Pacific Harbour Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more with this comprehensive travel guide to Pacific Harbour, Fiji.


Introduction to Pacific Harbour

Located on the south coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, Pacific Harbour is a must-visit destination known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions. This charming town offers a unique blend of Fijian culture and modern amenities, making it a popular base for travelers looking to explore the surrounding area.

List of Places to Visit in Pacific Harbour

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Arts Village: A cultural center that showcases traditional Fijian art, music, dance, and food. It has a market, shops, and restaurants.

  • Tavuni Hill Fort: An ancient hilltop fortress built by a Fijian warrior chief more than 300 years ago. The fort offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley and sea.

  • Fiji Museum: Located in the capital city of Suva, the museum is home to an extensive collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts that tell the story of Fiji’s history and culture.

Natural Attractions of Pacific Harbour: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Beqa Lagoon: A breathtakingly beautiful lagoon off the coast of Pacific Harbour, the Beqa Lagoon is home to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. The lagoon is home to a wide range of marine life and coral formations, making it a popular destination for diving enthusiasts.

  • River Rafting on Navua River: Other than sea diving and snorkeling, rafting at Navua River is one of the most exciting ways to experience Pacific Harbour’s natural beauty and adventure. Navigate lush rainforest canyons and picturesque waterfalls.

  • Shark Diving: The waters around Pacific Harbour are home to various species of sharks, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and reef sharks. Travelers have the opportunity to experience a thrilling encounter with these magnificent creatures by going underwater to see them up close.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pacific Harbour

  • Wainadoi Trail: This beautiful trek crosses thick forest, creeks, and bamboo groves, providing stunning vistas of the Navua River and hillside. On the way up, you’ll pass ancient rock beds and plantation terraces.

  • Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park: A 1,000-hectare park located on the Coral Coast, with a landscape resembling the Sahara Desert. The park features a nature trail, picnic areas, and the archaeological site of an ancient Fijian settlement.

Best Things to Do in Pacific Harbour: Activities and Tours

  • Jet-ski Safari: Explore the islands on a powerful jet ski on a thrilling adventure, with options to burst through the waves or drift close to the shorelines.

  • Fire Dancing Show: One of the most traditional and fascinating shows you can experience in Pacific Harbour. Watch Fijian dancers perform their sacred fire dance while you enjoy traditional Fijian cuisine, music and fascinating culture.

  • Cultural Village Tour: Experience the local culture, history, food, and traditional way of life in Fiji by touring the many villages around Pacific Harbour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pacific Harbour

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival and check in + Visit the Arts Village
Day 2 Dive in the Beqa Lagoon
Day 3 Rafting at Navua River
Day 4 Hiking at Wainadoi Trail
Day 5 Shark Diving
Day 6 Tour the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park
Day 7 Relax and explore Pacific Harbour at your leisure

Food and Drink Scene of Pacific Harbour

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kokoda: A raw fish salad made with fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk, served with vegetables, cassava, and Lolo (a coconut milk that’s very popular in Fiji).

  • Lovo: A cooking style using the underground oven, it’s a traditional dish that consists of fish, meat, or vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and cooked with heated stones and plenty of hot coals.

Local Beverages

  • Kava: A traditional Fijian drink made from the root of the kava plant. It has a mild sedative effect, inducing relaxation and a sense of well-being.

  • Fiji Bitter: A local beer made from Fijian hops and barley, with a slightly sweet taste and a refreshing finish.

Where to Stay in Pacific Harbour: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Pearl Resort: A luxury resort with pristine white sand beaches, multiple swimming pools, a spa, and stylish rooms with stunning ocean views.

  • Uprising Beach Resort: A popular beach resort that offers rooms and dormitories with a relaxed, laid-back vibe. The resort also has an open-air restaurant and bar, and a swimming pool.

  • Nadi Bay Resort Hotel: A budget-friendly option with a convenient location in downtown Nadi, a short drive away from Pacific Harbour. The hotel has basic rooms with air conditioning and a pool.

What to Buy in Pacific Harbour: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tapa Cloth: A beautiful handmade paper-like cloth that is dyed and printed with traditional Fijian designs.

  • Masikava: A traditional wooden bowl carved by Fijian artisans, often used for drinking kava.

Local Culture and Customs of Pacific Harbour

Fijian culture is deeply rooted in respect for community and family. Visitors to Pacific Harbour should dress modestly when visiting villages and cultural sites, and always ask for permission before taking photographs. It’s also important to show respect for Fiji’s customs, including the drinking of kava, which is considered a sacred tradition.

Best Time to Visit Pacific Harbour

The best time to visit Pacific Harbour is during Fiji’s dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall. The months of November to April are the wet season, and while visitors can still enjoy the warm temperatures and beautiful scenery, there is a higher chance of tropical storms and heavy rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pacific Harbour

Do:

  • Do try Fijian traditional dishes like Kokoda and Lovo
  • Do respect Fijian customs and traditions
  • Do bring a sarong or beach towel as a sign of modesty in public areas
  • Do plan on giving a monetary gift when visiting a village
  • Do bring sunscreen and insect repellent

Don’t:

  • Don’t touch someone’s head or hair
  • Don’t wear your hat inside a village or house
  • Don’t walk around villages or towns in just your swimmers or barefoot.
  • Don’t overlook your luggage or leaving your valuables in plain sight in your car
  • Don’t swim in the ocean if you are not a strong swimmer or if you have been drinking

Safety and Health

Safety in Pacific Harbour

Pacific Harbour is generally a safe destination for travelers, but it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions. This includes keeping an eye on your luggage and valuables, avoiding walking alone at night, and using a recommended taxi service.

Health in Pacific Harbour

Travelers should take note that the tap water is not always safe to drink in Fiji, and it is best to use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. It is also important to use mosquito repellents to avoid malaria and dengue fever.

Getting to Pacific Harbour: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pacific Harbour

  • Nadi International Airport, about two hours by road
  • Suva’s Nausori International Airport, about 45 minutes by road

Bus Stations Near Pacific Harbour

  • Buses to Suva or Sigatoka depart regularly from the Pacific Harbour Bus Station

Other Options

  • Taxis are widely available from Pacific Harbour to other destinations on the island

How to Get Around in Pacific Harbour

  • By Taxi: Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive in Pacific Harbour.

  • By Bus: For budget-conscious travelers, the Pacific Harbour Bus Station offers regular service to Suva, Sigatoka, and other towns around Viti Levu.

  • By Rental Car: There are several car rental agencies in Pacific Harbour, offering cars, trucks, and SUVs for rent.

Where to Go Next from Pacific Harbour: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Coral Coast: A popular destination for beach lovers, with stunning white sand beaches, world-class diving and snorkeling, and a range of accommodations and activities.

  • Kadavu Island: Kadavu Island is ideal for travelers looking for a more secluded, relaxing experience. The island offers luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, or simply relaxation on Fiji’s shores, Pacific Harbour has something for everyone. With a wide range of activities, accommodations, dining options, and nearby attractions, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful part of the world.

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