Fiji
Fiji Yacht Charter Guide
The volcanic islands of the Fijian archipelago jut dramatically from the stunning South Pacific Ocean, surrounded by explosions of colour as white sand reflects through blue water and lagoons that are fringed with coral reefs. Charming rustic villages and world-class snorkeling and diving await, along with – of course – the incredible resorts that Fiji is known for. Take the opportunity to charter a luxury yacht to Fiji and realize the vacation of a lifetime. Swim in lagoons filled with tropical fish and turtles, trek in volcanic hills sprinkled with vibrant ginger flowers, and indulge in decadent spa treatments. The warmth and pride of the Fijian people are enchanting, and on a sailing holiday to Fiji, you are sure to fall in love with the South Pacific.
Best Time To Visit: The driest months are May to October, which offer warm weather and good sailing conditions.
Key Cruising Areas: The archipelago consists of over 300 islands with many beautiful anchorages. Further afield, the South Pacific islands of Tonga, Niue, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia offer many wonderful itinerary options.
Don’t Miss: To experience the native beauty of Fiji at its best, visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. With thousands of tropical flowers including over 200 orchid species, wander through the lush gardens breathing in the exotic fragrances. Follow the winding timber paths through the peaceful cool of the gardens, sipping a complimentary iced guava juice.
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: On the islands of Fiji you will find many dining options. One of the best areas for restaurants is the north coast of Viti Levu. The Fiji Orchid restaurant offers delicious South Pacific dishes and can prepare picnic hampers to take to the beach. For a special evening, visit the award-winning restaurant of First Landing Resort. Exotic cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking the beach creates the ultimate romantic night.
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Best Local Dish: The creativity of Fijians and tropical produce has resulted in colorful cuisine. Based on sweet potatoes, coconut, cassava, and fish, the Indian influences give rise to aromatic curries that are unique within the Pacific. Try traditional Kokoda (Fijian ceviche) at the Wicked Walu restaurant which boasts some of Fiji’s best seafood.
Local Culture: Dance is an important part of the South Pacific culture, and the Fijian pride for their culture shines through the traditional displays. Singing, chanting, drumming and poi and fire dances are beautiful to watch and can be experienced at most beach resorts in the evenings. The Polynesian Cultural Centre also puts on enjoyable traditional shows.
Best Beach: Fiji is surrounded by incredible beaches, and some of the best are to be found in the resorts. The pristine waters of Qamea Island are hard to beat – wander down the beautifully soft sand to the sea, where you can snorkel straight off the beach to find thriving coral reefs and kaleidoscopic displays of tropical fish.
IYC recommends: Fiji is the quintessential tropical island escape, the utmost in romance and luxury. For a truly decadent evening, indulge in a Cleopatra bath ritual at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. Drift through your room lit with candles and filled with the fragrances of fresh Fijian flowers, to soak in coconut milk on a private veranda. Followed by an exquisite degustation under the stars this will be an unforgettable experience.
More To Explore
As established yacht charter circuits in the Mediterranean and Caribbean get busier and busier, many are looking for something away from the familiar and off the beaten path. One region that ticks the boxes for this is the South Pacific, and in particular, Fiji’s islands offer a highly attractive cruising option.A yacht charter itinerary in Fiji provides a true escape, and with the right luxury yacht platform, you can easily get away from it all. Spending your days exploring world-class dive sites in crystal-clear waters, a variety of surf breaks and watersport opportunities, quiet anchorages, and jungle-clad islands with rich culture ashore.The scale and remoteness demand a yacht capable of moving between the islands, especially the more remote ones, with long-range autonomy, expedition capabilities, and an array of tenders and toys. One yacht in particular that does all this and more, in the IYC fleet currently cruising this South Pacific region, is the 183’ (56m) GALILEO expedition charter yacht.
The beaches of French Polynesia are really a cut above the rest. Think: white sand dissolving into impossibly clear lagoons, tiny motus fringed with palms, and volcanic mountains rising theatrically in the distance.Across five archipelagos and some 120 islands, the landscape shifts from the famous beauty of Bora Bora and Moorea to the quieter, wilder atolls of the Tuamotus. And for those traveling by yacht, that variety is part of the allure. Roads or hotel check-ins do not dictate your itinerary here; instead, the day can unfold according to the color of the water, the weather, or whichever deserted beach catches your eye. Here are some of the best beaches in French Polynesia to visit on a yacht charter:
French Polynesia is known for its turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes, but there is another side to the islands that is just as rewarding to discover: the food.From freshly caught tuna and creamy coconut to fragrant Tahitian vanilla and tropical fruit, French Polynesian cuisine is shaped by the goods of the surrounding ocean and fertile islands. Traditional dishes are often simple, fresh and designed to be shared, with many recipes passed down through generations.For yacht charter guests, food is a great way to experience the South Pacific destination beyond its beaches. Your chef can introduce local ingredients and flavors on board, while ashore you can discover traditional cooking at its most authentic. Here are the top 10 French Polynesian foods worth trying during your next yacht charter: