Bula and Barrels: A Bucket List Surf Trip to Fiji

You know Fiji water bottles? Yeah, the ocean is that clear.

On a personal note, Fiji has long been a bucket list surf trip for me. Close family members and friends had sailed through the islands in the early days of South Pacific surf exploration. I heard the stories. My bedroom, growing up, was adorned with photos and paintings from Cloudbreak, the crown jewel of Fijian surfing off the coast of the famed, heart-shaped paradise of Tavarua Island Resort. My childhood surfing buddies and I had worn out our VHS copy of The Endless Summer II, and specifically the Tavarua section was our favorite.

“One day,” I told myself or decades. “One day.”

And that day finally arrived in late August, with the WSL Finals Day – the last iteration of the one-day, winner-take-all format before returning to the previous system of a year-long amalgamation of points to determine world champions.

What followed was 10 days in tropical Valhalla; a bucket list trip to surfing’s Shangri-la; history lessons of Fijian lore; Kelly Slater and Chris Hemsworth sightings; rogue boat trips to waves breaking far out to sea, near long-abandoned shipwrecks; the end of an era in professional surfing, and one of the most electric days of competition ever; surfing some of the world’s most mythical waves; reef cuts and one trip to the Tavarua infirmary; new friends, good food, countless “bula!” greetings, and lots of smiles.

Oh yeah, and I kept my promise to the clerk at the convenience store. I can safely say that my time in Fiji was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.

For a few tips and tricks aimed at those looking to experience Fiji, here’s a breakdown of where we stayed – ranging from the family-friendly, to the off-the-grid core surf experience – to give a better idea on how to plan a trip.

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort

Located less than 30 minutes from the Nadi International Airport on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, the Sheraton is the go-to place for families. Its prime real estate, on a sheltered beach with calm waters, makes it the perfect spot for little ones to take a dip.

Then there’s the pools – lots of ‘em. The outdoor area is surrounded by water, with options ranging from the family zone to the adults-only swimming hole. This is the type of place that you stake out a couple lounge chairs in the morning, order food and drinks, and spend all day long going from laying out to the pool, rinse and repeat.

Additionally, the Sheraton features a variety of dining options, a golf course, a kid’s club, myriad watersport activities (jet skis, surf schools, scuba diving, etc.), a spa, a gym, and more. There’s something for everyone at the Sheraton.

Book here.

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

Momi Bay offers a different, more luxury experience than the Sheraton. Still a short distance from the Nadi International Airport, and still a great destination for families, the Momi has extravagant bures floating over a lagoon, rooms with striking water views, pools, multiple dining options, a swim-up bar, fitness center, spa, kid’s club…the works.

What’s more, as they say, “The resort proudly bears the distinction of being 100% Fijian-owned, where traditional warmth and premium amenities seamlessly intertwine with welcoming Fijian hospitality. This hotel in Nadi, Fiji, serves as not just a holiday destination, but a true immersion into the heart and soul of Fiji.”

During our stay at the Momi, the WSL staff was also on location. If you happened to catch the live broadcast of Finals Day, Joe Turpel and crew were stationed at Momi Bay, while the surfers were a 30-minute boat ride away at Cloudbreak. And on multiple occasions, they had to clarify: No, this is not a green screen behind us; it’s the actual lagoon at Momi Bay.

Book here.

Waidroka Bay Resort

Looking for something less crowded? Something more off-the-grid? Something less ritzy? Waidroka Bay Resort is the spot.

To get there, it’s a two-hour drive from Nadi, down to the south side of Viti Levu, then a dirt road that traverses a mountainous jungle, and finally to the calm oasis of Waidroka. This is the spot for hardcore surfers, those looking to hunt down a variety of waves in the vicinity of the resort via boat, to spend all day on the water, returning sunburnt and stoked.

With the help of an expert surf guide on-site, guests will venture out to the best wave for that day depending on conditions. If you’re lucky, you’ll score the less-crowded Cloudbreak lookalike: Frigates Passage. It’s 14 miles out to sea, in the middle of the South Pacific, offering that rogue open-ocean power for surfers who can handle it. And on the other hand, there’s multiple other options, catering to surfers across all different skill levels.

Once you get back to the hotel, after surfing your brains out, food will be prepared, beers are available, or there’s the no frills, yet comfortable, rooms to rest up for another day on the water.

Book here.