9 Stunning Beaches to Discover in Fiji

With over 1100km (68 miles) of coastline in Fiji, it’s no wonder that there’s an abundance of heavenly beaches perfect for laying down your towel.

While the larger islands may offer fewer tourist-friendly beaches due to mangroves and urbanization, Fiji’s smaller atolls are typically surrounded by a pristine ring of white sand. Just a short swim away, vibrant coral reefs await, filled with sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, eels, starfish, and anemonefish.

Whether you’re visiting Fiji’s beaches to unwind with a drink or to embark on exciting ocean escapades, there’s a perfect stretch of sand for everyone. Here are the nine top beaches in Fiji.

1. Natadola Beach, Viti Levu

The finest beach on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest and most populated island, is this crescent of cookie-like sand located on its southwestern shore. During peak season, local women set up shaded tables by the water to provide traditional four-hand massages. Horse owners trot their whinnying horses along the beach, offering rides to families with children. Both beachside resort bars serve refreshing cocktails and chilled beers, and you can also purchase warm coconuts from vendors in the parking area. If the sea is calm, don a snorkel and dive into the waters at the southern end of the beach.

If you’re eager to surf, the wave spot in front of the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa is perfect for beginners. The hotel rents foam surfboards by the hour. For those with their own boards, there’s a more challenging break near the channel.

Insider tip: Resort day passes for Natadola Beach can be expensive. Save FJ$40 by accessing the beach through the public parking for free.

2. Monuriki Beach, Monuriki

In the 2001 film Cast Away, Tom Hanks’ character Chuck Noland finds himself marooned on this stretch of soft white sand at the eastern tip of the uninhabited Monuriki after a plane crash. At the reef's edge, a small rocky islet stands like the dot of an exclamation mark, with blacktip sharks often swimming in the surrounding waters.

Though there's no overnight accommodation available (Noland’s shack is long gone), most major resorts in the Mamanucas and lower Yasawa Islands provide day trips to Monuriki (also called Modriki). You might be tempted to miss your return boat on purpose.

3. Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Viti Levu

Distinct from any other beach in Fiji, the undulating dunes at Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park lead to a turbulent ocean break. Locals surf these waves, but if you hike to the top of the vegetation-covered dunes, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of a boundless cobalt sea and the winding Sigatoka River, along with a glimpse into Fiji’s verdant interior.

But this location offers more than just a place to relax on the sand. In the 1940s, archaeologists discovered a mass burial site belonging to Fiji’s first inhabitants, the Lapita people, believed to have settled here around 2600 years ago. Artifacts such as Lapita pottery, tools, and weapons are frequently unearthed, with some now showcased at the Fiji Museum in Suva.

Travel tip: Given its proximity to the river mouth, this beach isn’t ideal for swimming. Better conditions can be found an hour south at the Fiji Beachouse Resort, which welcomes day visitors. It’s courteous to purchase food and drinks while there.

4. Blue Lagoon, Nanuya Lailai

The Blue Lagoon is a narrow stretch of soft sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and swaying palms, named after a 1980 film featuring Brooke Shields. It likely embodies the quintessential image of Fiji's beaches. Despite its popularity, the beach is seldom overcrowded. Its inviting lounge areas encourage you to unwind, but when you're ready to move, take a stroll toward the Boathouse at Nanuya for serene views and a refreshing drink.

Side trip: For another film location from Blue Lagoon, hop on a boat to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves, located north of Nanuya Lailai. Speedboats depart from Lautoka and several Yasawa islands.

5. The Beaches of Fulaga

Lau, a remote archipelago with no airport or formal accommodations, is one of the least-visited regions of Fiji. It also boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the South Pacific.

Fulaga is a paradise for swimming, paddling, snorkeling, and daydreaming. This large horseshoe island embraces several smaller islets, creating a cozy retreat. With coconut trees, stretches of white sand, and no one else around, you might question if its electric-blue lagoons and surrounding limestone islets are real. Trust us, they are.

Insider tip: Fulaga is nearly unreachable without your own yacht, but it is included on a Captain Cook Cruise to Lau.

6. Malolo Sandbar, Malolo

A sprinkle of white sand set in the middle of the ocean, Malolo Sandbar is a delightful destination to explore at low tide and one of the top spots for snorkeling in Fiji.

Here, it doesn’t take long to circle the fringing reef, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the emerald shades of Malolo Island and watch yachts glide through the nearby channel.

Side trip: Malolo Sandbar is an excellent spot for charter boats. Surfing locations like Restaurants, Namotu, Swimming Pools, and Wilkes are just a short boat ride away.

7. Yawini Beach, Yasawa

Fiji's most romantic beach is a slender isthmus of white sand that links two Yasawa islands. Bring along a bottle of champagne. The shallow waters and sandy bottom that encircle the beach create a stunning turquoise color. If you gaze into the depths long enough, you're likely to catch a glimpse of a ray, sea turtle, or reef shark gliding by. It’s hard not to fall in love with this place.

8. Papageno Beach, Kadavu

Located on the island of Kadavu, Papageno Beach is a serene stretch of sand near Papageno Resort. Here, you’ll only hear the gentle waves lapping against the shore, hermit crabs scuttling across the sand, and the occasional thump of a falling coconut. Another highlight? It’s situated at the edge of the Great Astrolabe Reef – the third-largest barrier reef in the world – making it a perfect spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddling. Manta rays are known to frequent the area from June to October.

9. Malamala Island

If you’re pressed for time or simply want to experience the postcard-perfect side of Fiji, take a day trip to Malamala Island, a tiny speck of land featuring pristine white sand beaches enveloped by a coral reef. A day pass includes transportation from Denarau Marina and access to kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and their beachfront infinity pool. Refreshing coconuts, beers, cocktails, and snacks are also available.

Insider tip: If you have a late departure flight and are looking for ways to enjoy your last day in Fiji without access to your hotel, a day trip to Malamala is an excellent choice. Arrive early, spend the day soaking up the sun and sea, then enjoy their hot water showers before catching your ferry back to Viti Levu.