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21 BEST Things to do in Nadi, Fiji

21 BEST Things to do in Nadi, Fiji

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If you’re planning on visiting Fiji, chances are that you’ll fly into Nadi International Airport. Many tourists leave Nadi immediately and head off to a remote island for their holiday in Fiji, which we think that’s such a shame! If you choose to stay in Nadi, even for just a couple of days, you’ll be rewarded with plenty of interesting and fun things to do that you wouldn’t experience out on the smaller islands.

While the beaches in Nadi aren’t quite on the same level as the beaches on the nearby islands, there is just so much to do and see here! From peaceful garden walks to adrenaline-pumping river rafting, some of the very best things to do in all of Fiji can be found in Nadi.

So, if you want to do a little more than just sit on a beach while you’re in Fiji, then you’re going to love this city – and let me tell you why!

I recently spent several nights here and I loved it. In fact, Dan and I are currently planning our wedding in Fiji at a resort just outside of Nadi. From all of the times I’ve visited, I’ve done and seen a lot, so it made sense to put together this list of the 21 best things to do in Nadi, Fiji!

If you choose to do any of the following things to do on my list, you’re sure to have a great time.

21 BEST Things to do in Nadi, Fiji

1. Visit Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple

outside of Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi, Fiji
This temple is so neat and it’s located right in Nadi.

Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, and it’s just gorgeous! Located right next to the Queens and Nadi Back Rd junction in town, the temple is so colorful and the paintings on the roof on the inside are amazing. It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Nadi that I would personally recommend.

This temple is one of the many Hindu temples in Fiji. In fact, Hinduism is the second most popular religion in Fuji as there is a large immigrant population from India. By visiting the temple, you’ll get to experience a small part of this culture for yourself.

The temple costs $5 FJD for the entry fee and enforces a strict dress code. Women must have their knees covered, but don’t worry if you’re wearing shorts as they will provide a shawl you can tie around your waist (this is what happened when I visited).

You’ll be asked to remove your shoes to visit the temple and to only take photos outside the temple. However, you are allowed to enter the inside of the temple – just no pictures.

two women stand infront of Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi, Fiji
Me and my mom at the temple.

You can explore the entire temple in only 20 minutes or so, but it is beautiful, and you’ll want to take some great photos, so I’d allow a little more time.

Many day tours of Nadi include a visit to this temple as well as stops at many of the other attractions in Nadi. Our favorite half-day tour would have to be this Nadi sightseeing and mud pool tour, which lasts about 4 hours and includes stops by the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, the temple, a natural hot spring with mud pools, and more!

This tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels in Nadi, making the whole experience feel so effortless. Tickets start at $82 USD per person, and you can secure your spot on the tour here.

If you’d like to explore on your own, you can also hire a taxi driver to take you directly from your hotel. The temple is only a 10-minute drive from Wailoaloa Beach or 15 minutes from Port Denarau.

2. Visit the Fiji Culture Village

two women pose with the village chief at the Fiji Culture Village
Posing with the village “chief” at the Fiji Culture Village.

There is simply no point in visiting a new country unless you try to learn about their culture! From Nadi, it’s so easy to visit nearby villages or go on a cultural tour.

I went on an evening cultural night tour to the Fiji Culture Village where I learned all about village life. I also watched traditional dancing (including fire dancers), tried Kava, and ate a Lovo meal. If you don’t know what these things are, then you really should go for yourself!

The experience starts with a tour around a recreated Fijian village where you’ll learn all about traditional ways of life. We saw somebody make fire by rubbing sticks together, met the village “chief”, learned how to basket weave, and so much more. It was super educational, but also lots of fun and even the children in our tour group seemed to enjoy it.

After the village tour, we watched our dinner be prepared from the “earth oven” – a traditional way of cooking food here in Fiji called a “Lovo.” Then it was time to eat!

