Fiji's Virtually Undiscovered Islands At The Worlds Frontier

The Fijian archipelago is a scattering of tiny islands in the unfathomably vast southern Pacific Ocean. With over 300 islands and a further 500 islets interspersed across 194,000 square kilometers of water, Fiji is diverse in terrain, climate, wildlife, and culture — and virtually impossible to explore in its entirety.

These islands are divided into nine groups. The largest of these – Viti Levu – is the most densely populated and home to the capital city of Suva. Vanua Levu is the second largest and is bordered to the north by a group of smaller islands. Besides these there are the Taveuni, Rotuma, and Kadavu as well as the Yasawa, Mamanuca, Lau, and Lomaiviti (home to Lekuva) groups. Each is a speckled collection of tiny landmasses.

It is, therefore, easy to overlook the dozens of significantly smaller, unassuming islands that appear as mere specks on the map, overshadowed by their larger and more frequented neighbors. Virtually untouched, these islands are more raw and rugged in their beauty and completely compelling in their secrecy. Here, accommodation is scarce, and transport is infrequent, but for the patient adventurer the local welcome is sincere, and the adventure that awaits is thrilling. Caqalai, for example, (pronounced ‘Thangalai’) is a largely ignored islet of the Lomaiviti group. The island’s interior is a beautifully unkempt mass of palm trees that pour over the narrow beaches, littered with discarded coconuts and hibiscus flowers. At low tide, you can venture a good mile into the Pacific Ocean for a magnificent look back upon its untouched shores. Or Moturiki, an island of dense rainforest and undulating hills that hide a dozen or so wonderfully cheerful, vibrant Fijian villages.

The least developed and thus utterly unspoiled of Fiji’s islands – the Lau and Moala groups – are a sprinkling of tiny islands on the eastern Fijian border where dozens of alcoves and bays are concealed within jagged perimeters. Thousands of undisturbed coral reefs and atolls line the shores, turning the clear waters fascinating, kaleidoscopic shades of blue.

It would take a lifetime to discover all that Fiji has to offer. Most of these serene, diminutive little islands, content in their isolation at the south-east frontier of the globe will likely remain some of the world’s best-kept secrets.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.