How to get to Kandavu

When planning an exotic journey to the south of the Fiji archipelago, many travellers wonder how to get to Kandavu — the country's fourth-largest island, surrounded by magnificent coral gardens. This secluded corner, known for its authentic atmosphere and absence of mass tourism, attracts divers and adventure seekers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can reach Kandavu via a domestic flight from international hubs or, for those who appreciate maritime travel, by ferry, making the journey here the true beginning of a grand adventure.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the island is by air. The local Kandavu Airport (KDV) receives regular light aviation flights connecting the island with the country's main international gateways. A flight on a small aircraft offers a unique opportunity to see the famous Great Astrolabe Reef and turquoise lagoons from a bird's-eye view.

The airport serves approximately 8,000 passengers per year and is strategically located for easy access to the region's main eco-resorts. Despite the terminal's modest size, it has everything necessary to welcome guests, and air connections to the island are considered reliable and regular, allowing for easy planning of connections with international flights.

There is absolutely no railway service on the island, so it is impossible to get to Kandavu by train. The specific mountainous terrain and the island nature of the territory do not support the development of railway infrastructure.

Travellers accustomed to trains should note that in Fiji, this mode of transport is used mainly for transporting sugar cane on other islands. To travel to this region, the only available options remain air travel or the sea route.

Since Kandavu is separated from other parts of the country by the ocean, there are no direct bus routes to the island. You can only use a bus on the main island of Viti Levu to reach the airport or the pier from where vessels depart towards the archipelago.

On the island itself, the public transport system is poorly developed due to the lack of a wide network of paved roads. Movement between the sparse settlements is carried out not by scheduled buses, but predominantly by boat taxis or private transport provided by resorts for guest transfers.

It is impossible to drive to Kandavu by car, as the island has no land connection or bridges to the "mainland". A car will only be useful for you to reach your flight or ferry departure point in another city.

Within the island itself, the road network is minimal and often consists of dirt tracks connecting a few villages. Car rental is not practiced here and makes no sense; the primary means of transport for tourists are motorboats cruising along the coast between hotels and dive sites.

A trip to Kandavu is an immersion into wild nature and traditional culture, which requires certain preparation. To ensure your holiday goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant memories, follow these recommendations.

1. Clothing and Equipment. The climate here is tropical and humid. Bring light cotton clothing, swimwear, and definitely reef-safe sunscreen. For visiting villages, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required (for example, a sarong or sulu), which aligns well with respectful conservative values.
2. Water Transport. Be prepared for boats being the main mode of transport. If you suffer from motion sickness, stock up on appropriate medication in advance, as the transfer to the hotel may take place over open water.
3. Cash. There are practically no ATMs on the island, and cards are accepted only by large resorts. Be sure to withdraw a sufficient amount of local currency (Fijian Dollar) in advance at Nadi or Suva airport.
4. Connectivity and Internet. Mobile coverage may be unstable or absent in remote bays. Warn your family that you may be offline, or buy a local SIM card at the arrival airport, although even this does not guarantee connection everywhere.
5. Traditional Etiquette. When visiting Fijian villages (koro), never wear hats or sunglasses — this is considered disrespectful to the chief. Also, one should not touch the heads of locals, including children.
6. Kava Ceremony. If you are invited to a ceremony to share kava (the national traditional beverage), it is customary to bring dried roots of the plant (sevusevu) as a gift. This is an important gesture of respect towards the hosts.
7. Health. There are only basic medical points on the island. Be sure to arrange good insurance covering evacuation and bring a first aid kit with mosquito repellents and first aid supplies.
8. Sunday — Day of Rest. In Fiji, Sunday is a sacred day dedicated to faith and family. During this time, activity slows down, and loud entertainment near villages is not welcomed.

Observing these simple rules will help you show respect for local traditions and enjoy the pristine beauty of the island without unnecessary hassle.