The dinner was made up of a huge buffet with fish, chicken, beef, and pretty much all of the sides you can imagine. It honestly was really great food, I was impressed and so was my mom (who is a little harder to please when it comes to food).

After dishing out our food, we ate it while watching a dinner show. There were singers, dancers, a Kava ceremony, and even fire dancers! The show was interactive, and I even ended up getting on stage to learn some slick Fijian dance moves.

three fire dancers at the Fiji Culture Village in Nadi, Fiji
The fire dancers were very talented.

There is so much to learn about the way the people of Fiji once lived and the way they live today. It’s also great to watch traditional dances and listen to songs in a way that felt really authentic. For me though, the highlight of experiencing a new culture is trying new food!

Lasting about 4 hours, I highly recommend the evening cultural tour at the Fiji Culture Village, it’s an entertaining and fun night out! You can book your spot on this evening tour for $77 USD per person, which also includes hotel pick up and drop off for both Nadi and Denarau hotels.

If you’ve already got plans for the evening, the Fiji Culture Village also offers a daytime tour which is almost identical to the nighttime tour. The only difference is that there won’t be any fire dancers – but if that’s not a big deal for you, you can book the tour here. Tickets are just $64 USD per person and include lunch too.

For more information, check out my blog all about my experience at the Fiji Culture Village!

Note: The Fiji Culture Village is not a real Fijian Village where people live – it is a presentation for entertainment and educational purposes. If you want to experience a true Fijian Village you can join this tour instead. However, it was still a really fun experience and I honestly learned a lot. I would totally do it again.

3. Buy all of your souvenirs

buying bula shirts in Nadi Fiji
Nadi is the cheapest and best place to do any shopping.

The main street in Nadi has tons of shopping! It’s the perfect place to load up on souvenirs or just do some shopping for new clothing. “Bula shirts” are Fijian-style “Hawaiian shirts” and they are typical souvenirs that tourists buy. Plus, they are nice shirts and are pretty cheap too.

I picked up 2 gorgeous flower-print sarongs for just $20 FJD, which is a little under $9 USD!

The Nadi Handicraft Market is one of my top places to stock up on souvenirs. Although most of the huts sell similar items, it’s easy to find a bargain here and buy a few things to bring back with you. It’s open from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday, but keep in mind that it is closed on Sundays (like most markets in Fiji).

If you’re heading out to another area in Fiji, such as an island or the Pacific Coast, it is best to do all of your shopping in Nadi as it will be much cheaper.

4. Walk the Garden of the Sleeping Giant

looking out at the mountain of the sleepng giant in fiji

The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a beautiful orchid garden that lies just on the outskirts of Nadi. This garden has tons of different orchids on display along with many other gorgeous flowers and trees.

Walking down a winding path through all the flowers, you’ll eventually reach a lily pond, where you’ll see the frogs dancing from pad to pad. If you carry on a little further, there are more trails that weave through the native trees and further along the property.

lily pads at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant in Nadi, Fiji
Can you spot all of the frogs?!

In short? It’s a serene garden and a nice way to relax in Fiji that’s different from the beach!

Entrance to the Sleeping Giant Garden is $25 FJD for adults (16+), $12.50 FJD for kids (6-15), and it includes fresh fruit juice at the end. You could explore the garden in 30 minutes if you wanted, or take hours – it is totally up to you! I spent about an hour there in total and to me, that was enough.

So, why is this garden named after a “Sleeping Giant”? Well, it’s because of the slumbering mountain behind it! If you look at the mountain from the right angle, it looks just like a giant laying down sleeping.

Just like the temple, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is often included on day tours of Nadi, like this half-day sightseeing tour with mud pools we mentioned before, but you can also just hire a taxi to take you. From Nadi Airport, the garden is only about a 20-minute drive.

Tip: If you are going to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, only a two-minute drive down the road is the mud baths (more on them below). If you hire a driver, ask them to take you here as well!

5. Spend an Afternoon at Port Denarau/Denarau Island

views from lunch at port denarau
There are lots of tasty restaurants in Port Denarau offering a marina view!

