Fiji is synonymous with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and world class waves. Located in the South Pacific, Fiji is an archipelago of over 300 islands that is known for its bustling reefs, clear lagoons, and friendly people. And of course, surfing.
While there is surf in many corners of the country, the most popular surf destinations are the Mamanuca Islands and the Coral Coast. The Mamanucas are a string of 20 islands, lying just west of Nadi – the Mamanucas are home to Cloudbreak and many other rippable waves.
Located on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, the Coral Coast is located between Sigatoka and Suva and is popular for its lush forests and picturesque coastline. A 15-mile boat ride off the coast, is Frigates Passage, also known as the Fiji Pipeline.
With so many resorts to choose from, it can be tricky figuring out where to book to make the most of your stay. Here, we’ve rounded up eight of the best places to surf and stay during your time in Fiji.
Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort
Located a short drive from the Nadi International Airport, the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort is the perfect stopover hotel if you plan on venturing to the outer islands. It’s also a great spot to spend the entirety of your trip, especially if you have kids in tow. Located on Denarau Island, it provides easy access to the Port Denarau ferries that venture to the outer islands for day trips and transfers.
Rooms are spacious and the resort is stunning, with a beachfront location and multiple freshwater pools. Home to an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a gym, a full-service spa, an on-site water sport’s cabana, and delicious and sustainable restaurants, the Sheraton has something for everyone. The resort also hosts daily activities and has a kid’s club for the littles. If you’re looking to surf, you can book tours at the lobby or with KaiWai water sports – all surf trips are accompanied by a surf instructor, a surf guide, and a boat captain and head to breaks in the Mamanuca Islands.
Marriot Momi Bay
Situated on the western coast of Viti Levu in Momi Bay, once you step onto the property at the Marriot Momi Bay you feel like you’re transported to a tropical oasis. Situated on its own private lagoon, the Marriot has an assortment of over the water bungalows as well as land-based bures and rooms.
If you’re looking to stay on the mainland but still want to catch waves, the Marriot Momi Bay is the closest you can get to Cloudbreak, Namotu Lefts, Restaurants, and numerous other surf breaks in the Mamanuca Islands. To plan a surf excursion, simply talk to the front desk and they’ll get you situated with a boat and guide and you’ll head out to one of the waves in the Mamanucas. For days when its flat, the Marriot Momi Bay has plenty to offer: Multiple restaurants, a swim up bar, water sports, a fitness center, a luxurious spa, sustainability programs, kava ceremonies, and more.
Waidroka Bay Resort
If you wish to stay on the mainland, but are willing to venture further from the airport, Waidroka Resort is a great option for surfers. Located on the Coral Coast, a three-hour car ride will deposit you where the jungle meets the sea at Waidroka Bay Resort.
If you’re looking for luxury, Waidroka isn’t your match, but if your focus is surfing and diving while staying in a community centered resort, Waidroka is the spot for you. The intimate resort offers ocean-view rooms and bures, with family style meals and daily surf and dive trips. The staff are friendly and within a day will know you by name and are happy to cater to any of your needs. The resort provides easy access to a variety of uncrowded waves, including the famous Frigates Passage. When conditions aren’t optimal for surfing, the resort has a pool, daily yoga, and an onsite massage therapist.
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa
If you’re looking or a luxury resort that has access to surf, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa may be right up your alley. Nestled among 35 acres of tropical gardens, the InertContinental offers a wide array of suites and rooms with views of the beaches and gardens.
The five-star resort is home to a golf course, exquisite restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa, with surf right out its front door at Natadola Beach. Unlike most of the surf breaks in Fiji, Natadola is beginner friendly as it is a soft, shore break rather than a reef break. The surf at Natadola can be inconsistent, but the resort also offers diving and snorkeling at nearby reefs that are well worth the trip.
Tavarua Island Resort
A heart shaped island in the middle of the Pacific, Tavarua Island Resort is known for one thing: surf. Located in the Mamanuca Islands, a short boat ride from Fiji’s mainland, Tavarua offers an assortment of villas and bures, all with ocean views.
The private island has world class surf breaks a short paddle or boat ride from its shores, and you can watch the waves while you dine at the open air restaurant. Surrounding the island are eight incredible waves, including world famous Cloudbreak, which is just a few minutes boat ride from the resort. The all-inclusive stay includes three meals a day, access to water sports equipment, snorkeling excursions, a fitness room, island excursions, and boat rides to and from the surf breaks daily. During the 2024 Corona Fiji Pro, Tavarua hosted the CT’s elite surfers.
Namotu Island
Like Tavarua Island Resort, Namotu Island is a part of the Mamanuca Islands and sits smack dab in the middle of world class waves. The private resort is home to just 12 rooms, so you are sure to become well acquainted with all the guests during your stay.
Out front of the resort are Swimming Pools and Namotu Lefts, with Cloudbreak just a 10-minute boat ride away. The all-inclusive stay includes meals, unlimited boat rides to surf breaks, snorkeling trips, excursions to Cloud 9, and basic equipment. The staff are friendly, the meals delicious, and the waves are in no short supply.
Funky Fish
While many of the resorts in Fiji are pricey, the Funky Fish offers more budget-friendly accommodations in a fun environment. Located on Malolo island in the heart of the Mamanucas, the Funky Fish is just a short trip from Nadi and provides easy access to Fiji’s best waves.
At the Funky Fish, there are a collection of beachfront bures and hillside rooms and bookings include family-style meals daily. Boats make the 20- to 30-minute journey to Cloudbreak and surrounding surf breaks daily and when it’s flat, the resort has kayaks, beach volleyball, and hikes out the front door. For an additional fee you can book snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boat trips, and other day tours.
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