Province · Ilhas do Leste

Kadavu

Kadavu is a mountainous island south of Viti Levu, surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef, with diving, manta rays, birds found only there and almost no roads.

In the photo: Kadavu coast and the Great Astrolabe Reef

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The province

Get to know Kadavu

The province of Kadavu consists of the island of the same name, Fiji’s fourth-largest, and smaller islands south of Viti Levu. The island is narrow and long, with forested hills, deep bays and the Nabukelevu volcano in the west.

The Great Astrolabe Reef runs along the north and east coasts and is one of Fiji’s best-known dive areas, with walls, caves and corals. Manta rays frequent the Kadavu channel, and the island’s small resorts depend on diving, snorkeling and kayaking.

There are almost no roads: between villages and resorts people travel by boat. Vunisea, the main town, houses the airport, the government office and the island’s small shops.

The forest is home to birds found only in Kadavu, such as the Kadavu parrot, and trails that lead to waterfalls. Villages maintain traditional Fijian life; visits require an invitation or a guide and clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

Destinations

1 destination in Kadavu

1 city

Kadavu

Cities

1 cities in Kadavu in the guide

Kadavu Capital

Vunisea

Vunisea is the main town and provincial center of Kadavu, on a narrow strip of land between two bays. It has the airstrip, the port, a school, a hospital and shops, and is the arrival point for the island. From there lodgings take visitors by boat to the bays and islets near the Great Astrolabe Reef and Mount Nabukelevu.

When to go

The months from May to October usually bring less rain and calmer seas for boats and diving on the Great Astrolabe Reef. From November to April it is hotter, rainier and is cyclone season. Manta rays are commonly seen at various times of the year.

Getting there

Vunisea Airport (KDV) receives domestic flights from Nadi and Suva. Confirm before booking. From the airport, resorts pick up guests by boat; arrange transfers when booking. Cargo boats sail from Suva to the island without a fixed schedule.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Kadavu

How do you get around in Kadavu?

Almost entirely by boat. The island has few roads, and resorts pick up guests at Vunisea airport and take them on sea excursions. Arrange transfers before you travel.

Is Kadavu good for non-divers?

Yes — for those who enjoy nature and peace: there is snorkeling, kayaking, forest trails, waterfalls and village visits. The island has little infrastructure beyond the resorts and no nightlife.

How many days should you book for Kadavu?

Four to seven days, including the flight and boat transfer. For those diving the Great Astrolabe Reef, a week allows you to vary dive sites.

What is the Great Astrolabe Reef?

It is the coral reef barrier that follows the north and east of Kadavu, with walls, channels and caves. It is one of Fiji’s most sought-after dive destinations and has snorkeling spots near the resorts.

Tap a province to see its destinations. Limites: Pacific Data Hub / geoBoundaries (CC BY 4.0). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.