Only a few minutes from Nadi is Denarau Island, an area with loads of fancy hotels and plenty of honeymoon resorts. It’s also where the ferries to the islands leave from, so if you’re heading out to an island later on your trip, chances are you’ll be leaving from here. Right at the port, there are lots of shops and restaurants to take a look at.

I recommend having lunch at Port Denarau, as the view of the harbor is simply gorgeous. These restaurants are known to be pricey, but I found lots of lunch deals as well as midday deals on drinks that were very reasonable.

We stopped by Bonefish Seafood Restaurant having heard good things and were super impressed! Not only was the view of the harbor amazing (you’re literally sitting right next to the waterfront), but they have some killer seafood which I couldn’t help but think about for days (and weeks) after the trip. They are pretty popular though, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation before you go.

The harbor is also such a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunset near Nadi, so make sure you check what time the sun sets in Nadi and book your table for then.

6. Go on an Island Day Trip

island resort in Fiji - one of the best places to stay in Fiji
South Sea Island is a popular day trip from Nadi.

While in Fiji, you need to visit at least one tiny remote island! Sure, the main island of Viti Levu where Nadi is located is technically an island too, but I’m talking about a tiny island with no roads – just white sandy beaches and crystal clear water.

Many people choose to spend a few nights on one of these tiny islands in Fiji, however, this is usually very pricey. So if you’re on a budget, the best alternative is to stay in Nadi and take a day trip out to an island!

From Nadi, there are a whole bunch of tours that will take you to different nearby islands. The most popular are South Sea Island (pictured above), Robinson Crusoe, and Malamala Beach Club.

I went on the South Sea Island tour from Nadi and had a blast. We were picked up directly from our hotel and taken over to Port Denarau, where we had a fantastic half hour cruise over to the island. South Sea Island is actually uninhabited, but as part of the tour we had the chance to see a traditional Meke performance, explore a craft market, and even go snorkeling among the colorful coral! You can read our whole review of South Sea Island here!

The highlights of this trip for me had to be snorkeling and the BBQ lunch buffet, complete with an ice-cold beer. This lunch was included in our ticket too! All in all, this 9-hour trip was such a good time and a refreshing break away from the main island. At $116 USD ($259 FJD), this day excursion is pretty reasonably priced as well and can be booked online here.

In general, you can expect to pay between $150-$300 FJD for an island day trip from Nadi. The price range is so large for a few reasons, such as the distance of the island, if lunch is included, if alcohol is included, and if other activities such as snorkeling are included.

Related Read: If another private island visit sounds perfect, read our review on Malamala Beach Club here!

7. Cruise and Snorkel Day Trip

person snorkeling at a remote island in Fiji
When you’re in Fiji, you just have to take a day trip to go snorkeling at least once!

If you fancy spending more time on the water than on land, then maybe a full day of cruising would suit you better! Instead of simply visiting just one island, there are plenty of amazing Fiji tours that involve a day trip from Nadi to take you cruising from one island to the next with stops for snorkeling in between.

We’d say cruising day trips are better suited to those who want to snorkel and explore more of the islands. However, if you tend to get seasick and don’t like the idea of spending a full day out on the water, then we’d suggest a day trip like the South Sea Island experience we mentioned earlier. You’ll spend a lot more time exploring dry land and getting up to a ton of fun activities.

As for cruise and snorkel day trips, most of these depart from Port Denarau (only a few minutes from Nadi), but some will even pick you up from your hotel in and around Nadi. 

This full-day trip from Nadi to the Mamanuca Islands by catamaran is also very popular. While we didn’t try out this experience ourselves, we’ve heard great reviews from friends who loved the fact that it’s a small-group trip with a maximum of 15 people per trip. The last thing you want when spending most of the day on the water is to feel cramped on board and ignored, so a smaller group size is perfect.

