Fiji on a budget: Island Hopping Adventure With Kids
- Kerry Purnell
- May 12, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 26
Fiji is a fantastic destination for families! We spend just under 3 weeks exploring the sun-drenched islands of Fiji, exploring beyond the resorts and into the heart of real Fiji. We wanted to see the real Fiji, the villages, homestays, and the rugged beauty of the Yasawa Islands, this adventure gave us a taste of paradise, one island at a time.
From the bustling mainland town of Nadi to the wild beauty of the Yasawa Islands, we travelled island to island by ferry discovering a version of Fiji that felt raw, welcoming and wonderfully untouched.
Getting around the Islands of Fiji
To explore the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, you have a few options.
We used the Awesome Adventures Fiji Bula Pass, and for us, it was perfect! It gave us the freedom to travel at our own pace and discover the islands of our choice.
The Bula Pass is a hop-on, hop-off ferry pass that runs from Nadi all the way to the northern tip of the Yasawa Islands. You choose a pass length (between 5–15 days) and can stop wherever you like along the route.
The ferry itself is operated by South Sea Cruises. At each stop, smaller boats zip out from the islands to collect guests and take them to their homestays or resorts. It sounds chaotic, but it’s incredibly well organised. The staff on board are extremely helpful and we never felt lost.
If you prefer everything locked in ahead of time, Awesome Adventures Fiji also offers the “Yasawa Pass,” which bundles accommodation, transfers and meals into one organised package.
For day trips from Nadi to the closer Mamanuca Islands, South Sea Cruises also runs excellent tours.
Where We Stayed: Homestays vs Resorts
On the islands, accommodation ranges from luxury beachfront villas to simple family homes.
You can book through Airbnb, Booking.com or Homestays.com — we used Airbnb for all of our homestays.
Most resorts in Fiji require a compulsory meal plan. Prices vary wildly — anywhere from $30 to $200 AUD per person, per day — so always check this before booking.
Homestays and locally owned lodges also require meal plans, but they’re far more affordable (typically $18–$40 AUD per person per day).
We mostly chose homestays — and we loved it.
Yes, sometimes the beds were firm. Toilets were often outdoors. Facilities were simple. But we were welcomed into family life. The kids played together. We were invited to meet the neighbours and extended families and we saw everyday island living beyond the resorts.
Our Favourite Island: Drawaqa (Manta Ray Island)
One of the highlights of our trip our stay on Drawaqa Island — also known as Manta Ray Island.
We stayed at Barefoot Manta Island Resort, and it completely stole our hearts.
Our beachfront bure opened straight onto white sand and turquoise water. The staff were warm and incredible with children. The snorkeling was out of this world. The food was some of the best we ate in Fiji.
And then — the manta rays.
Swimming alongside these gentle giants was unforgettable. The resort even has resident marine biologists who run sessions on manta conservation and reef protection. It was inspiring, educational an incredible place we’ll never forget.
Choosing Which Islands to Visit
With so many islands, it can feel overwhelming. Here’s what we learned:
West-facing beaches are usually more protected from the wind — calmer waters, better swimming.
Islands tucked into sheltered coves (like Octopus Resort’s bay) can have beautiful snorkling even on windy days.
Wayasewa Island has dramatic mountain backdrops and lush greenery — one of my personal favourites.
The Mamanuca Islands are closer to the mainland, smaller and flatter — ideal for shorter stays or very young kids.
The northern Yasawas are more remote and wildly beautiful — but weather can be more unpredictable.
We visited in August, and the weather was glorious — blue skies, low humidity, perfect swimming conditions.
Budget Tips for Families
Fiji isn’t necessarily cheap — here's our tips to keep costs down so you can travel for longer!
Choose local homestays or smaller resorts.
Compare meal plan prices carefully.
Bring snacks. This saved us. The kids were constantly hungry from swimming and snorkeling, and most islands don’t have shops.
For flights, Fiji Airways often runs excellent sales from Australia — especially around Boxing Day and Easter. Sign up for their newsletter and have your dates ready.
When to Visit Fiji
Best time: April to October (dry season, lower humidity).
Cyclone season: November to March — still beautiful, but wetter and windier.
Tips on Choosing Islands
Choosing which islands to stay on can feel overwhelming—there are so many options, and they all look amazing! Here’s what we learned:
• West-facing beaches are more protected from wind—generally calmer and more ideal for swimming.
• Octopus Resort, for example, is tucked in a sheltered cove and has beautiful weather even on windy days. And the snorkeling is amazing!
• Wayasewa Island was one of my favourite—dramatic mountain landscapes and lush greenery.
• Mamanuca Islands are closer to the mainland, smaller and flatter—great for short visits, first-time visitors or those travelling with very young children.
• Northern Yasawa Islands are more remote, and while stunning, the weather can be a bit more unpredictable.
We share photos and more details of each island on our Instagram @wanderers_at_heart have a scroll to get a visual feel for the islands and where might suit your family best.
Budget Tips for Family Travel in Fiji
Fiji isn’t a cheap destination—but with a little planning, it can be done on a budget:
• Choose local homestays or smaller resorts.
• Meal plans- Look for ones that offer good value or include kids’ meals.
• Bring snacks—this was a lifesaver for us! Between swimming, snorkeling, and ferry rides, our kids were constantly hungry. Most islands don’t have shops, so pack muesli bars, crackers, fruit cups and other shelf-stable snacks in your luggage.
Flights:
• Fiji Airways often has fantastic sales from Australia
• Sign up for their newsletter and watch for deals around Boxing Day and the Easter long weekend
• Know your dates in advance so you can jump on a sale when it hits.
Things to see and do on Wayasewa Island
Climb Big Rock 🪨
Snorkel with sharks 🦈
Visit to Monuriki Island aka Castaway Island (day trip) where you will find the "HELP ME" coconuts are still there!
Village tour and school visit
Things to see and do on Drawaqa Island
Snorkle with manta rays
Kayak around the island
Take a walk up to the lookout for some spectacular views
Enjoy the abundance of fish while snorkeling off any of the beaches
Things to see and do on Nacula Island
Explore Sawa-I-Lau caves
Snorkel local reefs
Take a boat ride to other nearby reefs
Great walking tracks around the island. Friendly dogs may join in on your adventures too!
Things to see and do in Nadi
Sabeto Mud bath
Indian Temple - Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple
Check out the Local Markets - you can catch a local bus into town for less than $1
Day trips to closer islands with South Sea Cruises
Final Thoughts
Don’t stress too much about picking the “perfect” island—they’re all stunning in their own way. From vibrant coral reefs to volcanic peaks, from sleepy villages to luxury beachfront villas, every island has something magical to offer.
Just go! Say YES to the adventure. And let Fiji work its magic!
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