TAVEUNI ISLAND, FIJI
Experiences that stay with you
The Fiji most visitors never find
Taveuni is unlike anywhere else in the Pacific. Ancient rainforest covers most of the island, the reef system in the Somosomo Strait is world-class, and the pace of life here is genuinely unhurried. Ucuilagi puts all of it within easy reach. Isoa knows every operator, every trail, and every local worth knowing, ask him and he will arrange it.
So many experiences
DIVING AND SNORKELLING
Rainbow Reef and the Great White Wall
The Somosomo Strait generates powerful ocean currents that feed one of the most spectacular reef systems in the entire Pacific. The Great White Wall, which Jean-Michel Cousteau dubbed one of the ten best diving spots in the world, is a vertical reef face covered in brilliant white soft coral, drawing divers and underwater photographers from across the globe. The Rainbow Reef surrounding it holds more than 1,400 species of fish, alongside manta rays, turtles, and the occasional humpback whale. Certified operators run daily trips from Taveuni, with pickup from Ucuilagi included.
OCEAN FALLS AND WILD COAST
Lavena Coastal Walk
The island's most iconic hike, combining jungle trails, beaches, and a double waterfall swim at the end. The walk winds past white sand beaches, river crossings, and remote Fijian villages before arriving at a waterfall swimming hole that most visitors to Fiji never find. Allow a full day. A boat can be hired at Lavena Village for the return leg, taking you past additional waterfalls that fall directly into the ocean and can only be reached from the water.
SNORKEL SWIM OR KAYAK
Explore the beaches
Some of the best experiences at Ucuilagi require nothing more than walking out the front door. A well prepared track winds through the tropical gardens and down to Vacala Bay- to a stunning beach where swimming and snorkelling from mid tide onwards is amazing. Anemones, clownfish, hard corals, and small schools of reef fish are all within easy reach of shore.
Ucuilagi's sea kayaks are available for guests to use directly from the beach. The bay makes for wonderful paddling, with the reef to explore and nearby Prince Charles Beach within easy reach along the coast. Isoa will bring the kayaks down whenever you are ready.
FIJIAN CULTURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Meke and Lovo
Some of the most memorable evenings in Fiji happen without leaving the property. Isoa and his family from Wewe village will prepare a traditional meke, an evening of Fijian singing and dancing, followed by a lovo feast cooked in an underground oven- the way it has been done for centuries. All of it on the deck at Ucuilagi with the Somosomo Strait below you.
Prefer to join other guests? On Wednesday or Thursday evenings Tides Reach Restaurant, a short walk from Ucuilagi, hosts its own meke and lovo night. A great option if you want to experience the culture alongside fellow travellers.
WATERFALLS AND ANCIENT RAINFOREST
Bouma National Heritage Park
Covering more than 16,000 hectares of lush rainforest, this park is a safe haven for native wildlife. The main Tavoro waterfall drops about 24 metres into a natural pool where you can swim and dive off the rocks. Two further falls upstream reward those willing to push on. The Vidawa Rainforest Hike, deeper in the park, takes you past ancient village ruins and some of the best birdwatching on the island.
THE SLIPPERY SLIDE
Waitavala Natural Waterslide
A natural rock slide formed by a smooth rushing stream deep in the Taveuni rainforest, the Waitavala Waterslide is one of those experiences that does not exist anywhere else. The locals will show you how to tackle it, and once you do, most people spend the rest of the afternoon going back for more. Wear old shorts, bring a rash guard, and let the kids lead the way. About 25 minutes by taxi from Ucuilagi. Isoa can arrange.
GAME FISHING
The Somosomo Strait
Pristine and abundant waters surround Taveuni in this fishing paradise. Yellowfin Tuna, Walu, Wahoo, and Mahimahi are all found in the surrounding waters, with half and full day charters available from Matei. All gear provided. Isoa can arrange the booking.
PURE RELAXATION
Massage & Spa
For something closer to home, Tuvui is our local masseur who will come to Ucuilagi and offers an excellent private massage on the deck or inside the house. It does not get more relaxed than that.
For a full spa experience, the Nature Spa at Garden Island Resort is a single private bure surrounded by natural jungle and overlooking the Somosomo Strait, so you can hear the ocean throughout your treatment. Treatments include a traditional Fijian Bobo Massage, a Simply Relax Massage, sugar scrubs, and Pure Fiji facials. The Oceanfront Bamboo Spa at Paradise Taveuni offers a broader menu including couples massages, hot stone treatments, and body wraps beside the ocean.
TAVEUNI'S ONLY PEARL FARM
The Civa Pearl Farm
A guided tour of the island's only working pearl farm, including a short boat ride out into the lagoon, a snorkelling tour, and the chance to buy pearls direct from the grower at prices you will not find anywhere else. About 25 minutes by taxi from Ucuilagi. Reservations essential.
SNORKELLING
Waitabu Marine Park
Waitabu is a fully protected marine reserve where fishing has been prohibited for decades, resulting in reef life that has to be seen to be believed. Guided snorkelling, traditional bilibili bamboo raft rides, local musicians, and fresh refreshments make it a full day out rather than just a swim. About 20 minutes by taxi from Ucuilagi.
For something closer to home, Vacala Bay beach sits just below the property and offers excellent snorkelling directly off the shore. Anemones, clown fish, hard corals, and small schools of reef fish are common sightings, with the best conditions just before high tide.
TAVEUNI FROM THE TOP
Des Voeux Peak
The views from atop Des Voeux Peak, 1,200 metres high, are some of the best in Fiji. A four-wheel drive gets you most of the way in about 40 minutes, or experienced hikers can make it a full day's climb. On a clear day the views stretch across Vanua Levu and as far as the islands of Koro and Gau to the south. For those who want to push further, a full-day extension reaches Lake Tagimaucia, the remote volcanic crater lake home to Fiji's national flower, the tagimaucia, which grows nowhere else on earth.
TAVEUNI'S RARE ENDEMIC SPECIES
Birdwatching
Taveuni is one of the great birdwatching destinations in the Pacific, and the reason comes down to one simple fact: the mongoose was never introduced here. While the rest of Fiji lost much of its native birdlife to this predator, Taveuni's forests have remained undisturbed for generations.
The Orange Dove is the island's most celebrated resident, a bird so vividly coloured it seems almost impossible in nature. The Silktail, the Taveuni Red Shining Parrot, and the Blue Crested Flycatcher are among more than 100 species that make their home in the ancient rainforest above the coast. Early morning is the best time, when the jungle comes alive before the heat of the day settles in. Isoa can arrange a guide.
HISTORY, CULTURE, AND EXTRAORDINARY SINGING
Wairiki Catholic Mission
Built in the 1890s on the hill overlooking the site of a famous battle where Taveuni warriors repelled a Tongan fleet in canoes, the Wairiki Mission is one of the most historically significant sites on the island. Try to time your visit with Sunday Mass at 7am or 9am and experience the harmonious singing of the local villagers.
WHERE TODAY MEETS YESTERDAY
The International Dateline
Taveuni is one of the only areas of dry land crossed by the 180th meridian and the only place in Fiji where you can have one foot in today and one foot in yesterday. The dateline monument near Waiyevo is a must stop on any drive south and one of the more genuinely unusual photo opportunities in the Pacific.