At just $112 USD per person (around $250 FJD), this 5 to 6-hour day trip is a great break from life over on Viti Levu, perfect for those on a budget who want to see the islands without staying at a resort. You can check the dates available for this cruise and book your tickets here.

Heading out to one (or multiple) islands and enjoying island life is definitely one of the best things to do from Nadi, especially since it’s super easy and accessible to book. Leaving Nadi is the only way to experience the most beautiful beaches Fiji has to offer.

Want more time to explore the islands? Book a multi-day cruise! There is this one particular 3-night cruise that includes 4 days of cruising and fun activities, all of your meals, and accommodation right on the boat for $1,122 USD. Or check out our full list of the best multi-day island cruises in Fiji!

8. Go skydiving

view from a skydive jump in Nadi, Fiji
Just look at the view! Photo Credit: Skydive Fiji

The thing I love most about skydiving is that it is a scenic flight experience and thrill activity all in one! I’ve been skydiving twice in my life, and Daniel actually solo skydives as a hobby – so we are huge fans.

The truth is, if you’ve never been skydiving before then maybe it is time you do so! Sure, it sounds scary, but it’s actually incredibly safe and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s totally worth it! In fact, we’d go as far as to say that skydiving is one of the most exciting adventure activities you can do in Nadi.

With scenery as beautiful as this, skydiving in Fiji isn’t the cheapest, and you can expect to pay over $300 USD for a jump. Skydive Fiji offers two different options, either a 12,000 ft (3,658 m) drop or a 13,000 ft (3,962 m) drop, with the latter being the more expensive of the two. That being said, if you’ve always wanted to give skydiving a try but have never gotten around to it, it’s hard to beat Fiji for gorgeous weather and unbelievable views.

The plane departs from Nadi, which is super handy if you’re already staying in the city or close by. In total, the whole experience lasts for about two hours and the starting times are pretty flexible (starting every hour from 7 am to 12 pm). If you’re looking for something truly unforgettable to do (trust me you’ll be telling your friends about this one!), then why not give skydiving a try?

9. Drink and Chill at Wailoaloa Beach 

Wailoaloa beach at Sunset
This is the best in Nadi where you can find plenty of lively restaurants and bars.

Wailoaloa Beach has to be one of the nicest beaches in Nadi, with loads of cute hotels and restaurants spaced out along the beachfront. I actually stayed at the Smugglers Cove right on Wailoaloa Beach and loved it (a really nice affordable hotel) so I spent a lot of time in the area.

One thing I enjoyed the most about this beach was how vibrant it was. Every night of the week, one of the restaurants would be offering some sort of show or entertainment, such as fire dancers and live music. There were also plenty of meal and drink specials (did somebody say happy hour?), as well as outdoor markets like the Wailoaloa Beach Market.

Personally, I think Wailoaloa Beach is the best place to stay in Nadi, and at the bottom of this blog, I’ve recommended a few great hotels located there. It was one of my favorite places in Fiji to enjoy the sun during the day and to socialize and drink in the evening.

Hot Tip: If you’re on a tight budget in Fiji, Wailoaloa is an area with plenty of affordable hotels and even a hostel! Check out my blog about budget-saving tips in Fiji for more ways to save some money on your trip.

10. Enjoy Happy Hour Cocktails from a Rooftop Bar

lady stands at a rooftop bar at sunset in Nadi, Fiji
Me, enjoying the sunset from Club 57 & Bistro

This is one of those hidden gems in Nadi, Fiji that I just happened to stumble on when I was there last.

While you’re at Wailoaloa Beach, don’t just enjoy the view from the ground level – you can actually visit a rooftop bar on top of the Ramada hotel that is actually open to the public. Club 57 & Bistro really does offer some of the best views in all of Nadi.

From this rooftop bar, you’ll have the best seat in the house during sunset. You’ll get to see the entire coastline. And the best part? They have a daily happy hour right when the sunsets – bonus!

