It is a long way to Fiji, even from the West Coast, but worth the trip to the 300 gorgeous islands of the dreamland of Fiji. Fiji is located in the South Pacific Ocean. Nearby countries include Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga. Port Vila, Vanuatu, is just over 620 miles / 1000 kilometers from Suva, the capital. Area- 7095 square miles / 18,376 square kilometers.   The main island of Viti Levu does not have the best beaches, but since most visitors arrive at Nadi International Airport on the dry western side, many of the tourist do not get any further than this.  Due to the costal mangrove forest the beaches are mostly gray and waters murky.

“Upon arrival to Fiji the citizens of the U.S. are issued visitor permits for stays up to four months.  Time: Local time is GMT +12.

Electricity: Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs have three oblique flat pins.

Money: The Fijian dollar (F$) is the unit of currency, with 100 cents to a dollar. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car agencies and travel agents. Not all ATMs accept the full range of international credit cards, but travelers checks and cash can be exchanged in banks and currency exchange bureaux throughout the islands.

Language: The official languages are Fijian and Hindustani, but English is widely used and understood.

Entry requirements for Americans, UK nationals, Canadian, Australians, South Africans, New Zealanders, Irish nationals - must have a valid passport. No visa is required. On arrival a visitor's permit can be obtained for a stay of up to four months.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay, as well as a ticket for return or onward travel, all documents for further travel and sufficient funds to cover the period of stay in Fiji.”    Tipping at most places is not encouraged. 

People with more than a day or two need to consider trips to the more beautiful parts of the island.   There is the Northern Viti Levu.  Much of the population of Fiji is Indian, and the King’s Road through the jagged lush mountains is an excellent drive to see gorgeous views.  Remember driving in Fiji is British, driving on the left side of the road!   Northern Viti Levu is the Sugar Belt of Fiji and is home to one of the colonial-era hotels.  There are both Indian and Fijian towns along the road and all but about 30 miles of the road to Suva is paved.You will arrive at Suva, the busy capital and a modern city of approximately 100,000 population.  The city is filled with Indians, Chinese, Fijians, and South Pacific island mixtures. 

The area of Coral Coast has luxury resorts, good hotels, and offshore there is the island of Vatulele which is home to one of the world’s most luxurious small resorts. 

The Pacific Harbour is about 30 miles west of Suva and has private golf course, shopping and cultural centers, a hotel on the sea, and is known for deep-sea fishing and

is the departure place for the divers who come the world over to dive the Beqa Lagoon.

People come the world over to dive Fiji’s top  dive destinations.  An good reference to the dive sites can be found online.

Rainbow Reef ( National Geographic   did an excellent article about the reefs November 2004.   Another article, Rainbow Reef

is found online),  the Great White Wall, Purple Wall, Magic Mountain is a breath-taking photo journey of this area beneath the water, Beqa Lagoon and http://www.divetheworldfiji.com/beqa-lagoon-diving-sites.htm , Frigate Passage  , and Side Streets.

There is plenty to do in Fiji other than diving.  There is fishing, touring the mountain areas, various ship tours, tall ship (sail) tours, beach lounging, etc.    The country has an extensive and reliable transportation network of rental cars, ferries, taxis, buses, and airlines. 

Happy Traveling.