Everything You Need to Know About Whitewater Rafting in Fiji (Fiji’s Most Underrated Experience)
When you picture Fiji, you’re probably dreaming up turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and maybe the best bottled water in the world.
When we visited we learned of a whole other side of Fiji that we didn’t know existed! A place so beautiful that it looks like it could be home to unicorns.
Imagine dramatic canyons, jungle-fringed rivers, and waterfalls that’ll make you forgot all about the dreamy beaches and epic underwater scenes you’ll also experience in Fiji.
If that sounds enticing, you should check out whitewater rafting on the Upper Navua River on Viti Levu (the main island of Fiji).
This is Fiji like you’ve never seen it before — and trust me, it’s one you won’t forget. Maybe you’ll even spot a unicorn! (I had a feeling they were around!) Anyway, here’s everything you need to know for how to experience one of the most stunning stretches of river in the South Pacific and something you MUST do while visiting Fiji.
Why Whitewater Rafting is Worth It.
Because waterfalls, baby. Also, lush, dense rainforest-y cliffs, volcanic gorges, and the friendly and fun guides you’ll have along the way. Oh, and the possibility of villagers shouting “BULA!” from the riverbanks.
Whitewater rafting in Fiji is hands down one of the most unexpectedly magical experiences you can have here beyond the beaches.
And this is coming from someone who was initially very terrified to do this experience (because I had a traumatizing whitewater rafting experience in Bali that made my almost swear off the sport for life). That’s another story for another day, though.
The Upper Navua River carves through a deep, narrow gorge surrounded by lush rainforest and steep canyon walls. You’ll raft through some misty waterfalls (yep, through) while passing countless others, spot tropical birds, and maybe even get a natural massage under one of the many cascades.
This isn’t the postcard Fiji you’ve likely seen — but it’s just as jaw-droppingly beautiful, and honestly surpassed every expectation I had when I set out on this day already knowing any landscape in Fiji was going to blow my mind.
All the photos we took were on our iPhone at calm moments – obviously we were paddling and working when going through the rapids! These just offer a glimpse of how beautiful this experience was!
Fiji Whitewater Rafting Location: Upper Navua River
There’s only one place in Fiji where you can have this experience: the Upper Navua River on Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island.
Tucked away in the highlands near Pacific Harbour, this region is protected and virtually untouched.
Pacific Harbour is an incredible place to base out of on Viti Levu too. You’ve got great hotel options from a more laid-back beach bungalow at Uprising Beach Resort to the 5-star, ultimate luxurious villas at Nanuku Auberge Resort nearby.
The entire whitewater rafting experience is operated sustainably by Rivers Fiji, and it’s one of the best ecotourism adventures you can enjoy during your time in Fiji. More on them in a moment…
But the essential info you need to know is you book through them and they will come get you and bring you to this enchanting experience.
The Best Time to go Whitewater Rafting in Fiji
Fiji’s rafting season runs year-round, but your experience will look (and feel) a little different depending on when you visit.
November-April: rainy Season
- This is considered the wet season in Fiji, and the rivers are typically higher.
- Higher water = more intense rapids and faster rides.
- The water can look a little more muddy due to sediment runoff, but the waterfalls? They will be flowing at full power this time.
- This is a great time if you’re a thrill-seeker who wants a heart-racing adventure.
May-October: Dry Season
- Lower water levels mean milder rapids — perfect for first-timers or anyone a little nervous about white water rafting (ahem, me).
- Water clarity tends to be better.
- You’ll spend more time on the river, enjoying the scenery and soaking in the serenity (literally).
We went in November, at the start of the rainy season. The river was calmer, the weather was warm, and the waterfalls were still flowing. The only thing was that the water was a bit murkier looking – but it was still beautiful! Since it was the shoulder, it was the perfect balance of adventure and chill in my opinion!
Whitewater Rafting with Rivers Fiji
We can’t say enough good things about Rivers Fiji — the only company offering whitewater rafting tours on the Upper Navua River. They’re locally owned, sustainability-focused, and deeply connected with 13 communities along the river.
Here’s why they’re awesome:
- Locally led: All guides are Fijian and full of knowledge, jokes, and heart.
- Sustainable tourism: They partner with local landowners and villages to ensure the river stays protected and the benefits of tourism stay local.
- Safety first: They offer a thorough safety briefing, top-notch equipment, and guides who know every rapid like the back of their hand.
They also offer an equally scenic (but gentler) Middle Navua River kayaking and rafting tour if you’re not up for Class III rapids. This one is great for families, too.
What to Expect on the Upper Navua Rafting Tour
Your day starts bright and early in Pacific Harbour, where you’ll meet the Rivers Fiji crew in Pacific Harbour or you can arrange for hotel pickup too in advance for an added fee.
After a short drive inland through the jungle and mountain (buckle up — it gets bumpy!), you’ll arrive at to the where the whitewater rafting journey begins.
Before getting in the river:
- You’ll be served a light breakfast (banana bread + juice)
- Get suited up with helmets and life jackets.
- Receive a safety briefing and practice run with your raft guide.
Highlights From the Whitewater Rafting Experience:
- Time on the river: About 4 hours total, including stops on our trip. We were told it goes a bit faster in the peak rainy season as the river flows faster. It’s best to ask when you book to get a better idea of how long you’ll be on the water.
- Waterfalls galore: You’ll pass by dozens of waterfalls, some of which you’ll float directly under! Get ready to get wet!
- Lunch by a waterfall: Yes, they literally pull over for a scenic picnic with fresh bread, deli meats, local fruits, and dessert. This was one of our favorite moments as we had a picnic in a calm cascading waterfall with natural pools to swim in.
- Swimming stops: They will make a few stops at calm pools between rapids are perfect for jumping in and cooling off!
- Canyon walls: At times the cliffs rise so steeply around you, it feels like you’re rafting through fern gully.
At the end of the route, you’ll hop out, change into dry clothes, and make your way back.
What to Bring/Pack:
Here’s what we recommend bringing:
- Wear your swimsuit + bring a change of dry clothes for the return drive
- T-shirt and shorts that you don’t mind getting wet to wear during the rafting experience
- River shoes or watershoes (must have a heel strap!)
- Sunscreen (reef safe to protect the local waterways)
- Insect Repellent, you’re wet and in the jungle! The walk down to the rafts was extra bitey. I didn’t find we needed it while we were rafting, but when we were getting on and off the raft we did.
- Hat + sunglasses (preferably with a strap so that the river doesn’t swallow your belongings)
- Reusable water bottle
- Dry bag to keep your change of clothes dry
- Waterproof camera or let Rivers Fiji handle the photos ($30 FJD for the full set)
Basically, you want to be comfortable and you’re going to get wet.
Leave the valuables behind — there’s a reason why they say this is the richest river in Fiji! Keep in mind that dry bags aren’t infallible. Test them out for leaks too, as they get older and have more wear and tear this can happen.
Other Things to know:
- Minimum age: 8 years old
- No prior rafting experience needed
- All trips practice “leave no trace” — all waste is packed out
- Dietary needs? Let them know in advance and they’ll do their best to accommodate
- Optional tips for guides are welcome and appreciated
- they will provide safety equipment
- There’s a hike through the jungle downhill to get to the launching point
White water rafting the Upper Navua River is one of the most unforgettable things you can do in Fiji — a rare combo of adrenaline, natural beauty, and cultural connection. If you’re looking to get beyond the beach and see a wilder, greener side of Fiji, this is a great adventure!
Vinaka vakalevu, Rivers Fiji — we’ll be dreaming of those canyon walls and waterfall lunches for a long time.
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