Top Things to Do in Kadavu

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.

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.

Grab your paddles people! For epic adventure, Kadavu’s multi-day trips are hard to beat. Just choose your preferred sea kayak 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.

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.

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.

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.