This bar also serves some food and hosts live music or other special events from time to time.

Hot Tip: The Ramada is a beautiful hotel, and somewhere you should definitely consider for a stay in Nadi. You can check prices and availability here.

11. Visit Natadola Beach

Natadola Beach, Fiji
Natadola Beach, Fiji

Natadola Beach is pretty famous as the nicest beach in all of Viti Levu. In fact, I’ve heard many people say it’s nicer than any of the beaches on the remote islands too! It is huge, has pristine white sand, and the water is beautifully clear. It is definitely one of the best beaches to visit while you’re in Fiji.

The beach is located about an hour’s drive from Nadi, making it super easy to visit on a day trip with a taxi or even rent a car and drive yourself. It’s also free to visit. However, if you want a lounge chair and umbrella, you’ll have to negotiate a price with a vendor or buy something from one of the beachside restaurants.

Natadola Bay Golf Course is also less than a 10-minute drive from the beach, with a beautiful championship-certified 18-hole lineup that makes the most of the incredible beach views! It’s open to all skill levels, so even if you’re an amateur golfer it’s still a blast to come out and practice your swing. You can get in touch with the team with any questions and to book your slot here.

Note: Natadola is a beautiful beach, but do be warned, it does get busy and lots of vendors walk up and down trying to sell things. 

12. Relax at the Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs

the mud pools in Nadi, Fiji
The Mud Pool and Hot Springs is one of the most popular attractions in Nadi, Fiji!

If you’ve done any research about Fiji at all, you’ve probably already come across the Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs – it’s easily one of the most popular things to do in Nadi (and likely in all of Fiji!) Here, tourists cover themselves in natural mud before washing off and relaxing in the hot springs.

The mud actually does make your skin feel really soft! It’s actually full of minerals that are said to help make your skin look and feel younger. Once you’re all finished getting muddied up, relaxing in the hot springs afterward is the perfect way to unwind and chill out.

The mud pools are located right next to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. In fact, you can enjoy views of the Sleeping Giant Mountain right from the pools. There are lots of tours in Nadi that visit both the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and the Mud Pools one after the other, such as this half-day sightseeing experience, which you may also remember includes a visit to the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple.

Otherwise, you can simply arrange a taxi there and pay the $20 FJD entrance fee if you’d like to explore the mud pools by yourself.

13. Visit Kula Eco Park

kula eco adventure park in Fiji
The Kula Adventure Park is also a wildlife sanctuary.

This is one activity that I highly recommend for families visiting Nadi! If you’ve got little ones of your own, you’ll know how amazing wildlife parks are for sparking imagination and keeping kids entertained. Kula Adventure Park is just that, with tons of activities that are also so much fun for adults too (you’re never too old to go ziplining!).

This is one place I haven’t had the chance to visit yet – adventure parks aren’t usually my thing, so I decided to skip it the last time I was in Fiji. But I have heard from lots of people with kids that it is a great way to spend a day while in Fiji, and (maybe more importantly) it is sure to tire the little ones out.

At Kula Adventure Park there are tons of waterslides, canopy adventures including ziplining and parks, walking trails and canopy walks, as well as interactive animal experiences (like turtle feeding). Yup, with the park stretching across 28 acres, you can bet that they have it all! 

 This admission ticket costs just $44 USD per adult (12+) and $25 USD per child (3-11), including unlimited water slide rides, 2 rides on the canopy zipline, access to turtle feeding, and fun animal interactions – did somebody say a photo op with iguanas?!

You can also opt for this full-day experience that not only visits the Kula Adventure Park but also stops at a local village for a tour. You’ll get to participate in a traditional kava ceremony, experience entertainment, and learn about Fijian culture. It costs $108 USD for adults (12+) and $46 USD for kids (3-11) and includes Nadi area hotel pick-up, transportation and village entrance fees. It doesn’t include Kula Park admission though, so you would need to purchase that separately.

