Fiji holidays

The Pacific’s marine life is one of the main draws of a holiday to Fiji and you will find first-class diving and snorkelling, thanks to its abundant reefs and underwater scenes. Divers can swim through coral-covered canyons and caverns, while novices can snorkel among reefs filled with colourful fish, turtles and small sharks. The reefs along the Coral Coast are perfect for beginners, while Shark Reef is popular with experienced divers – you’ll be able to see bull sharks, black-tip reef sharks and even ghostly tiger sharks.

But Fiji’s natural beauty isn’t limited to the ocean – there are plenty of things to see on dry land, too. On Viti Levu you can sail through the lush Sigatoka Valley, or go on a 4x4 tour of the Namosi Highlands and see forest-clad hills, deep canyons and tumbling waterfalls. Or, for something a little more sedate, admire orchids and plants at the tranquil Garden of the Sleeping Giant, just outside the bustling town of Nadi.

If you're a thrill-seeker, why not opt for a skydive? As well as giving you a great buzz, you'll also have unparalleled views of the islands and turquoise waters below. If a day spent lounging on a cabana bed and drinking cocktails is more your style, don't miss a trip to Malamala Beach Club – the world’s first beach club located on its very own island. Or, for something truly unique, ask our experts about a day trip to Cloud 9. This two-level floating platform is surrounded by blue waters and picturesque views, and comes complete with an well-stocked bar, an Italian wood-fired pizzeria and live DJs.

When you’re faced with hundreds of islands, choosing one can seem impossible. If you want to combine beaches with cultural attractions, focus your Fiji holiday on Viti Levu. As the largest island, this place is home to most of the country’s residents and the capital, Suva. This colourful city, tucked in the island’s southeast corner, offers a great insight into Fijian life, with historical museums, bustling markets and a beautiful botanical garden. To the west, meanwhile, you’ll find Viti Levu’s stunning Coral Coast with plentiful beaches and hotels and resorts suiting all budgets. The popular resort of Denarau Island – attached to the mainland by bridge – is just a 20-minute drive from the International Airport in Nadi and is a great spot to tick off, before or after a  visit to the outlying islands.

Alternatively, you could stay in the Mamanuca Islands. This archipelago – where blockbuster Castaway was filmed – is famous for its stunning beaches and away-from-it-all feel. The marine life is incredible too, and you’ll find some of Fiji’s best snorkelling and diving sites around the Mamanucas.

But if you’re looking for a more remote paradise, take a look at the scenic Yasawa's islands. Made up of 20 isles, this archipelago boasts dramatic volcanic peaks, spectacular coral reefs and pure-white beaches, fringed by nodding palms and lush vegetation. And not a single building rises about the tree line, giving the islands an authentic, untouched feel.

One of the best ways to explore Fiji and its islands is a sailing trip. We have small ship cruises offering sailings between three and 14 nights, designed to showcase the stunning natural beauty of Fiji and the amazing cultures of its people. If you have three or four nights to spare, a cruise around the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands is a must-do. You’ll experience some incredible snorkelling, visit Monuriki – the sheltered island where the movie Castaway was filmed – meet local islanders, witness cultural performances, and learn about Fiji’s history. Our cruises include all meals, local beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, daily shore excursions, snorkel equipment and nightly entertainment.

If you want to get even further afield, we have cruises which discover the Lau Islands, Kadavu and the garden island of Tavenui. Cruise highlights include waterfall swimming, exploring caves and crystal lagoons, and getting up close to some incredible wildlife, including nesting turtles, snakes and birdlife. Speak to one of our travel experts and we can create the perfect Fiji holiday for you.

Like many tropical countries, Fiji has two seasons – dry and wet. If you want long, sunny days and comfortable temperatures, it’s best to book your Fiji holiday between May and October. During this half of the year, daytime temperatures hover around 27°C, and rarely drop below 19°C at night. There’s also a nice breeze blowing in from the South Pacific, helping to keep you cool. It’s the perfect time of year for exploring Fiji’s beaches and coral reefs so, unsurprisingly, it’s also the most popular time to visit Fiji. The islands get particularly busy in July, when holidaymakers from Australia and New Zealand flock to the beaches.

From November to April, Fiji’s wet season takes hold. You can expect high humidity, tropical downpours and temperatures in the low-thirties. If you're not put off by a little wet weather, it's in this season you're likely to get the best rates and hotel deals.

• Visa: No visa required, provided you have a return ticket or proof of onward travel
• Language: Fijian, Fijian Hindi and English
• Currency: Fijian Dollar ($)
• Time difference: GMT +12 hours
• Flight duration from London: There are no direct flights from the UK to Fiji. The journey takes at least 24 hours, often with a stopover in Hong Kong or Los Angeles
• Capital city: Suva