Viti Levu: River Tubing in Fiji

If you’re after a day filled with stunning scenery, cultural insights, and a dash of adventure, the Viti Levu River Tubing tour from Fiji offers just that. While we haven’t personally floated down the Navua River, this experience has consistently earned glowing feedback, making it a top pick for travelers craving authentic Fijian landscapes and local life.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the scenic boat ride into the highlands offers breathtaking views of the lush rainforests and dramatic gorges. Second, the visit to a remote Fijian village provides a rare glimpse into island traditions, away from tourist spots. Third, the combination of waterfall swimming and river tubing creates a fun, varied day that balances adventure with relaxation.

One potential consideration? The trip involves a fair amount of traveling from areas like Nadi and Denarau, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with longer transfers. It’s also not recommended for guests with back problems or mobility issues. This experience appeals most to those who love nature, culture, and a little adrenaline.

Key Points

• Authentic Fijian Culture: Visit a secluded village and learn about local life.
• Scenic Journey: The boat ride into the highlands offers stunning rainforest and river views.
• Variety of Activities: Includes waterfall swimming, river tubing, and cultural walks.
• Good Value: At $130, it combines transportation, lunch, and multiple memorable stops.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides like Ben and Cookie make a difference.
• Suitable for active travelers: Not ideal for those with mobility issues but perfect for adventure enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Fiji’s Interior by Longboat and Tubing

This tour is designed to give you a broader perspective of Fiji beyond its famous beaches. You’ll start with a pick-up from your hotel in areas like Nadi, Denarau, or Suva, with transfers scheduled early morning (around 6:30 to 9:30 am, depending on your location). After a comfortable drive, the real adventure begins as you board a longboat to cruise into the Namosi Highlands.

The boat ride alone is worth the price of admission. As you glide along the Navua River, you’ll see tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and deep gorges that define Fiji’s rugged interior. Reviewers like Nelson from Australia mention that the ride up the river was spectacular, and the scenery becomes a highlight of the entire day.

The Village Visit: An Authentic Cultural Experience

One of the tour’s most praised aspects is the visit to a remote Fijian village. Here, you’ll encounter a way of life that’s largely untouched by modern influences. Guests like Kaitlin from Australia note that the people are lovely, and the village walk is “enlightening.” It’s a chance to see traditional homes, learn about local customs, and perhaps even see traditional singing or dancing, depending on the day.

It’s important to remember the cultural etiquette—women are expected to cover their knees, usually with a sarong, which guides guides like Cookie make clear in advance. The village stop adds depth and authenticity to the trip, transforming it from a simple adventure into an immersive experience.

Waterfalls and Swimming: Mother Nature’s Best

After exploring the village, you’ll head to a pristine waterfall for a swim. Imagine cooling off in crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush greenery, as many reviewers have described it as “beautiful” and “picturesque.” Amber from Australia highlights this moment as a personal favorite, noting that “we swam here for a while as it was so beautiful.”

This stop is often the surprise highlight, especially for families or those looking to connect with nature. The waterfall swim is followed by a riverside lunch, where you can relax and refuel with local cuisine, often featuring fresh fish, tropical fruits, and traditional Fijian dishes.

Tubing Through Fiji’s Scenic River

The final activity is floating down the Navua River on an inner tube. This part of the tour is relaxing yet exhilarating, with gentle rapids and calm stretches offering the perfect balance. Guests like Maria from Kenya describe it as “truly a unique and unforgettable experience,” with some sections offering thrilling moments through the rapids, while others provide ample time to take in the breathtaking surroundings.

Reviewers repeatedly mention the guides’ expertise and friendliness, particularly Ben and Cookie, who keep everyone safe while ensuring the fun keeps flowing. Many describe the tubing as “fun” and “very enjoyable,” with the added bonus of a spontaneous sing-along or local music stopping the guides might initiate.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details and Value

The tour covers a full day, typically lasting around 8-9 hours, with pickup times starting as early as 6:30 am from certain hotels. The cost of $130 per person includes hotel pickup and drop-off, boat rides, tubes, lifejackets, and a hearty riverside lunch. Given the variety of activities—village visit, waterfalls, scenic boat ride, and tubing—the price offers good value for an authentic, well-organized experience.

Transport arrangements are comfortable, and the guides are well-versed in safety and cultural sensitivity. As one guest noted, “Guides are professional with safety & river tubing guidance, yet easy-going, making it a fun and memorable excursion.” Plus, the small group sizes foster a friendly atmosphere, often feeling more like a local outting than a commercial tour.

What to Pack and Wear

Bring comfortable water shoes (essential for waterfalls and tubing), sunscreen, a hat, towel, and a change of clothes for after water activities. The weather can be warm and humid, so lightweight clothing is best. Don’t forget a water bottle to stay hydrated during the journey.

Accessibility and Limitations

The tour isn’t suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments, primarily because of the physical nature of water activities and walking through village areas. Travelers should be prepared for some walking and light jungle trekking, as well as the longer transfers from major hotels.

Authenticity and Unique Experiences

What makes this tour stand out is its balance of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. Several reviews comment on the genuine friendliness of the guides and locals, with guests like Robert W from the US mentioning that the guides are “very knowledgeable and engaged,” and the scenery is “amazing.” The waterfall swim and singing in the middle of the river are memorable moments that go beyond typical guided tours.

The lunch served riverside is often praised as delicious, with reviewers noting the variety and fresh ingredients. The entire experience is designed to be both fun and educational, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of Fiji’s diverse landscape and community.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is suited for adventure lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a full day of outdoor activities in Fiji. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, waterfall swims, and learning about local life, this tour hits all those marks and offers excellent value. It’s ideal for families, couples, or small groups who want a mix of relaxation and active exploration.

However, it’s important to be comfortable with water-based activities and longer transfers from Nadi or Denarau. It’s not designed for guests with mobility issues or those seeking a purely beach-based experience, but for anyone craving a genuine taste of Fiji’s interior, this day trip promises memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup and drop-off from various hotels in Nadi, Denarau, Sonaisali, Marriott, Intercontinental, Shangri-La, Coral Coast, Pacific Harbour, and Suva are included.

How long is the tour? The entire day lasts around 8-9 hours, starting early in the morning with pickups between 6:30 am and 9:45 am, depending on your location.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and a change of clothes. Water shoes are recommended for water activities.

Is the tour suitable for children? It’s generally suitable for active children, but guests with back problems or mobility issues should consider their comfort level before booking.

Are meals included? Yes, a riverside lunch is included, with plenty of traditional and fresh options praised by past guests.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is the tour guided in? The tour is guided in English, with knowledgeable guides like Ben and Cookie leading the way.

Is this a physically demanding tour? The activities involve walking, swimming, and tubing, so some physical effort is required. It’s best suited for active travelers.

How much does it cost? The tour costs $130 per person, which covers transportation, water activities, a village visit, and lunch—making it good value for such a comprehensive experience.

Final Words

The Viti Levu River Tubing tour provides a rich, well-rounded day in Fiji that balances adventure with cultural discovery. The scenic boat trip, waterfall swim, and friendly guides create a truly memorable experience that appeals to many travelers. Whether you’re seeking a fun family outing or an authentic cultural journey, this tour offers a chance to see Fiji’s interior in a way that’s both exciting and meaningful.

If you’re after a genuine connection with the island’s natural beauty and local communities, and don’t mind a bit of water-based activity, this tour should definitely be on your list. It’s a chance to explore beyond the beaches and discover the lush heart of Fiji in a relaxed, engaging manner.

You can check availability for your dates here: