, here are some of the best things you can do in Fiji.

Best island day trip in Fiji - Savala Island day cruise

It can be daunting trying to decide which islands you want to explore in Fiji, but the Savala Island day cruise will make sure you hit all the highlights in one day.The boutique cruise ensures you see the best of Fiji in maximum comfort and the boat is stocked with everything from kayaks and snorkels to stand-up paddleboards, ensuring you can experience everything the island has to offer. You’ll make your way to the private Savala Island, with the staff giving you an interesting insight into Fiji’s culture along the way. After an hour of snorkelling at the picturesque Savala island, you’ll be treated to a barbecue lunch before watching live entertainment and a coconut demonstration, where you’ll learn about how important and integral coconuts are to everyday life on Fiji. Following lunch, you’ll be able to watch shark pups swim in the shallows, feed some tropical fish or go on a glass-bottom boat tour. Then, after you’ve experienced everything on Savala Island, your tour boat – the M.V. Oolala – will take you back to Fiji’s main islands so you can relax back at your resort.

Best cruise tour in Fiji - 11-day Fiji islands cruise

With more than 300 islands to explore in Fiji, the desire to see everything the incredible nation has to offer can be daunting. And while no tour can take you to every single spot, Captain Cook Cruises is doing a pretty good job with its 11-day island hopping adventure. The cruise includes international flights from Australia and takes you beyond the main tourism hotspots to explore small villages, hidden coves and brightly coloured coral reefs. You’ll be able to channel your best Tom Hanks on a visit to Monuriki Island, where Cast Away was filmed, before diving into the crystal clear water of the Sacred Islands. You’ll be treated to a traditional lovo feast (underground oven) on Naviti Island and also witness the incredible sounds of the village choir on Monu. The Captain Cook tour includes seven nights in an ocean view state room, daily buffet and two nights’ hotel accommodation in Fiji.

Best cultural tour of Fiji - Fiji’s cannibal tribes tour

If you’re looking for something a little off-the-beaten track, and to take a break from your fellow resort tourists, a full-day tour into the Sigatoka Valley should do it. The tour kicks off with views of Fiji’s famous “salad bowl” – a valley that shows the nation’s thriving fruit and vegetable crops – before you hear of the incredible history of Tongan warriors who once reigned supreme in the area. You’ll see the ancient fortresses of Tavuni and Matanavatu before making your way to Sautabu Village. After participating in a customary kava ceremony, a traditional drink in Fiji that has a calming effect, you’ll make your way onto bamboo raft ferries to carry you across the river to the Naihehe Caves. The caves were home to Fiji’s last cannibal tribes and are one of the final remaining fortresses for the once-notorious group. Hundreds of people lived in the caves for months at a time and were ruled by a pagan priest. There, you’ll find the Grand Cathedral Chamber, which features a ritual platform, priest chambers and cannibal oven.

Best waterfall tour in Fiji - Biausevu Waterfall with kava ceremony and trekking tour

A trip to Fiji wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one of its tropical waterfalls. The six-hour tour will pick you up from your accommodation before driving through Fiji’s winding, jungle-lined roads to Biausevu Waterfall. You’ll also be able to participate in a kava ceremony before your visit to the falls and, if you book the tour on a school day, you’ll visit a preschool and meet some adorable Fiji locals in Biausevu village. And if you were watching the jungle during the tour and wondering what it would be like to be in the thick of it, the tour also takes you on a winding walk before you make it to Biausevu. The 30-minute easy trek crosses nine streams before you finally see the falls where you can cool off under Biausevu’s roaring water.

Best shark experience in Fiji - Ultimate encounter snorkel with sharks

For more aquatic pursuits, the team at South Sea Cruises will take you snorkelling with sharks. The tour starts with a pick-up from your Denaruau accommodation before you cruise back the picturesque Mamanuca Islands and head for the Yasawa Islands. After arriving at Kuata Island, where a massive population of reef sharks live, you’ll board a second smaller boat to carry you to the reef site. This is to ensure the island isn’t overrun with huge boats, which could potentially scare off the sharks. No previous snorkelling experience is required and you’ll get an extensive safety briefing before jumping in the water with the sharks. Your guide will be in the water with you the whole time but you’ll quickly realise the sharks, in their element, are happy to cruise below while you soak up one of the most exhilarating experiences in Fiji. After your shark encounter, you get access to the Barefoot Kuata Resort, which has a pool, hammocks, a restaurant, bar, kayaks and walking tracks.

Source: https://www.news.com.au/best-of/travel/best-things-to-do-in-fiji/news-story/9f10a9a35821e626b57acaddc971df79