Tickets for the full-day tour can be booked here on Viator. What’s better, if your plans happen to change, you can always cancel up to 24 hours in advance for free.

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

14. Attend a Kava Ceremony

drinking Kava at a hotel in Nadi, Fiji
I was at this Kava ceremony offered by a hotel in Nadi, Fiji!

Kava is a muddy-looking drink that is very traditional to drink in Fiji. It’s made from the root of the Kava plant (hence the name) and ground up and mixed with cold water. In villages, it is still very common to drink, but for tourists, attending a Kava ceremony is a must-do activity in Fiji.

Now, it’s not exactly the tastiest drink I’ve ever had, it literally tastes like muddy water. While that might not sound overly appealing, the actual traditional ceremony is really the fun of it all. You must clap before and after drinking the Kava and receiving it from the chief!

Kava also acts like alcohol in the sense that it is a depressant and will make anybody who drinks enough feel very relaxed or even feel a bit of a “high.” Traditionally in Fiji, Kava was drunk instead of alcohol at celebrations.

I tried Kava a few different times while I was in Fiji. Often, hotels offer traditional Kava ceremonies once or twice a week, so there’s no excuse not to try it out! The Fiji Culture Village also does a Kava ceremony for both their daytime and nighttime tours. Although I had a fair few sips each time, I didn’t really feel any effects of it. I do think you need to drink quite a lot to get that “high” feeling they talk about.

That being said, it’s definitely a worthwhile experience to try while you’re in Nadi! 

15. Go on an ATV/Quad Tour

riding a quad bike on a tour in Nadi, Fiji
Woohoo!!!!

Whenever you think of a holiday in Fiji, you probably think of gorgeous white beaches and relaxing evening drinks, but there’s also a wild side to the islands too! Riding an ATV is one of those activities that is often overlooked by travelers visiting Fiji and is perfect for those with an adventurous streak. From Nadi, you can join a highly-rated ATV tour like this one to explore the heart of the Fijian wilderness.

Lasting around two to three hours, this small-group tour includes plenty of bottled water and snacks to keep you going as you venture into the beautiful mountain ridges. The best thing about ATV tours from Nadi is that while they are an adrenaline-filled activity, but also very scenic.

You’ll ride through the gorgeous jungle and up into the hills where you’ll get stunning views of the ocean and surrounding islands. I was so surprised at the amount of ground we were able to cover in such a short time!

Tickets for this ATV tour cost $165 USD per adult and $99 USD for kids (5-15), which is about the average for ATV tours in Fiji. However, it’s their amazing guides (hey Bill!) who make this experience so memorable – highly recommended! You can check your dates and secure your place online here.

16. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

sunset on a cruise in Nadi, Fiji
Just look at that gorgeous sunset!

Like I was saying before, Nadi is super close to Port Denarau which makes it the perfect place for jumping on a boat tour for a couple of hours. For me, one of the best and most scenic boat tours I went on was a sunset dinner cruise! It is the best seat in the house to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Over the course of 3 hours aboard a comfortable catamaran, you’ll have the choice between steak or fish for dinner, or you can also upgrade to enjoy a delicious lobster meal. We also really enjoyed the onboard show, which was full of dancing and music as the sun set in the distance. Honestly, the combination of views, entertainment, and food makes it one of the best cruises in Fiji.

With tickets from just $73 USD per person, it also hotel pickup and drop-off from Nadi and Denarau hotels – so convenient! You can arrange your tickets online here.

Not only are these cruises super affordable considering they include dinner, but they are such a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours in the evening. If you’re visiting Fiji for your honeymoon, then this is the perfect romantic activity.

17. Visit the Nadi Produce Market

A stand at the Nadi Produce Market
Look at that fresh fruit!

In Nadi, there is a huge fruit and vegetable market that takes up an entire block – AKA the Nadi Produce Market! You can go here to have a look around and even buy some really affordable fruit to have as a snack. We have some friends who are vegetarians who always like to drop by when they’re looking to cook up their own meals.

