Explore Fiji’s National Parks and Marine Reserves

From cloud-topped mountain peaks to colorful coral reefs, Fiji’s borders encompass 333 islands as well as the waters that surround them.

Travelers who prefer to spend most of their time outside will find few better places in the world to explore. Hike along rainforest trails to cascades, run full speed down a sand dune, and blow bubbles alongside sharks. Prepare for an adventure where you won’t dare be bored.

Fiji is home to four national parks and over 100 marine sanctuaries where wildlife is protected. While a nature-bound adventure can usually be found steps away from your accommodation, these national parks and marine sanctuaries are worth visiting.

Bouma National Heritage Park – Taveuni

Bouma National Heritage Park on the lush island of Taveuni allows you to explore tropical rainforests with waterfalls and villages hidden among the trees. Many of its best cascades are easily accessible, like the first of the trio of Tavoro Falls, making it one of the best national parks in Fiji for families. On the Lavena Coastal Walk, you’ll follow a trail along Taveuni’s wild coastline, crossing beaches that transition from white to black sand, adorned with tropical flowers and fruit trees, and leading to a swimming hole with a hidden waterfall.

If you crave trails that challenge you, climb Taveuni’s volcanic crater to Des Voeux Peak for a breathtaking view of Lake Tagimoucia. This area is home to the tagimoucia, Fiji’s national flower, famously depicted on the country’s $50 banknote. The beautiful crimson-and-white blossom grows solely in this region of Taveuni.

Visiting Bouma National Heritage Park

Entrance into the park costs FJD$36 ($17) per person, paid upon arrival in Bouma or Lavena village. All major resorts and accommodations on Taveuni can help arrange guided tours of the park, which is doable as a day trip. Plan for one day for the Lavena Coastal Walk and another for the Tavoro Trail.

Sigatoka Sand Dunes – Viti Levu

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most historically significant national parks in the country, as archaeologists have uncovered pottery and human remains dating back over 2500 years. The park hosts a visitor center featuring relics and information about the sand dunes’ formation. A short trail through a mahogany forest leads to the dunes, which can appear gray under overcast skies or golden in full sun. Enjoy a picnic, swim in calm seas (if conditions allow), or sprint down a dune without a care.

If the park is crowded, walk down the beach towards the Sigatoka River to find a stretch of sand to yourself, although you might encounter a surfer or two riding the waves.

Visiting Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is an easy day trip from Nadi or Suva and makes for a convenient road trip stop along the Coral Coast. Entrance to the park costs FJD$10 ($5.70) per adult and FJD$5 ($2.35) per child. The visitor center is open from 8am to 5pm daily.

Colo-I-Suva Forest Park – Viti Levu

You don’t have to venture far from Fiji’s capital city to immerse yourself in nature. Located just 12 km (7 mi) outside of Suva’s city center is Colo-I-Suva Forest Park, a favored spot for Suva residents to spend their holidays and weekends. The initial mile of the trail into the park is well maintained, reworked in 2018 for a royal visit, and leads to a serene swimming hole. As you venture further, jungle vines and tree roots encroach upon the trail, rewarding persistence with serene creek walks, rope swings, uncrowded swimming areas, picnic benches, and waterfalls that vary from gentle trickles to modest cascades.

Visiting Colo-I-Suva Forest Park

For non-Fijian citizens, the entrance fee to Colo-I-Suva is FJD$5 ($2.35) per person. The front gate is open from 8:30am to 4pm daily. It’s advisable to take a photo of the park map upon entrance, as trails are not well marked and phone reception can be unreliable. Security incidents have occurred, so it’s prudent to leave valuables behind.

Koroyanitu National Heritage Park – Viti Levu

With grasslands, waterfalls, varied hiking trails, jagged peaks, and welcoming villages, Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is a paradise for adventure lovers. Trek to the summit of Mount Batilamu for stunning views of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit for a refreshing dip in the park’s waterfall-fed natural pools.

Residents of the six villages within the park are custodians of the area and often welcome visitors to enjoy a home-cooked lunch for a small fee. For an authentic Fijian experience, consider staying overnight and bringing some yaqona (kava) to share with the villagers, who graciously serve the traditional drink after a long day of hiking.

Visiting Koroyanitu National Heritage Park

The visitor center in Abaca is typically open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 10am and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday; however, staff may not always be present. Entrance costs FJD$25 ($11.80) per person. Trails beyond the one leading to Mount Batilamu are ideally explored with a guide (FJD$20-50 per person depending on the hike), as many are unmarked. Basic huts for camping are available in the park for FJD$40 per person.

Shark Reef Marine Reserve – Beqa Lagoon

Established in 2004, Shark Reef Marine Reserve protects eight species of sharks, including small blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, along with larger bull sharks and tiger sharks. A visit to the reserve is unforgettable; as you drift to the sea floor, you’ll watch as dozens of sharks circle above—all without a cage. Just remember to remain still.

This sanctuary thrives due to tourism, as the village of Galoa receives funds from shark-diving operators to safeguard the sanctuary against fishing. Hundreds of other fish species also take refuge in these vibrant waters.

Visiting Shark Reef Marine Reserve

Shark Reef Marine Reserve is located in Beqa Lagoon, accessible from Pacific Harbour. Diving expeditions are organized through Beqa Adventure Divers and cost FJD$325 ($153) for a two-tank dive, along with a FJD$50 ($23.50) entrance fee.

Namena Marine Reserve – Vanua Levu

Namena Marine Reserve, situated off Vanua Levu, is Fiji’s largest marine sanctuary, safeguarded by various local communities. Underwater, snorkelers and divers encounter a dazzling array of soft corals, home to sea turtles, crabs, octopuses, eels, anemones, and over 1000 species of fish. While diving, keep an eye on the horizon as dolphins, whales, sharks, tuna, and other pelagic marine life frequently cruise through.

Visiting Namena Marine Reserve

Namena Marine Reserve is best accessed through dive resorts and operators in Savusavu on Vanua Levu. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Namale Resort, and Namena Divers at Koro Sun Resort provide excursions to the reserve.