Custom travel to Fiji

Fiji is the warmest archipelago in the South Pacific — 333 islands scattered across 1.3 million km² of ocean, populated by 900,000 inhabitants with Melanesian and Indo-Fijian culture, famous for their 'bula spirit' ('bula' = hello, joy of living). Diving among the world's best (preserved coral reefs, bull sharks, manatees), private islands with villas on stilts, white sand lined with coconut trees as far as the eye can see, kava (ritual drink), meke ceremony (polyphonic chants). Secondary destination after Bora Bora for honeymoons (30-40% cheaper), with a cultural dimension unique in Polynesia-Melanesia. The welcome ceremony in a Fijian village (sevusevu, kava offering to the chief) is one of the Pacific's most powerful anthropological experiences.

Highlights

• Yasawas and Mamanucas: tropical islands and diving
• Beqa Lagoon: world-class shark diving with bull sharks
• Sevusevu ceremony and kava in a Fijian village
• Vanua Levu: Savusavu and Rainbow Reef diving
• Private island Turtle Island or Vatulele
• Suva: cultural capital and colorful market

Sample itineraries

When to go

Fiji can be visited year-round but offers two distinct seasons. Dry season (May-October, austral winter): perfect season — ideal climate (24-28 °C), little rain, clear sky, clear water for diving (30 m+ visibility), refreshing trade wind. Wet season (November-April, austral summer): hotter (28-32 °C), frequent rain, 80% humidity, sometimes cyclones (rare but possible January-March). Hotels are 30-40% cheaper in wet season. For humpback whales (rare in Fiji): July-October. For Beqa diving: May-November.

• Dry season (high) (May – October) — Yasawas, Mamanucas, Beqa diving
• Wet season (November – April) — Tighter budget honeymoon
• Transition May and October (May and October) — All archipelagos, accessible prices
• Cyclonic rains (January – March) — Off-season, lowest prices

Practical information

Fiji is very safe. No visa for French citizens for 4 months. Cards accepted in resort hotels. Tap water drinkable in Nadi/Denarau, avoid on remote islands. Tipping not mandatory (but appreciated). Modest dress in villages (sulu/skirt for women and men), covered shoulders. Don't touch Fijians' heads (sacred). Cyclones rare but possible January-March.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time?

May-October (dry season) is ideal. November-April (wet season) is hotter and humid, sometimes cyclones January-March.

How long?

10-12 days for Nadi + 2 archipelagos. 14 days to add Vanua Levu or Beqa diving.

What budget?

€3,200-€4,500 per person for 10-12 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium honeymoon: €6,200-€9,000. Paris-Nadi flights: €1,500-€2,200.

Do I need a visa?

No for French citizens (stay < 4 months). Passport valid 6 months after return.

How to get between islands?

Seaplane (15-50 min), Yasawa Flyer catamaran (4-5 h to Yasawas), Fiji Airways domestic flights for Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

Bora Bora or Fiji for honeymoon?

Bora Bora for iconic overwater bungalows (but 30-40% more expensive). Fiji for cultural dimension (sevusevu, kava), world-class diving (Beqa), and better value.

Sevusevu: how does it work?

Buy 1 kg of kava root at the market (FJ$10-20). Offering to the chief (turaga ni koro) who accepts with 'bula vinaka'. Kava ceremony with hand clapping, meke chants. Possible lovo meal.

Beqa diving: required level?

Open Water+ with 30-dive minimum recommended. Depth 18-30 m, moderate currents. Beqa Adventure Divers is the reference operator.

Is Fiji suitable for family?

Absolutely. Total safety, warm welcome for children, family resort hotels (Mana, Castaway), beaches, snorkeling. From age 4.

Tips?

Not mandatory. 5-10% appreciated for exceptional service.