Taveuni Island is a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, culture, or nature, you will find it on this stunning island. Taveuni Island is the third-largest island in Fiji, and one of the most diverse and pristine. It is home to lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, colourful coral reefs, and friendly locals.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Taveuni Island, including its history, attractions, activities, accommodation, dining, and travel arrangements. Read on to find out why Taveuni Island is the perfect destination for your next holiday.
Why Visit Taveuni Island?
Taveuni Island is not your typical island getaway. It is a place where you can experience the authentic and diverse Fiji, away from the crowds and the commercialism. Taveuni Island is known as the Garden Isle of Fiji, because of its rich and varied flora and fauna. It has over 100 species of birds, many of them endemic to the island, as well as palms, ferns, orchids, and tropical flowers. Taveuni Island is also a haven for marine life, as it is surrounded by the Somosomo Strait, a narrow channel of water that hosts the famous Rainbow Reef, one of the world's best dive sites. Taveuni Island is also rich in history and culture, as it was the site of several battles and migrations, and it is home to the indigenous iTaukei people, who still practice their traditional customs and hospitality. Taveuni Island is a destination that will appeal to all kinds of travellers, whether you are looking for romance, family fun, adventure, or relaxation. You will never run out of things to do and see on this island, and you will always feel welcome and comfortable.
What to Do and See in Taveuni Island?
Taveuni Island has a lot to offer in terms of activities and attractions, both on land and in the water. Here are some of the top things to do and see on Taveuni Island:
Diving and snorkeling in the Rainbow Reef and the Somosomo Strait: If you are a fan of underwater exploration, you will love diving and snorkeling in the Rainbow Reef and the Somosomo Strait, which are home to over 1500 species of fish and 400 species of coral. You will be amazed by the variety and vibrancy of the marine life, as well as the unique formations and features of the reef, such as the Great White Wall, a vertical drop-off covered in white soft coral. You can also swim with manta rays, sharks, turtles, and dolphins, and enjoy the clear and warm water. There are several dive operators and resorts that offer diving and snorkeling trips and packages, as well as equipment rental and training. You can choose from different levels of difficulty and duration, depending on your preference and experience.
Hiking and exploring the Bouma National Heritage Park and the Tavoro Falls: If you prefer to stay on land, you can hike and explore the Bouma National Heritage Park and the Tavoro Falls, which are located on the eastern side of the island. The park covers over 80% of the island, and it is a protected area that preserves the natural and cultural heritage of Taveuni. You can hike through the lush and scenic rainforest, and see various plants and animals, such as the rare tagimoucia flower, the orange dove, and the banded iguana. You can also visit the Tavoro Falls, which are a series of three waterfalls that cascade down from a height of over 100 meters. You can swim in the pools at the base of each waterfall, and enjoy the refreshing and relaxing atmosphere. The park also offers other activities, such as birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, and cultural tours. You can access the park from the village of Bouma, where you can also find a visitor center, a gift shop, and a restaurant.
Visiting the international dateline marker and the Qeleni Village: If you are interested in history and culture, you can visit the international dateline marker and the Qeleni Village, which are located on the northern tip of the island. The international dateline marker is a sign that marks the spot where the date changes, as Taveuni Island is one of the few places in the world that straddles the 180th meridian. You can stand on both sides of the sign, and be in two different days at the same time. You can also visit the Qeleni Village, which is a traditional iTaukei village that welcomes visitors and offers a glimpse into the local way of life. You can learn about the history and culture of the village, see the thatched houses and the community hall, and participate in a kava ceremony, a ritual drink that is made from the root of a pepper plant. You can also enjoy a traditional meal, a dance performance, and a handicraft demonstration. You can arrange a visit to the village through your accommodation or a tour operator, and you will need to pay a small fee and follow some etiquette rules, such as wearing modest clothing and removing your shoes and hat.
Enjoying the scenic views and the wildlife of the island: If you want to relax and enjoy the beauty of Taveuni Island, you can simply take in the scenic views and the wildlife of the island. You can watch the sunrise and sunset from various vantage points, such as the Matei Airport, the Wairiki Mission, or the Lavena Coastal Walk. You can also see the stars and the moon at night, as Taveuni Island has very little light pollution. You can also observe and interact with the wildlife of the island, such as the horses, cows, pigs, dogs, cats, and chickens that roam freely around the villages and the roads. You can also feed the fish at the Waitabu Marine Park, or visit the Taveuni Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates stray and injured animals.
Where to Stay and Eat in Taveuni Island?
Taveuni Island has a wide range of accommodation and dining options, catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay and eat in Taveuni Island:
Luxury resorts and hotels: If you want to splurge and pamper yourself, you can stay at one of the luxury resorts and hotels on Taveuni Island, such as the Taveuni Island Resort and Spa, the Taveuni Palms Resort, or the Qamea Resort and Spa. These resorts offer spacious and elegant villas, suites, and bungalows, with private pools, jacuzzis, balconies, and ocean views. They also offer amenities and services, such as restaurants, bars, spas, gyms, pools, gardens, and activities. They also provide airport transfers, tours, and packages. You can expect to pay around $500 to $1000 per night for these resorts, depending on the season and the availability.
