Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean about 2000 km north of New Zealand’s North Island. The country consists of 333 islands and more than 500 islets. However, only 110 islands are inhabited and two of those islands (Viti Levu and Vanua Levu) account for 87% of the entire population. The climate is tropical with an average temperature of 88 degrees with a light breeze typically blowing through the islands.

Fiji is an amazing tropical paradise where everyone can find something they enjoy, whether you are looking for adventure or looking to be pampered. Here are some great ideas if you are considering a visit to Fiji.

Scuba diving is absolutely fantastic and a must if you are visiting these islands. There are dives for everyone’s skill level – from beginner to expert. Furthermore, there are shallow dives, deep dives, reef dives dives with deep drop offs, drift diving, night diving, ship wreck sites and cave sites to explore. The type of dive depends on your comfort level as well as what you want to see. Some of the popular dives include exploring the coral reefs. Fiji is actually world renowned as “The Soft Coral Capital of the World.” Fiji islands are amassed with coral reefs which can be explored in both the shallow and deeper waters. The coral reef is home to about 1,000 species of fish, hundreds of different coral and sponges as well as endless amounts of anemones (remember Finding Nemo when he tried to pronounce this word!), molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates. However, there is more than just coral reefs and its inhabitants. Looking for a bit of adventure while diving? Well, you can venture into reef passages and into the lairs of the Grey Reef sharks, Silvertips, Hammerheads and White Tips. You can even dive with the sharks and observe experienced divers feed the sharks. Too much? Well, how about swimming with the giant Mantas? These creatures are amazingly large but poetically brilliant in their movements and something to definitely witness. Also a must for the ocean lovers is witnessing the Spinner Dolphins who (like their name) fly upward out of the ocean and spin in the air multiple times (up to seven) before submerging into the ocean and then doing it all over again. I also want to mention that whale watching is also popular in Figi. Humpback whales are the dominant whale but the Minke and Sperm whales pass through intermittently as well.

Of course there are water adventures that keep you floating above the water instead of submerged. Fiji has every water sport imaginable – from jet boating to white water rafting, kayaking, sailing, surfing (mainly in places where you have to take a boat just to get there – awesome!), big game fishing, parasailing and many more water adventures. Hey, wanna cruise? Well, you can! Fiji has cruises that travel around their mainland and outer islands. My favorite “cruise” is traveling on one of the bamboo rafts (known as bilibili) which is commandeered by a local “captain” so the only thing you have to do is enjoy the breathtaking view and absorb the serenity.

When your done having fun in the water, check out some of the land activities. Fiji has glorious rain forests that you can hike through or even try mountain biking! If the rain forest seems a bit intimidating, how about backpacking through some of the outer islands? Some of the mountain trails end with a swim under a waterfall – which is the way it should be after a long hike! The villages are quite welcoming and hospitable to their tourist friends. If you want to get to know the history of Fiji and learn their culture then you should visit the caves in and around the island and listen to traditional stories of historical chiefs and tribal wars.

After all that play time, how about relaxing at one of the 5-star resorts where you can get the works in pampering which of course will get your ready for your night out at one of the world class restaurants for some fine dining or maybe to a club for some nightlife fun. Indulge in a massage in a private villa on the beach, get spa treatments or sip cocktails on the beach or poolside. So go ahead and indulge on your Fiji vacation. Bula!