Fiji

What to see in the Fiji Islands?

Fiji is one of those places that looks exactly like it does in photographs — and that's the highest compliment I can pay it. The water is genuinely that colour. The smiles are genuinely that wide. From the backpacker island-hopping of the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups to the remote outer islands where traditional Fijian village life continues largely unchanged, Fiji delivers warmth in every sense. For photographers, the combination of underwater coral gardens, traditional kava ceremonies, lovo feasts, and the extraordinary quality of Pacific light makes this one of the most rewarding island destinations I've visited.

The outer islands — the further you get from Nadi, the more authentic and visually interesting things become. Barefoot Kuta on Kadavu, the Yasawa Islands, and small village homestays all offer the kind of unposed, real-life documentary photography that's impossible in resort environments.

Underwater photography — Fiji's coral reefs are among the healthiest in the Pacific, and even with a basic waterproof camera the colours are extraordinary. The soft corals around Bligh Water are world-famous among divers.

Kava ceremonies and village life — being invited to participate in a kava ceremony is a genuine cultural experience, and photographing it with permission gives you images that reflect a living culture rather than a performance for tourists.

Sunset from a hammock — I'm only half joking. The quality of Pacific sunsets in Fiji, particularly from the western-facing islands, is genuinely spectacular and requires no effort to photograph well.

Suggested Itinararies in Fiji

Fiji is less about rushing between attractions and more about slowing down into island time. Ferries and domestic flights connect the larger islands, while smaller resorts often organise boat transfers directly from Nadi. Allow flexibility in your itinerary — weather and sea conditions can occasionally affect schedules, especially on the more remote islands.