#GoThere is a series powered by Waterways Surf Adventures
Fiji is an absolute dreamland for surfers. It’s got all the trappings of the perfect surf trip: remote islands with crystal clear water lapping on white sand beaches, incredible fishing, and last but certainly not least, some of the best waves in the world.
Made up of over 300 islands, the archipelago has just over 110 permanently inhabited ones. The two main ones are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, and while many small island chains can be a struggle to get to, Fiji Airways has a direct flight from LA. In less than eleven hours, you can go from LA’s smog-covered palms to the pristine paradise that is Fiji. Life moves a little slower on the islands, so let’s have a look at four well-known spots shall we?
1. Tavarua
The most well-known of all the islands is Tavarua. If you love the ocean (which you do), then Tavarua is on your list of places to go. It’s that heart-shaped island surrounded by waves like Restaurants and Cloudbreak. It’s 24 acres full of everything you love–perfect waves, amazing diving and fishing, all sitting around a world class resort. Tavarua sits in just the right position to suck in those massive, unruly storms charging up from the Southern Ocean, and the two-thousand miles of open ocean in between serves as the perfect place for those storms to tuck in their shirts and comb their hair. By the time they hit Tavarua, they’re lined up, knife-edged, and just begging to be surfed.
Tavarua has sixteen different bures, each built in the traditional style with those modern comforts of home that you don’t think about, but you miss when they’re not around. When it first started, the resort was basically a surf camp: show up, surf hard, get food, get beer, go to sleep, repeat. Now, though, it’s become a place for families, with way more than just surf on offer. The food is incredible, and there’s an oceanfront pool, tennis court, a gym, a games room, and beach volleyball.
Book a trip to Tavarua with Waterways Surf Adventures!
2. Namotu
The second most well-known island is Namotu. Just over a mile from Tavarua, it shares most of Tavarua’s famed waves. Cloudbreak sits three miles away, while Restaurants is just off Tavarua. Namotu is a little smaller and a little quieter than its counterpart, Tavarua. Fitting just over two dozen guests, the resort boasts not only some of the best waves anywhere in the world, but some of the best fishing, and kite surfing as well. And it’s the perfect place for a quiet getaway with like-minded friends. Namotu has a 28-foot sport fishing boat, with expert guides to put your hook into dinner.
No matter what you’re interested in, the staff on the island can make it happen. Golf, helicopter tours, boat transfers to anywhere you want, scuba diving, island hopping… all of it is possible.
Book a trip to Namotu with Waterways Surf Adventures!
3. Waidroka
Fiji doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While renting an entire island is possible, and the opulence of Tavarua and Namotu is very much available, those aren’t trips for the money conscious traveler–which, of course, many surfers are. Waidroka hits all the marks of one of those places you’d spend an arm and a leg to enjoy, though–amazing food, comfortable rooms and that famous Fijian hospitality, not to mention some of the best diving on the planet. About an hour away lies Beqa Island, surrounded by barrier reef that turns open ocean swells into perfectly formed lines that you won’t soon forget at world class wave called Frigates Passage.
So when you’re surfed out (which you will be), there’s a fantastic place to rest your shoulders and stay in the calm clear water inside the protection of the reef. There are plenty of other reef passes here, all of which offer waves that will knock your socks off. Find a complete list of them here.
Book a trip to Waidroka with Waterways Surf Adventures!
4. Matanivusi
Matanivusi Surf Resort was created specifically for surfers and their families. The eco-friendly resort has six duplex bures that are surrounded by huge banyan trees and incredible surf. The story behind them is an interesting one– almost two decades ago, two Australians named Brian and Donna McDonald spoke with village elders, asking them to allow their surf camp. Not just any surf camp, though. Working with the natural terrain and water supply, they built the bures a few feet above the floor of the jungle. Elevated wooden walkways connect the buildings with a fresh water swimming pool, bar, and a restaurant. The rooms have king size beds, and are surrounded in flowing tropical mosquito nets.
As with any surf trip, it can be a bit of a struggle to leave your family behind. But on Matanivusi, even if your family doesn’t surf, you can rest assured they won’t be bored and feeling as though you’ve trapped them on an island. Along with the freshwater pool, there’s an enormous saltwater one just within the barrier reef. The snorkeling and paddling within its calm, clear water is second to none.
The resort itself is staffed by locals from the nearby village of Vunaniu, and guests are encouraged to get to know the Fijian lifestyle. There’s no better way to do it than by immersing yourself in it.
Because Matanivusi is deep within a secluded lagoon, surfers are taken to the waves by boat. The surf breaks are anywhere from five minutes to forty-five minutes by boat passing through crystal clear waters, and ending at any wave you want.