Beaches · Fiji
The best beaches in and near Fiji
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Anton Leddin, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Natadola Beach (About 1 hour by car from Nadi). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 29°C (84°F)
The beaches
About 1 hour by car from Nadi · Swimming and long walks
1.Natadola Beach
A long arc of white sand with a break in the reef, so swimming is possible at most tides; one of the finest beaches on Viti Levu.
About 30–90 minutes by catamaran from Port Denarau · Snorkelling and resort stays
2.Mamanuca island beaches
Small white-sand beaches with snorkelling straight off the sand on islands such as Malolo and Mana.
About 4–5 hours by catamaran from Port Denarau · Snorkelling and couples
3.Blue Lagoon beaches
Sheltered beaches around Nanuya Lailai with clear, calm water and coral close to shore.
About 10 minutes from Nadi airport · Budget stopovers and sunsets
4.Wailoaloa Beach
A long, grey-sand beach near Nadi lined with budget hotels and hostels, more for sunsets than swimming.
About 1 hour by road from Taveuni's airstrip · Quiet walks and nature
5.Lavena Beach
A palm-fringed black-and-golden sand beach at the start of Taveuni's Lavena Coastal Walk.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| February | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| March | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| April | 28°C (82°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| June | 26°C (79°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| September | 25°C (77°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| October | 26°C (79°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| November | 27°C (81°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| December | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$$ · Best for beach, couples, families and luxury
Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca group is a cluster of about 20 islands west of Nadi, many fringed by reefs and holding a single resort each, from family resorts to adults-only retreats. Malolo and Mana are among the larger islands. Calm lagoons, snorkelling from the beach and easy access from the airport make them the most popular island stay in Fiji.
- Good
- Classic white-sand beaches and clear water; Quick access from Nadi; Wide range of resort styles
- Watch out
- Resort meals and drinks are expensive; Day-trippers visit some islands
- Nearby
- Monuriki, Port Denarau Marina, Malolo Island
Getting to the beaches
- Ferry — High-speed catamarans from Port Denarau serve the Mamanuca resorts several times a day and run the length of the Yasawa chain daily, dropping passengers at resorts by small boat.
- Boat — Water taxis, resort transfer boats and seaplanes link Denarau with individual islands; seaplanes give a fast, scenic transfer to the Mamanucas.
- Bus — Local buses with open windows run along the Queens Road (south) and Kings Road (north) around Viti Levu, and express coaches link Nadi and Suva via the Coral Coast.
- Car — Rental cars suit the Coral Coast and day trips on Viti Levu; Fiji drives on the left, and roads have speed humps through villages and loose animals.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in April–November. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
The main risks are sun, coral cuts and currents near reef passages; swim where resorts advise and wear reef shoes. Cyclones are possible from November to April, so follow official warnings. In Nadi and Suva, watch for street touts and petty theft after dark. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Fiji have beaches?
Yes: Natadola Beach, Mamanuca island beaches, Blue Lagoon beaches, Wailoaloa Beach and Lavena Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Fiji?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Fiji?
Natadola Beach: A long arc of white sand with a break in the reef, so swimming is possible at most tides; one of the finest beaches on Viti Levu.