| Type | Type |
|---|---|
| Historical Tours | Hiking |
| Scuba Diving | Night Snorkeling |
| Golf & Tennis | Bird Watching |
| Moon Reef Fiji |
Historical Tours
Overview: Explore the Historic Town of Levuka Independently: Levuka served as Fiji’s capital for a brief period of eight years before it was relocated to Suva in 1882. However, the town’s history stretches much further back, beginning as a whaling hub long before its time as a capital. Surrounded by towering 600-meter cliffs, this charming UNESCO World Heritage site retains an old-fashioned appeal, with its clock tower church and rows of weatherboard buildings along Beach Street. Once a bustling metropolis, Levuka was home to many “firsts” in Fiji, including its first hotel and bank. A great starting point for exploring is the Levuka Museum & Community Centre, which offers maps and historical artifacts. From there, visitors can delve into more of Levuka’s rich history by visiting sites like the Sacred Heart Church and the Town Hall.
There are several historical day trips that delve into the history of Levuka, Ovalau Island, and the surrounding Lomaiviti Islands, offering a fascinating journey through Fiji’s past. Gun Rock, located near Levuka, is a significant historical site that highlights Fiji’s colonial history. The site features a war memorial and provides valuable insights into the era of Chief Cakobau. During his reign, Gun Rock was targeted by cannon fire, making it an essential part of Levuka’s past. Visitors can enjoy stunning views while exploring the rock face and learning about its role in Fiji’s colonial era.
Another must-visit destination is the Levuka Community Centre and Museum, housed in the historic Morris Hedstrom & Co. storehouse. Donated to the National Trust of Fiji in 1980, the building was refurbished to serve as both a community center and a museum. It offers an in-depth look into Levuka’s rich history and its role in the development of Fiji. For a unique experience, a trip to Makogai Island is highly recommended. The island once housed a leper colony where individuals suffering from Hansen’s disease were isolated during the early 20th century. A guided tour of the island provides insight into its history and conservation efforts, including the giant clam nursery, where visitors can snorkel for a memorable marine experience. Lastly, Moturiki Island is renowned for its ancient Lapita settlements and the discovery of Fiji’s oldest skeleton. A visit to this island offers a connection to Fiji’s prehistoric past and provides a glimpse into traditional village life.
Hiking
Overview: There are several hiking trips available across the different islands that can be booked through your hotel’s reception desk, and these are typically guided tours. Here are a few examples: You can hike to Lovoni Village, located in an ancient volcanic crater and once home to a feared tribe, where you’ll learn about its rich history. For those looking for varied experiences, Wakaya Island offers a range of trails, from leisurely hikes up to Chieftain’s Leap to more challenging rocky routes from the hill to the sea, letting you enjoy the island’s beautiful nature on a self-guided adventure.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Overview: The Lomaiviti Islands offer exhilarating dive sites like Shark Reef and Sacred Reef, home to sharks, turtles, and vibrant coral, while Wakaya Club & Spa provides a prime diving base with access to a protected marine reserve. Toberua Island Resort features over 390 species of coral and 1,200 species of fish, making it perfect for divers of all levels. The PADI-certified Toberua Divers center offers courses for beginners to advanced divers, with high-quality gear and certification options like Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver. Wakaya also boasts world-class diving with a dedicated team of fish wardens ensuring the protection of the reef and marine life, offering an exceptional diving experience in a pristine environment.
Night snorkeling in the Lomaiviti Islands offers an exhilarating opportunity to explore the underwater world after dark, revealing nocturnal marine life such as hammerhead sharks and lionfish. A guided trip through the starlit waters of Toberua allows you to experience this unique adventure with an experienced guide, ensuring a safe and unforgettable exploration of the ocean’s nighttime wonders.
Golf & Tennis at a Private Island Resort
Overview: At Toberua Island Resort, guests can enjoy a unique 9-hole par-three golf course, designed by renowned Australian artist Ken Done, which is playable only during low tide. Similarly, Wakaya Island Resort boasts a scenic 9-hole course that winds through a historic coconut plantation, offering a challenging yet picturesque experience. Both resorts also feature tennis courts, with Wakaya offering a fully lit court for nighttime play.
Bird Watching
Overview: The lush forests of the Lomaiviti Islands are home to rare and colorful bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Gau Island, a bird sanctuary, is a must-visit for keen twitchers, offering a unique haven for birdlife. A notable species of the Lomaiviti Islands is the Fiji petrel (kacau ni Gau), an endemic seabird found only on Gau Island. It is the world’s only seabird with an unknown breeding site, adding to its mystique. This rare bird is integral to the island’s identity, with confirmed landings in villages such as Levuka-i-Gau, Nukuloa, Nawaikama, and Sawaieke. The petrel is deeply tied to Gau’s natural heritage, known for its elusive nature and remarkable breeding habits, making it a unique and treasured species of the island. The $20 Flora and Fauna Currency features the Kacau ni Gau (Fiji Petrel), showcasing this rare and iconic bird.
Bird List: Parasitic Jaeger, Pomarine Jaeger, White Tern, Brown Noddy, Black Noddy, Sooty Tern, Bridled Tern, White-tailed Tropicbird, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Gould’s Petrel, Collared Petrel, Fiji Petrel, Tahiti Petrel, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Christmas Shearwater, Tropical Shearwater, Red-footed Booby.
Moon Reef Fiji
Overview: The Moon Reef Dolphin Tour offers an enchanting adventure, where visitors can embark on a boat trip to Moon Reef, home to Fiji’s only resident spinner dolphins. Once migratory, this pod has made Moon Reef their year-round sanctuary. Guests can witness the playful antics of these dolphins, known for their acrobatics and bow riding, as they spend most mornings in the sheltered lagoon before heading out to hunt at night. Protected by the local community as a marine reserve, the reef is a haven for over 300 species of coral and reef fish. Although feeding or swimming with the dolphins is prohibited to preserve their natural behavior, the dolphins are so close that guests can enjoy their lively presence without interference. A truly unforgettable experience.