Family-friendly and budget-friendly resorts and hotels: If you are travelling with your family or on a budget, you can stay at one of the family-friendly and budget-friendly resorts and hotels on Taveuni Island, such as the Garden Island Resort, the Paradise Taveuni Resort, or the Maravu Taveuni Lodge. These resorts offer comfortable and affordable rooms, cottages, and dorms, with shared or private bathrooms, fans, and Wi-Fi. They also offer amenities and services, such as restaurants, bars, pools, gardens, and activities. They also provide airport transfers, tours, and packages. You can expect to pay around $100 to $300 per night for these resorts, depending on the season and the availability.
Guesthouses and homestays: If you want to experience the local culture and hospitality, you can stay at one of the guesthouses and homestays on Taveuni Island, such as the Taveuni Oceanview Cottages, the Vacala Bay Resort, or the Taveuni Homestay. These guesthouses and homestays offer cozy and authentic rooms, cottages, and apartments, with private or shared bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas. They also offer amenities and services, such as breakfast, laundry, and Wi-Fi. They also provide airport transfers, tours, and packages. You can expect to pay around $50 to $150 per night for these guesthouses and homestays, depending on the season and the availability.
Local and international restaurants and cafes: If you want to taste the local and international cuisine of Taveuni Island, you can visit one of the many restaurants and cafes on the island, such as the Salty Fox Bar and Grill, the Coconut Grove Restaurant, or the Tramonto Restaurant. These restaurants and cafes offer a variety of dishes, such as seafood, curry, pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, and desserts. They also offer drinks, such as coffee, tea, juice, beer, wine, and cocktails. You can expect to pay around $10 to $30 per person for a meal at these restaurants and cafes, depending on the dish and the drink.
Bars and pubs: If you want to have some fun and socialize with the locals and other travellers, you can visit one of the bars and pubs on Taveuni Island, such as the Mongoose Bar, the Taveuni Dive Resort Bar, or the Taveuni Island Resort Bar. These bars and pubs offer a lively and friendly atmosphere, with music, games, and entertainment. They also offer drinks, such as beer, wine, cocktails, and shots. You can expect to pay around $5 to $15 per person for a drink at these bars and pubs, depending on the drink and the time.
Markets and street food: If you want to experience the authentic and affordable food of Taveuni Island, you can visit one of the markets and street food stalls on the island, such as the Matei Market, the Wairiki Market, or the Naqara Market. These markets and street food stalls offer a variety of fresh and local produce, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and eggs. They also offer snacks, such as roti, cassava, taro, and coconut. You can expect to pay around $1 to $5 per person for a snack at these markets and street food stalls, depending on the snack and the quantity.
How to Travel to and Around Taveuni Island?
Taveuni Island is relatively easy to access and explore, as it has several transportation options, both by air and by sea. Here are some of the ways to travel to and around Taveuni Island:
By air from Nadi or Suva: The fastest and most convenient way to travel to Taveuni Island is by air from Nadi or Suva, the two main international airports in Fiji. You can take a domestic flight from either airport to the Matei Airport, which is located on the northern end of Taveuni Island. The flight takes about an hour from Nadi and about 45 minutes from Suva, and it offers scenic views of the islands and the ocean. You can book your flight with Fiji Airways or Northern Air, which operate several flights per day, depending on the season and the demand. You can expect to pay around $200 to $400 per person for a round-trip flight, depending on the season and the availability.
By sea from Savusavu or Viti Levu: The cheapest and most adventurous way to travel to Taveuni Island is by sea from Savusavu or Viti Levu, the two main islands in Fiji. You can take a ferry or a boat from either island to the Somosomo Wharf, which is located on the western side of Taveuni Island. The ferry or the boat takes about two to four hours from Savusavu and about six to eight hours from Viti Levu, and it offers a relaxing and enjoyable ride. You can book your ferry or boat ticket with Goundar Shipping or Patterson Brothers, which operate several trips per week, depending on the season and the weather. You can expect to pay around $20 to $40 per person for a one-way ticket, depending on the type and the duration of the ride.
By bus or taxi: The easiest and most comfortable way to travel around Taveuni Island is by bus or taxi, which are available throughout the island. You can take a bus or a taxi from the Matei Airport or the Somosomo Wharf to your accommodation or your destination, and vice versa. The bus or the taxi takes about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the distance and the traffic, and it offers a convenient and affordable ride. You can pay the bus or the taxi fare with cash or card, which is usually around $5 to $15 per person, depending on the distance and the time.
By rental car or bike: The most flexible and fun way to travel around Taveuni Island is by rental car or bike, which are available at the Matei Airport or the Somosomo Wharf, or at some of the resorts and hotels on the island. You can rent a car or a bike for a day or a week, and explore the island at your own pace and preference. You can drive or ride along the coastal road, which circles the island, and stop at any of the attractions or the villages that you like. You can also drive or ride off-road, and discover some of the hidden gems of the island. You can expect to pay around $50 to $100 per day for a rental car, and around $10 to $20 per day for a rental bike, depending on the type and the condition of the vehicle.
Conclusion
Taveuni Island is a destination that will exceed your expectations and make you fall in love with Fiji. It is a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds, the natural and the cultural, the relaxing and the adventurous, the luxurious and the authentic. Taveuni Island is a place that will make you feel alive and happy, and leave you with unforgettable memories and experiences.
If you are ready to discover the Garden Isle of Fiji, book your Taveuni Island holiday package today, or contact us for more information and assistance. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you soon on Taveuni Island.