This is the largest fruit and vegetable market in Nadi and can be found here on Google Maps. It’s right in central Nadi and super easy to visit by taxi or on foot if you’re staying in the city. The market itself is open from 7 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 6 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. It’s closed on Sundays though, so keep that in mind!

Even if you don’t plan on buying much, it’s still such a vibrant and exciting place to visit in Nadi. You’ll be able to speak to the locals and get to see where they often shop.

18. Go River Tubing

river tubing in Fiji on the Navua River
River tubing is easily one of the best, and most adventurous, things to do in Fiji! Photo Credit: River Tubing Fiji

Fiji isn’t all about the ocean, in fact, there are plenty of rivers around too! From Nadi, there are tons of super fun river adventures to get the adrenaline pumping. 

One of the most popular activities in Nadi is river-tubing, and it’s not hard to see why. On the southern side of the island you’ll find the picturesque Navua River, where adventurous souls go to give river-tubing a try, so you know we had to give it a go!

After a ton time spent looking around online (you know we like to do our research!), Dan and I picked out this full-day river-tubing tour and decided to give it a try. The tour also included hotel pick-up, lunch, as well as a village visit! For me though, the highlight had to be the river-tubing – the rapids were actually a lot gentler than I thought they’d be, which was a really pleasant surprise.

I actually saw a few families out there on the river with some young children, who were having just as much fun as we were! As a super unique experience that’s full of culture and genuine fine, this is really hard to beat.

Tickets for this tour start from $81 USD for adults (13+) and $40 USD for kids (5-12). Don’t forget to secure your spot online in advance for the best availability.

19. Go ziplining

Bailey having fun ziplining in Fiji
I had so much fun!
Bailey ziplining in Fiji
Off I go!

Haven’t had enough of an adrenaline rush yet? Well then, it’s time for ziplining through the Fijian jungle!

You don’t have to head far from Nadi to find yourself in the beautiful Fijian wilderness, and what’s better than enjoying it while riding a zipline? This 5-hour zipline experience includes a whopping 16 different ziplines that in total stretch to over 3 miles! 

As part of the trip, you’ll also enjoy an amazing lunch, as well as a visit to the nearby limestone caves which are really incredible. At just $120 USD per person, we were also pleased to learn that hotel pick-up and drop-off were also included from Nadi, Wailoaloa, and Denarau. The whole experience just felt so effortless!

It’s a really exciting half-day activity and easily one of the best things to do in Nadi for adventure lovers. You can grab your tickets for the ziplining experience here.

20. Try Fishing

Bailey catching a fish in a fishing boat
Me, catching a fish when I went on a deep-sea charter in Australia (I didn’t get the chance to go while in Fiji this time around.)

When you’re in a country that’s famous for having some of the most incredible fish in the world, going fishing really is a no-brainer! With the right gear and guide, you can catch some seriously big (and impressive) fish while out deep-sea fishing.

Some of the fish you might just be lucky enough to catch include marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, walu, and more. While some fish are catch and release, others you can actually take home with you and ask your hotel to cook up.

We’d recommend trying out a private fishing charter and bringing along some friends or family for some fun out on the big blue. This is also a half-day charter, which is perfect for spending a few hours out on the big blue and (hopefully) returning with your catch of the day.

All of the fishing gear is included as well, which is a huge plus. Also, who said you need to be on board the whole time? You can go for a dip whenever you feel like it!

It’s around $589 USD per charter, which may sound a little pricey at first. But the boat can also take up to 8 people, which means if you were to split it between each of you it works out to just over $73 USD per person. Not a bad deal at all. You can arrange your charter with a flexible start time online.

While I don’t normally fish much myself, I totally get the appeal, especially with the unspoiled views you get in Fiji. It’s actually so relaxing and, if you want to get away from the crowds, one of the best options out there.

