The Coral Coast: beaches, dunes and adventure on Viti Levu

Why choose the Coral Coast

The islands get the headlines, but the Coral Coast has advantages. There are no boat transfers, so you can arrive the same day you land, it is easy to change plans, and you are close to sights, markets and villages. Resorts range from big family hotels with kids' clubs to small beachfront lodges. Prices are often gentler than on the islands, and you can eat outside your hotel.

Natadola Beach

At the western end, **Natadola Beach** is a long, wide arc of white sand with a gap in the reef, which means you can swim at any tide, unusual for this coast. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the main island. Local horse riders offer rides along the sand, and the old **Coral Coast Railway** once ran tourist trains here from near Sigatoka.

Sigatoka and the dunes

The market town of **Sigatoka** sits at the mouth of the Sigatoka River, in a valley known as Fiji's salad bowl for its vegetable farms. The **Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park**, Fiji's first national park, protects huge dunes up to dozens of metres high, where archaeologists have found pottery and burials up to thousands of years old. Walking trails cross the dunes to a wild, windy beach. Go early in the morning before the heat. River safari jet boats run up the Sigatoka valley to inland villages, and the hilltop **Tavuni Hill Fort** gives views over the river and a glimpse of Fiji's warrior past.

Korotogo, Korolevu and village life

East of Sigatoka, the coast is dotted with resorts and villages around **Korotogo**, **Korolevu** and **Votua**. Many resorts arrange visits to nearby villages, where you may join a kava ceremony, visit a school or church, and see crafts. The **Kula Wild Adventure Park** near Korotogo is a family favourite for Fijian iguanas, birds and a water slide. Inland, short drives lead to the **Biausevu waterfall**, reached on a village-guided walk.

Pacific Harbour

At the eastern end, **Pacific Harbour** calls itself the adventure capital of Fiji. Divers come for the **Beqa Lagoon** shark dives, where guides feed bull sharks and other species in a protected marine reserve. The **Upper Navua River** offers white water rafting and gentle bilibili (bamboo raft) trips through gorges and waterfalls. Offshore, **Beqa Island** is the home of the firewalkers of Sawau, whose tradition of walking on hot stones is performed at some resorts. The **Arts Village** in Pacific Harbour has a cultural centre and shops.

Food and drink

Resorts dominate dining, but Sigatoka town has roti shops, curry houses and a lively market with fresh fruit and vegetables. Many resorts hold lovo nights with meke dance performances. Look for kokoda, palusami (taro leaves baked in coconut cream), and fresh fish.

Getting there and around

Most resorts are one to two hours from Nadi airport by road. Express coaches and local buses run along the Queens Road all day and are cheap and friendly, though local buses stop often. Taxis can be hired for the day for sightseeing; agree the fare first. Resorts often offer transfers and tours.

Swimming and the reef

The fringing reef means many beaches are shallow at low tide, with rock and coral underfoot. Swim and snorkel around high tide, wear reef shoes, and ask locally about currents, especially near reef passages. Never stand on coral.

Where to stay

Family resorts cluster around Korotogo and Korolevu, while Natadola has a couple of large resorts and a golf course. Pacific Harbour has smaller hotels and lodges close to the dive and rafting operators. See our places to visit list, and combine the coast with Suva or a boat to the islands.