Land of rugby
It's impossible to talk about Fijian culture without mentioning rugby! Rugby is so much a part of Fijian daily life that time stands still when the Fijian team takes the field. Rugby is to Fiji what soccer is to Europe. But the rugby that rages over there, and is less well known over here, is rugby 7s, which is very popular in the Pacific. Australians, New Zealanders and Fijians battle it out for leadership. Rugby 7s obey the same rules as rugby 15s, but with 2 teams of... 7 players. The pitch has the same dimensions, i.e. 50 m by 10 m, but the duration of the matches is much shorter: 14 minutes (in the form of two periods of 7 minutes each) and no stoppages. However, the end of the last action is waited for before the end of the match is announced. The first-ever Olympic champion in Rio 2016, Fiji is the only team to have won the World Cup three times (1997, 2005, and the last edition in 2022). Rugby is Fiji's national sport! And while the Flying Fijians may not be renowned for their 15-a-side rugby victories, they are nonetheless convincing in this field too, and have regularly appeared in the final stages of recent World Cups. And before each match, the national team performs the cibi, a traditional war dance a little less intimidating than the famous New Zealand haka.
Cricket, the British heritage
Benefiting from the influence of their neighbors Australia and New Zealand, and above all from their British history, Fijians are also fervent cricket fans. They have a national team that has won numerous tournaments in the Pacific, but not many victories. Cricket matches are particularly popular in the Suva area, especially at the end of the day in the capital'sAlbert Park . Official matches take place on Saturdays, during the season that runs from April to November. To date, the Fijian cricket team has never qualified for the World Championship finals.
Superb seabed
When it comes to diving, Fiji, the soft coral capital of the world, is one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. The major sites - the Great White Wall, the Rainbow Reef at Taveuni and, of course, the seabed of the Yasawas archipelago or the Beqa Island reserve - are exceptionally rich. Many people choose Fiji as their destination for diving certification. As for snorkeling enthusiasts, Fiji's waters are dotted with a thousand and one coral reefs.
Farniente and water sports
Contrary to popular belief, Fiji's beaches are not all huge, carpeted with white sand and lined with coconut palms. In the Mamanuca and Yasawa archipelagos, the beaches surrounding the islands and islets live up to their promise, but they're not very wide. But don't worry, there's still plenty of space to put your towel down! We prefer Viti Levu to Vanua Levu when it comes to beaches; Vanua Levu being a more volcanic island, it's hard to find white sandy beaches. On Viti Levu, the beaches of the Coral Coast (at Korolevu-Pacific Harbour) are superb. Please note, however, that you must be very careful when swimming. We strongly advise you not to swim alone in the open sea. The currents are numerous and can easily set you adrift. Stay on the edge of the beach and only go offshore with competent people who know the places to avoid.
As far as water sports are concerned, hotels systematically offer their guests a wide range of water-based attractions, free of charge for non-motorized sports: kayaking, small sailboats, snorkeling, windsurfing... For an additional fee, you can take a day or half-day fishing trip, or take a jet-ski tour of the lagoons. Windsurfers will be delighted to learn that there is an excellent windsurfing site at Rakiraki, north-east of Viti Levu.
Legendary surf spots
Surfing is Fiji's national sport. Even the Australians come here in search of their own waves, that's for sure! Fiji's most famous surfers have all surfed here at one time or another! Numerous spots (mostly reef breaks ) have made Fiji world-famous for surfing, such as Cloudbreak, off Tavarua Island. Just a few minutes' sail from the coast and you're on a superb left-hand side regularly surfed by the world's best, starting with legend Kelly Slater. Other notable spots on the island of Viti Levu are Frigates Passage and Fiji Pipe towards Pacific Harbour or Korolevu. Off the coast of Tavarua Island, the Restaurants spot is also world-renowned, as is Namotu Left. Kadavu Island and Qamea Island are also worth a visit. And for those who want to try their hand at surfing, Fiji is the place to be, since almost all surfing establishments lend out surfboards and almost everyone knows how to surf!
A fishing destination
Fiji is a perfect destination for fishing enthusiasts, not only for its abundant waters, but also for the exceptional size of some of its fish. An unforgettable experience! More than a simple excursion, fishing in some parts of Fiji is a regular activity to feed the family. Above all, permission must always be obtained from the village, especially in remote areas. The best experience is to be invited to fish with the locals; it's always fascinating to observe their fishing techniques. Deep-sea fishing can be arranged very easily, with a hotel or one of the local companies specializing in fishing. For the best in deep-sea fishing, head for the Mamanucas or Beqa Lagoon to dip your line.
Fiji from the sky
For thrill-seekers who want to combine their passion with panoramas worthy of Arthus-Bertrand's photographs, there are plenty of opportunities to see the landscape from above. Plane, helicopter or, better still, skydiving are all opportunities to embrace, in the blink of an eye of 60 seconds, the peaceful immensity of an archipelago in a thousand shades of turquoise.
