Fiji on a Budget with Kids: Our Island Hopping Guide Beyond the Resorts
- May 12, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
There’s a side of Fiji most travellers never see — beyond the infinity pools, cocktail bars and luxury resorts. A slower, wilder Fiji made up of tiny island villages, turquoise reefs and simple beachfront homestays where kids spend their days climbing coconut trees and chasing hermit crabs. Over 3 unforgettable weeks, we island-hopped through the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands with our kids, discovering that Fiji can not only be incredibly family-friendly… but surprisingly affordable too.
Fiji is one of the best destinations for families, and travelling Fiji on a budget is far easier than many people expect. We spent 3 weeks exploring the sun-drenched islands of Fiji, exploring beyond the resorts and into the heart Fiji. We wanted to experience a more authentic side of the country. From the mainland to the remote Yasawa Islands, we discovered friendly villages, incredible snorkelling, stunning beaches and the relaxed island atmosphere that makes Fiji so special.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting Wanderers at Heart — it helps us keep creating free family travel guides and inspiration.
Getting around the Islands
Island hopping through the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands turned out to be far easier than we expected.
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 how many days you want (between 5–15), then move at your own pace, stopping wherever you like.
The main ferry is operated by South Sea Cruises, and at each stop, smaller boats come 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 something more structured, there's also the “Yasawa Pass,” which bundles accommodation, transfers and meals into one package.
When to Visit Fiji
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October—when the weather is cooler, less humid, and ideal for island hopping.
Cyclone season runs from November to March. It can still be beautiful, but you’re more likely to experience rain and wind.
Where We Stayed in Fiji
One of the biggest decisions in Fiji is where to stay—and it really shapes your experience.
You’ll find everything from luxury beachfront villas to simple, family-run homes.
We chose mostly homestays, booked through both Airbnb and Booking.com —and we loved it!
Yes, the beds were sometimes firm. Bathrooms were often outdoors. Things were simple.
But we were welcomed into family life.
Our kids played with local children. We were invited to meet neighbours and relatives. We shared meals together, and we got a glimpse into everyday island life that you just don’t get in a resort.
Most resorts also require compulsory meal plans - which can range from $50 to $200 AUD per person, per day. While homestays are far more affordable— with meal plans usually around $18–$40 AUD per person, per day.
Our One Resort Stay
For most of our three weeks in Fiji, we chose to stay in local homestays—and we'd absolutely do it that way again.
But if there's one place we'd recommend setting aside a little extra budget for, it's
Barefoot Manta Island Resort on Drawaqa Island.
This was our one resort stay, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. The snorkelling straight off the beach was incredible, the reef surrounding the island was one of the best we experienced in all of Fiji, and the staff made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
And then… the manta rays.
Swimming alongside these gentle giants was unforgettable. Between May and October, Barefoot Manta takes guests out when manta rays are spotted nearby, giving you the chance to swim with them in their natural environment. The resort also has resident marine biologists who run sessions on manta conservation and reef protection, making the experience just as educational as it is memorable.
If we ever return to Fiji, this is the one resort we'd book again without hesitation.
Choosing Which Islands to Visit
With so many islands, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide where to go. But after a few stops, we started to understand the rhythm of it all.
West-facing beaches tend to be calmer and more protected from wind—ideal for swimming and snorkelling with kids.
Islands tucked into sheltered coves, like Octopus Resort, can still offer incredible snorkelling even on windy days.
Wayasewa Island stood out to us for its dramatic mountains and lush landscapes—it felt wild and untouched.
The Mamanuca Islands are closer to Nadi, smaller and flatter, making them perfect for shorter stays or travelling with younger children.
Further north, The Yasawas become more remote and rugged—absolutely stunning, but with slightly more unpredictable weather.
We visited in August, and it was perfect—clear blue skies, low humidity, and beautiful swimming conditions.
Budget Tips for Fiji
Fiji has a reputation for being expensive—but with a bit of planning, it can absolutely be done in a more affordable way.
🏠 Choosing homestays or smaller locally owned lodges makes a big difference.
🍽️ Meal plans are where costs can really add up, so it’s worth comparing carefully before booking.
🥨 And one of our biggest tips—bring snacks.
It sounds simple, but it saved us. After hours of swimming, snorkelling, and ferry rides, our kids were constantly hungry—and most islands don’t have shops. BYO fav snacks from home… muesli bars, crackers, etc, makes life so much easier.
💳 Use a travel card with low fees. We love using the Wise card! It has fantastic exchange rates and super easy to use and transfer funds internationally.
✈️ For flights, Fiji Airways often has great sales from Australia—especially around Boxing Day and Easter- it’s well worth signing up to their emails.
Things to see and do (Island Highlights)
Wayasewa Island
Climb Big Rock 🪨 it a hike - but well worth it!
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
Drawaqa Island
Snorkle with manta rays (total highlight of our trip!)
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
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!
Nadi on the mainland
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
Enjoy day trips out to the closer islands
What We Packed for Fiji (and what we used every single day)
During our time in Fiji, the girls lived in the ocean.
From the moment the sun rose, they were barefoot and salty - either snorkelling or building "Hermit Crab Hotels" in the sand.
It was dreamy… but it also meant that what we packed made all the difference.
Our Fiji Packing List
If you’re planning your own island escape, I’ve linked a few of the exact (or very similar) pieces we packed and loved.
☀️ Sun Protection
Long sleeve rashies for kids
Zinc sunscreen - we love Moo Goo!
Wide-brim sun hats
🐠 Ocean & Snorkelling
Snorkel sets (kids + adults)
GoPro Hero 13 (love this camera!)
Go Pro Hero Underwater Case - for extra protection
Waterproof phone pouch
🏝️ Beach Days
Quick-dry travel towels
Reusable water bottles
Sarongs
✈️ Travel Essentials
Reusable snack containers & Favorite snacks from home
Compact first aid kit - remember to remove scissors and tweezers if travelling with carry-on only
Laundry soap sheets
Travel Insurance - We use World Nomads
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
These are the little things that made our days easier and a little more carefree
Planning your trip
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 resorts, every island has something magical to offer.
Just go! Say YES to the adventure. And let Fiji work its magic!
More South Pacific Adventures
If you love travelling beyond the typical tourist trail, you might also enjoy some of our other South Pacific adventures.
🌴 How We Island Hopped Around French Polynesia (Flights, Ferries & Costs) – Everything you need to know about getting between Tahiti, Huahine, Bora Bora and Moorea without blowing the budget.
🌴 Bora Bora on a Budget – Yes, it's possible. Here's exactly how we visited one of the world's most famous islands without spending a fortune.
🌴 Moorea vs Bora Bora: Which Island Is Better for Families? – Our honest comparison after visiting both islands with our daughters.
🌴 Huahine Travel Guide – One of French Polynesia's most underrated islands, with quiet beaches, awesome snorkelling and far fewer crowds.
🌴 New Caledonia Travel Guide – A mix of French culture, tropical islands and some of the most beautiful beaches we've ever seen.
🌴 Isle of Pines With Kids – Crystal-clear water, natural pools and postcard-perfect beaches that felt almost too beautiful to be real.
Not sure if Fiji is the best fit? We compared Fiji with Vanuatu, New Caledonia, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia to help you choose the perfect South Pacific holiday here.
Let's Connect
Come say hello on Instagram @wanderers_at_heart, where we share our latest adventures, honest travel tips & plenty of travel inspiration.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting this blog - it helps us keep sharing family travel inspiration
Comments