Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island and is an independent traveler’s dream. Often referred to as one of the best kept secrets in Fiji, this island is now fast becoming a tourist haven. Easily accessible from Viti Levu, Vanua Levu still retains much of its remoteness and isolation making it a popular destination for tourists who are looking to travel off the beaten path. Life is more traditional here and the surrounding landscape is filled with stunning views, lush rainforests and a plethora of coconut plantations.

Similar to Viti Levu in that it has two distinct climate zones, Vanua Levu is dry and dusty on its northern and western side, while its southern and eastern zones are wet with lush forests and several rivers. Volcanic in origin, there are not many beaches on Vanua Levu, however, the stunning Rainbow Reef can be found off the coast here. The Rainbow Reef is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving, not only on Fiji, but on the entire planet. There are several bays and rivers as well on Vanua Levu, where you can go kayaking, while the island’s interior is excellent for bird watching with the dense forestation found here.

There are two main towns on Vanua Levu, Savusavu and Labasa, while the towns and villages are quite small with no real tourist facilities. Most of the accommodations on Vanua Levu are found around the Savusavu Bay area. This part of the island is a favored for its excellent scuba diving and fishing. While Labasa is the largest town on Vanua Levu, the town itself has not real tourist sights, however, the area around Labasa is wonderful to explore.