Fiji or Vanuatu? Which South Pacific Paradise Should You Pick for Your Next Vacation?

When it comes to sun-soaked island getaways, the South Pacific islands are always a great choice. With incredible white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and exhilarating outdoor activities, they offer adventures that are just waiting to be discovered. The question is, which one: travel to Fiji or go on a holiday in Vanuatu?

The archipelagos may be neighbouring countries, but they offer different experiences and attractions. We’ve gathered all the essential info and details so you can pick the holiday destination that’s right for you.

Travelling to Fiji is a definite way to make the entire fam’s year. Boasting family-friendly accommodations all throughout the islands and fun theme parks, your kids will love every moment in the islands.

Fiji also boasts unforgettable cultural experiences. During the day, you can wander around well-preserved villages with ancestral villages and colonial buildings. At night, you can catch an impressive fire show that tells the story of a local legend.

Vanuatu is the place to be for adventure seekers. You can go on exhilarating hikes, where you’ll find cascading waterfalls and incredible caves along the way. Keen for more? You can turn up the heat and head to Mount Yasur, where you can catch the molten lava glow after dark.

Although it’s less developed than its neighbour, Vanuatu has well-preserved and less-crowded attractions. It’s a great option if you want a more intimate holiday experience.

With over 300 islands, there’s a beach for everyone, no matter your interest. Itching to go surfing? Natadola Beach is exactly what you’re looking for. You can even take your pick: Natadola Inside, which has calmer waves, is great for beginners. On the other hand, Natadola Outside is best for longtime surfers. Meanwhile, Caqalai, which is home to a wide array of fish, is great if you want to go snorkelling.

No Fiji travel guide is complete without mentioning the famous Monuriki, also known as the Tom Hanks Island, where (you guessed it) Cast Away was filmed. With pristine waters, it’s also a great swimming and snorkelling spot.

If you’re looking to travel from island to island, we’ve listed 10 of our top picks of the best from the Fijian archipelago here:

In the mood for a leisurely swim? Take a trip to the aptly-named Golden Beach, where there’s nothing but calm, clear waters and golden sand as far as the eye can see. Located minutes away from the Hog Harbour village, it’s one of the Santo island’s best-kept secrets.

For a unique beach experience, head on down to Champagne Beach. During the low tide, small bubbles form from the volcanic sea floor. With the beach’s powdery white sand and palm trees, it’s the perfect Vanuatu holiday.

When travelling to Fiji, why settle for a regular beach experience when you can go on a private island adventure? From your hotel, you’ll go on a cruise to the secluded Tivua Island, indulge in a BBQ lunch, go kayaking, learn about the local traditions on a guided medicine walk, and more. With round-trip hotel transfers, refreshments, and inclusive facility use, you don’t have to worry about anything. Just bring your camera and bathers and you’re all set!

What’s better than grabbing some drinks by the beach? Getting your booze on at a floating bar. Set sail from Denarau and quench your thirst at Cloud 9, where you’re surrounded by nothing but glittering blue waters and panoramic island views. With a wood-fire pizzeria on-board, you can head to the deck and soak in the scenery while you enjoy the food and drinks.

The awe-inspiring Blue Cave is one of the most rewarding treks you could embark on. You can access the dreamy destination by going on a swim from a sea cliff and enter a dark passage that reveals a paradise. With the sun shining through the hole above, it makes an incredible effect fit for a Hollywood film.

For something more relaxed and laid-back, you can go for a dip or rent a kayak at the Matevulu Blue Hole. The incredible cobalt waters set against the surrounding limestones make up a slice of paradise like no other.

When it comes to location and affordability, Mercure Hotel Nadi is where you can get the best bang for your buck. Located minutes away from the airport and the city centre, it makes a great base for travel around Fiji. It also has a great pool, garden, and spa.

If you want a luxurious experience, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is exactly what you’re looking for. With overwater bungalows, stunning Sunset Pool and plenty of facilities, it’s a great choice for couples and families. There are six bars and restaurants in the resort alone, so you’ll never run out of options.

You don’t have to break the bank for a Vanuatu holiday accommodation with a view. Moorings Hotel is an affordable accommodation that’s strategically located by Fatumaru Bay. You can get a great view of the bay while going on a swim in the pool. It’s also just minutes away from the National Museum of Vanuatu and the Bauerfield International Airport.

Another great option for couples looking for a more intimate and opulent stay is the Breakas Beach Resort. Picture it: a private island with pure white sand, leaning palm trees, and beachside bungalows. The adults-only hotel is the place to be for honeymooners, long-time couples, and everyone in between.

Although Fiji is a great holiday destination all year round, it’s best visited from late March to early December, when the temperature averages in the mid to high 20s and the sun seems like it never sets. It’s the perfect weather for water sports and beach days.

From April to October, the temperature is typically between 18°C to 28°C, great weather for cooling off with a dip in one of the watering holes. For a more affordable Vanuatu holiday, you can also go from November to March but you may encounter some rains that make the conditions more humid.