Nadi travel guide
Nadi Tourism | Nadi Guide
You're Going to Love Nadi
Known for its amazing beaches, clear waters, palm trees, very friendly locals, and relaxed atmosphere, Nadi is a must-visit destination. Located on the west coast of Viti Levu in Fiji, it is one of the country's largest cities and a great tourist hub. It is a boat ride away from world-class resorts such as the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands groups and the prominent Tavarua, which is renowned for surfing. Nadi is a definite plus on any tourist's and globetrotter's list.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Nadi
1. Warm Welcomes
Fijians have perfected the art of warm welcomes, and Nadi is no different. As soon as you get here, you are met with smiling faces, dances, and a mini fanfare - more than enough to make you feel at home. The experience is nothing short of amazing. As a welcome gift, you'll get a cocktail, cheers, and a lei around your neck.
2. Take a Jungle Trek
The jungle in Nadi is Fiji's crème de la crème. Sometimes it gets mucky and you have to put in some work, but nothing will beat the fun of it all. If you are the outdoor type, then this is a great way to test your endurance. And while you are at it, why not pluck a ripe papaya from the trees?
3. Beaches
Nadi's beaches range from sandy pools to rocky coral stretches. Enjoy swimming with family and friends, take on water sports, walk leisurely along the shore, and just relax. Whatever the occasion, Nadi beaches have you covered! One of the best beaches in Nadi is Wailoaloa (pronounced Wailolo).
4. Vibrant History
To kick start your historical endeavor of Nadi, take a trip to the iconic Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple. A textbook sample of Fijians' colorful personalities, this is not only the biggest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere, it also bursts with color. Couple that with the tropical climate of Nadi and the hues of this magnificent temple complement the vibe.
5. Kava Ceremonies
To experience a taste of Fijian culture, indulge in the traditional Kava, a drink made from the ground root of a natural herb. You cannot come to Fiji and not try the drink. It is used to welcome visitors and is a beloved and respected custom in all of Fiji.
What to do in Nadi
1. Take a South Sea Island Day Cruise
This cruise is suitable for a family, friends, or colleagues. It comes inclusive of food and unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks. Additionally, you can bring along your snorkeling gear (most tour guides provide this) and take on the waters. For group sports, you have the option of volleyball, kayaking, and windsurfing. This package is available from F$177.
2. Experience the Wonder of Nature
Take a dip in natural and warm mud pools then jump into hot water springs to clean off. This amazing activity is a great way to experience Nadi, especially if you are strapped for time. Depending on your itinerary before the mud pool, you can also visit the temple, market, and the garden of the Sleeping Giant and end your day with a mud bath at Sabeto Hot springs. Prices start at F$124.15.
3. Head Off on a Fijian Islands Snorkeling Trip
From Nadi, take a trip to the private, sparsely inhabited Fijian island in Mamanuca and enjoy its natural beauty as you take your breakfast aboard a schooner and down it with a glass of champagne. Later, indulge in a splendid beach barbecue while relaxing on the shore then relish snorkeling in the coral reefs as you swim in the clear waters, then top it off with complimentary drinks. This day of pampering comes inclusive of hotel pickup and drop off; prices start at F$227.
4. Go on a Quad Bike Adventure Tour from Denarau or Nadi
Get your motor running on a quad bike as you explore areas that are difficult to reach on foot or by using an off-road vehicle. A guide will be present to show you around as you ride up the Nakala Mountains where one of the biggest Hindu temples is located. Remember to bring water to stay hydrated in the heat.
5. Have Lunch on the Sea
Head over to Cloud 9 right at sea! This is the only floating platform in the world featuring an internationally stocked bar and an Italian wood-fired pizzeria, surrounded by splendid blue waters and an amazing view. Day-trip packages to Cloud 9 from Nadi are available from F$124, including hotel transfers.
1. Take a South Sea Island Day Cruise
This cruise is suitable for a family, friends, or colleagues. It comes inclusive of food and unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks. Additionally, you can bring along your snorkeling gear (most tour guides provide this) and take on the waters. For group sports, you have the option of volleyball, kayaking, and windsurfing. This package is available from F$177.
2. Experience the Wonder of Nature
Take a dip in natural and warm mud pools then jump into hot water springs to clean off. This amazing activity is a great way to experience Nadi, especially if you are strapped for time. Depending on your itinerary before the mud pool, you can also visit the temple, market, and the garden of the Sleeping Giant and end your day with a mud bath at Sabeto Hot springs. Prices start at F$124.15.
3. Head Off on a Fijian Islands Snorkeling Trip
From Nadi, take a trip to the private, sparsely inhabited Fijian island in Mamanuca and enjoy its natural beauty as you take your breakfast aboard a schooner and down it with a glass of champagne. Later, indulge in a splendid beach barbecue while relaxing on the shore then relish snorkeling in the coral reefs as you swim in the clear waters, then top it off with complimentary drinks. This day of pampering comes inclusive of hotel pickup and drop off; prices start at F$227.
4. Go on a Quad Bike Adventure Tour from Denarau or Nadi
Get your motor running on a quad bike as you explore areas that are difficult to reach on foot or by using an off-road vehicle. A guide will be present to show you around as you ride up the Nakala Mountains where one of the biggest Hindu temples is located. Remember to bring water to stay hydrated in the heat.
5. Have Lunch on the Sea
Head over to Cloud 9 right at sea! This is the only floating platform in the world featuring an internationally stocked bar and an Italian wood-fired pizzeria, surrounded by splendid blue waters and an amazing view. Day-trip packages to Cloud 9 from Nadi are available from F$124, including hotel transfers.
1. Take a South Sea Island Day Cruise
This cruise is suitable for a family, friends, or colleagues. It comes inclusive of food and unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks. Additionally, you can bring along your snorkeling gear (most tour guides provide this) and take on the waters. For group sports, you have the option of volleyball, kayaking, and windsurfing. This package is available from F$177.
Activities & attractions in Nadi
Where to Eat in Nadi
Ports O'Call is a fine dining affair that calls for formal attire. If you are looking for a more relaxed environment, Maravu is the place, located at the beachfront and proficient in Asian dishes. You also have the option of dining inside or outside. Enjoy local produce at Taste Fiji, whose goal is to promote everything Fijian. For seafood, stop at Mamasake and have your taste buds experience the best of sushi and locally sourced rice. Meals start at F$11 at inexpensive restaurants and F$40 for a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant.
When to visit Nadi
The weather does not fluctuate much in Nadi and is relatively stable all year round. Tropical storms may be experienced in November and April. From July through to September, the weather is usually sunny and dry, accommodations are mostly taken, and room rates are high. The other two seasons that are appealing to most tourists are May to June and October; during these times, the weather is very conducive and Nadi is less crowded with tourists.
How to Get to Nadi
Plane
Nadi International Airport handles 96% of all flights to Fiji with at least 30 scheduled flights every day, and it is the gateway to Fiji. You can take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel from the airport. The airport is approximately 6 miles from the city center. Taxis from the airport into town start at F$25.
Boat
The port in nearby Denarau connects Viti Levu with Vanua Levu as well as the Mamanuca Islands. Companies like Mamanuca Express also offer private transfers between some of the islands.
Bus
A number of private bus companies such as Tourist Transport Fiji, Pacific Transport Limited, and Sunbeam connect the resorts and cities that lie on Queens Road, which runs from Lautoka in the north east to Suva in the south west and goes straight through the center of Nadi. The trip from Suva to Nadi is about 4 hours, and ticket prices start at F$15.
Car
If you plan on driving, you can hire a car and get to Nadi via the Kings Highway if your plane lands at Nausori International Airport in Fiji's capital, Suva. The trip will take around 4 hours on average from this airport to Nadi. Here, you drive on the left and a one-day car hire will set you back F$160.
Airlines serving Nadi
Where to stay in Nadi
Nadi accommodates all budget brackets. The Tokatoka Resort Hotel offers airport transfers. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Fiji, which sits on the beach, offers amazing ocean views. Located a stone's throw from the airport is Tanoa Skylodge Hotel, which offers ample space, air-conditioned rooms, and free transport to and from the airport. Regardless of your budget, finding accommodation in Nadi is no uphill task. Wailoaloa, with its lovely beach and a good range of hotels, is a good bet to base yourself in during your stay.
Where to stay in popular areas of Nadi
Most booked hotels in Nadi
How to Get Around Nadi
Public Transportation
There are local buses in Nadi that ply the town and areas beyond. You can hop on from any point along the bus routes by waving to the driver. Buses clearly state their destination and where they are traveling to, but you can also confirm this with the driver. On average, prices start at F$1.50 for a 3.7-mile trip.
Taxis
This is one of the most popular modes of transport in Nadi, and the city is flooded with taxis. Airport taxis are colored yellow while the rest have a yellow license plate. Prices generally start at around F$20 per 0.62 miles.
Car
Hiring a minivan is becoming increasingly popular. They are quicker, and although more expensive than the buses, they are cheaper than the taxis and dominate Queens Road around Nadi. Daily costs of hiring a chauffeured minivan are around F$130, making it a nice option as you are here to relax and pamper yourself. Standard car hire is also available from companies such as Coastal Car Rentals and Angels Car Rentals.
The Cost of Living in Nadi
Shopping
For great souvenir shopping, visit Jack's of Fiji that hosts a variety of shops with unique merchandise, including woodwork. Nadi is full of variety when it comes to clothing. A pair of jeans from a renowned designer like Levi's will cost you around F$73.33, while a summer dress from Zara or H&M will cost around F$78.75.
Supermarkets and Food Stores
As with most places, the cost of living fluctuates from time to time. An influx of tourists always pushes up the prices. At Tappoo shopping mall and Nadi market for instance, you will get a quart of regular milk for F$2.95, other consumables like meat products, vegetables, and water with prices ranging from F$0.75 to F$14.