Related Read: If you love visiting cities when you travel, be sure to make the trip to Fiji’s capital city, Suva! There are lots of interesting things to do in Suva that are worth checking out.

21. Drink Fresh Coconuts

buying fresh coconut water in nadi fiji
Buying fresh coconut water on the roadside in Nadi!

Coconuts are everywhere in Fiji, making them super cheap and easy to buy. I drank a ton of fresh coconut juice while in Fiji. Not only is it delicious, but it’s hydrating too, which saved me on some of the hottest and most humid days. 

You can buy fresh coconut juice pretty much anywhere. From restaurants, hotels, vendors on the side of the road, markets, or even at the beach for only a couple of dollars. For the freshest coconuts, they will cut into them right in front of you, and then just stick a straw in, and you’re good to go.

Where to Stay in Nadi, Fiji

view from room at Smugglers Cove in Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi, Fiji
The ocean view from our room at Smugglers Cove hotel at Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi.

If you truly want to experience all of the best things to do in Nadi then you’re going to need a couple of days. So, I recommend booking a hotel in Nadi for at least 2 to 3 nights and exploring all this vibrant city has to offer!

Here are some great options for where to stay in Nadi to suit all different budgets:

Bamboo Backpackers – ($)

Bamboo Backpackers is one of the few backpacker hostels in Fiji, and as such, it’s so popular and full of people to meet. They offer really affordable dorms and even private rooms too. Don’t expect anything fancy though, or even air conditioning for that matter. But do expect a social atmosphere with cheap drinks. It is also right on Wailoaloa Beach which to me, it’s the perfect location.

Dorms here start from $22 FJD per night. That’s just $9.70 USD! You can check prices and book Bamboo Backpackers on Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Smugglers Cove – ($$)

I’ve stayed before in Smugglers Cove, and it was clean, comfortable, and had everything you’d expect from a value hotel. Some rooms are pricier than others offering ocean views, while you can also get a dorm bed for very cheap. They have a nice clean pool, a delicious restaurant, and beautiful cocktails. This is a great option if you’re budget-conscious but still want a comfortable stay.

A dorm here at Smugglers Cove starts at $34 FJD per night, whereas a Deluxe Room starts at around $380 FJD. You can check availability for Smugglers Cove online here.

Ramada – ($$$)

I heard so many great things about the luxurious Ramada on Wailoaloa Beach, but couldn’t bring myself to spend the money (always have my eye out for a good deal, though!). I did, however, visit the rooftop bar and enjoy the incredible views there.

They have gorgeous pools, restaurants, and some very luxurious (and expensive!) rooms to offer. It’s the perfect place to stay in Nadi if you want a relaxing stay with all the bells and whistles that come with a luxury hotel.

Rooms here at the Ramada start from $828 FJD per night and can be booked online here.

Read More: For our favorite hotels in Fiji, check out our blog that is a complete guide to where to stay in Fiji! It has details about all of the different areas to stay in as well as the very best hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Before you go…

selfie in fiji with a cocktail
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy Nadi, Fiji as much as I did!

There are so many things to do in Nadi, Fiji that you’re guaranteed to have a good time! If I forgot anything that you recommend doing in Nadi, do be sure to tell me in the comments.

Don’t forget to check out all of our blogs about Fiji, there are a ton of guides and useful tips (such as Fiji budget-saving tips). Here are a few to get you started:

33+ BEST Things to do in Fiji – Your Ultimate Fiji Bucket List

8 Things to Know BEFORE Visiting Robinson Crusoe Island, Fiji

13 BEST Tours in Fiji (that you don’t want to miss!)

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Ronak Modh

Thursday 27th of July 2023

Thanks Bailey! Was very informative. We really enjoyed our holidays.

Regards

Sushmitha

Friday 16th of September 2022

Tysm Bailey! This is gonna be super useful for my upcoming trip to Fiji.

destinationlesstravel

Tuesday 20th of September 2022

Hey!

So glad to hear that!

Thanks Bailey