✨ Island hopping in paradise: My trip to Fiji
During my semester abroad in Australia, my German friend Viki and I decided to take a break and head to the breathtaking Fiji Islands. We flew from Brisbane to Nadi International Airport, the main hub of Fiji, with roundtrip flights costing around €400, which we booked via Skyscanner. The flight took around four hours, non-stop — super easy and smooth!
For our island-hopping adventure, we used Awesome Adventures Fiji and honestly, they were amazing! The tour was super flexible: we could choose which islands to visit, how long to stay and what kind of accommodation we wanted. All transfers were included, which made the trip easy and carefree from start to finish.
Where is Fiji?
Fiji is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and northeast of New Zealand. It consists of more than 300 islands and lies between Hawaii and New Zealand, making it part of the South Pacific island region.
🌴 Did You Know?
Fiji consists of over 300 breathtaking islands scattered across the South Pacific Ocean, each offering its own unique charm and character. Many of these islands are accessible to travelers and offer a wide variety of experiences: from postcard-perfect white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, to lush, untouched jungles and traditional Fijian villages where local culture thrives. It’s truly a tropical paradise, spread like a string of gems across the Pacific, just waiting to be explored.
🏝️ Our 3-Island Fiji Itinerary
We visited a total of three different islands in Fiji, spending between one and four nights on each. This was just perfect for us, as it offered variety without feeling rushed or stressful. Here’s a quick overview of the islands we explored and our impressions of each:
1. South Sea Island
Our first stop was a tiny gem called South Sea Island. You can literally walk around the entire island in just 5 minutes! 🏃♀️ It’s super small, but incredibly charming, perfect for relaxing, swimming and watching the sunset with a coconut in hand 🥥🌅.
South Sea Island is a tiny slice of paradise in Fiji perfect for snorkeling, relaxing and soaking up the sun in a postcard-worthy setting.
In this photo, you can see South Sea Island from afar as viewed from the ferry. The sight is simply breathtaking.
During the day, there are also tourists on the small island, as many come for a day trip. However, it never feels overcrowded and the island remains absolutely beautiful. By late afternoon, the day visitors suddenly all leave and only about 20 people stay behind, making the tiny island feel wonderfully peaceful and almost private. In the evening, the local Fijians prepare a delicious homemade dinner,and you can end the day while watching the sunset in total relaxation.
From our cozy beachfront room, we could look straight out onto the white sandy beach and the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the ocean. Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze and the peaceful sound of the waves completed the perfect island atmosphere.
2. Mantaray Island Resort
Next, we made our way to Mantaray Island. This island was a bit bigger, with amazing nature and excellent snorkeling spots 🐠. The underwater world here was mesmerizing, with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish and clear turquoise water. A total dream.
At the Mantaray Resort, we stayed in a room that resembled a treehouse. We had to walk up a small path to reach it, but the effort was worth it. Once at the top, we enjoyed a beautiful view of the lush greenery. Our room was small yet cozy and nicely furnished, complete with a balcony. As you can see in the photo, the view from up there was magical.
3. Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
Our final stop—and my personal favorite 💙. Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, located in the Yasawa Islands, had everything: crystal-clear water, white sand and the most peaceful vibes. We stayed in a cozy beachfront bungalow and went snorkeling right off the shore.
We stayed in a cozy beachfront bungalow and went snorkeling right off the shore. Our mini bungalow had a terrace, a bathroom and a bedroom. Each morning, we stepped outside to an immediate view of the sea — a dream come true.
🪸 The coral reefs were stunning, and we saw so many colorful fish—it felt like swimming in an aquarium. No wonder Blue Lagoon Beach was ranked #13 among the Top 50 Beaches in the World. It absolutely deserves that spot! 🏖️✨
Sunsets in Fiji
Sunsets in Fiji paint the sky with breathtaking colors and create unforgettable moments of peace and beauty. Every evening, we paused to soak in the magical views.
The most beautiful sunset I experienced was at the last resort. It felt magical watching the sky slowly transform into shades of orange, pink and purple. 🌅
Getting around the Fiji Islands
Getting from island to island couldn’t have been easier. Awesome Adventures Fiji arranged all the transfers for us. Boats picked us up directly from the islands and we always knew our exact pickup time, which was communicated in advance at each resort. Additionally, the staff reminded us of the departure times on the day of the transfer, so we never had to worry about logistics. This photo captures the stunning panorama you get to enjoy while traveling from one island to another. I took it from the ferry as a small boat was bringing us to our next island stop.
🌍 Fiji vs. Hawaii – A Surprising Contrast
Before visiting, I had assumed Fiji would be similar to Hawaii, since both are tropical islands. However, I quickly discovered just how different they are. While Hawaii is modern and developed, Fiji has a much more laid-back and untouched vibe. Life follows a slower rhythm. You’ll encounter villages where locals have never left their island — not even to visit the capital, Nadi — simply because they can’t afford it. Fiji is a developing country and that becomes evident. At the same time, this authenticity is what makes Fiji so special. The people are warm and welcoming, the atmosphere is peaceful and time seems to slow down. 🌺 Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or traveling with friends, Fiji is the ideal place to disconnect and recharge. It’s calm, natural and deeply grounding. So if you’re craving peace, beauty and a little soul-healing… Fiji is the place.
☀️ Final Fiji thoughts
Our week in Fiji was one of the most unforgettable trips I’ve ever taken. From exploring mini islands and snorkeling in clear blue water to witnessing jaw-dropping sunsets — every moment felt magical. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Have you ever been to Fiji or gone island hopping somewhere tropical? Let me know in the comments! 🌊