Top things to do in Kadavu
Escape to remote Kadavu to get your fill of rainforest treks, waterfall dips, fantastic diving, snorkelling and fishing on the Great Astrolabe Reef. With so many simple pleasures to enjoy, you won’t miss getting off-grid for a bit.
Dive & Snorkel the Great Astrolabe Reef
Don a tank and some fins and come dive one of largest barrier reefs on the planet. The Great Astrolabe Reef’s treasure trove of more than 60 dive sites have plenty to hold your attention. Like the graceful manta ‘ballet’ at Manta Reef, navigating swim throughs at Alacrity Rocks or exhilarating drift dives at Naiqoro Passage. Even if you don’t dive, visibility is excellent so there’s still lots to see on a snorkel. With close to 65km of reef to explore and no crowds, it’ll feel like you have the entire ocean to yourself.Dive & Snorkel the Great Astrolabe Reef
Hike Hidden Trails
If the reefs don’t tempt you, then the rainforest might. Get your dose of greens on a hike inland to popular Kavala Bay waterfall where you’ll pass by scenic forests and quaint local villages. Vatalutu Trail, a little-known gem off Kadavu’s north-east coast, is one of region’s most scenic hikes. The 3hr trail ends at a picnic spot on a deserted beach but if you’re craving more vistas, you could attempt the full day hike around the island. Guides are recommended – ask your resort to organise one for you.
Hike Hidden Trails
Paddle Kadavu’s Wild Coast
Grab your paddles people! For epic adventure, Kadavu’s multi-day paddling trips are hard to beat. Just choose your preferred craft – sea kayak or outrigger canoe - and get cracking on an unforgettable journey around the island. The guided tours plot a daily course across crystal-clear lagoons with some hiking, snorkelling and a few bowls of mouth-numbing kava at local villages thrown in along the way. There’s a different resort to call home every night, with a delicious meal and comfy bed waiting to lull your tired bones to sleep. Both operators run tailored, multi-day Itineraries which can range between 1-10 days. Sounds like we’ve just sorted your next holiday for you!
See Tamarillo Active Travel (Sea-Kayaking)
Astrolabe Reef Outrigger Adventures (Outrigger Canoes)
Paddle Kadavu’s Wild Coast
Hook Some Deepwater Monsters
There’s really no excuse not to drop a line when you have miles of magnificent reef and lagoons on your doorstep. If you’re looking to reel in some deepwater giants, ask your resort to hook you up with a friendly game fishing crew who’ll take you trolling for impressive Blue Marlin, Mahi-mahi or Pacific Sailfish during the season. Packs of massive Wahoo hang out by the reefs edge between June and September so if you’re here, have a go at breaking the Wahoo world-record. Kadavu is infamous for its winter Wahoo run and a few IGFA world-records were caught in these waters.
See Bite Me Gamefishing Charters
Hook Some Deepwater Monsters
Track Rare Birds
You could spend many glorious hours scouring Kadavu’s rainforests for signs of it’s 4 endemic birds - like the crimson flash of the shining musk parrot or distinctive call of the yellow-headed whistling dove. Lots of other Fijian native birds share this island with numerous seabirds; especially on uninhabited Yabu Island near Ono. You might not have to wander too far from your resort to see many of them but traipsing through the rainforest and mangroves is its own adventure too. Take a local guide along with you though – with your head in the trees, you’ll need one to find your way back.
See Kadavu Tourism
Track Rare Birds
Swim with Manta Rays
Sharing the ocean with these gentle filter-feeding giants should at the top of your Fiji bucketlist. It’s incredibly calming and fascinating to watch these majestic creatures do graceful somersaults while feeding or glide in formation above a reef cleaning station. Kadavu is one of the best places in Fiji to swim with mantas and you can get your fix at popular reef sites off eastern Ono Island or Kadavu’s south coast.
See Matava Resort