Skip to content

Snapshots from Sigatoka River Safari Fiji

Fiji’s tropical islands and its countless activities and adventures are enough make a trip there unforgettable. But, one of the best experiences we’ve ever had was during our jet-boat safari to one of Fiji’s villages along the Sigatoka River. I decided to focus on our journey aboard the jet-boat boat this week and can’t wait to tell you all about our memorable village experience next week. So, come along with us for this exciting and scenic ride.

Sigatoka River Safari Fiji

This jet-boat river safari and village visit originated in 2006. The company works with 15 villages on a rotational visit every two weeks. It’s a wonderful way to for the Fijians to share their village life and for visitors around the world to learn about their culture and traditions.

Sigatoka River Safari Fiji

Our half-day adventure started when the tour bus picked us up at our hotel located on Denarau Island. We drove past the inland villages and got to see more of Fiji’s rural life. We were at Sigatoka Town over an hour later to check-in and sign paperwork. All the women were given colorful sulus or sarongs to wear and cover our legs for the village visit. They made for lovely souvenirs too.

Fiji hillside

We were then driven to the river safari jetty where we met our jet-boat captains and saw the custom-built jet boats that would take us down the river.

Sigatoka River Safari jetty

The Sigatoka River is a life source for many of Fiji’s villages on the main island of Viti Levu. The Sigatoka Valley produces 70% of Fiji’s produce and is considered the island’s “salad bowl”.

Sigatoka River Fiji

Each jet boat carried between 10-19 passengers. We were assigned our captain and our boat and then given life vests and safety instructions. I desperately wanted to sit in the front of the boat but since we had kids we were delegated to the back. Kids are very much welcomed here. There were only nine kids here in a group of about 70 with the four youngest including mine, in our boat.

Sigatoka River Safari with kids

It was reassuring to know that each jet boat driver was specially trained in New Zealand for these specific boats. We were surprised to see that some parts of the river were actually very shallow. These boats were able to soar over those waters, which were as low as six inches.

Sigatoka River Safari

The engine noise was quite loud but what a fun ride. The boats went very fast down the river zigzagging in some parts. It was amazing how expertly our driver maneuvered the jet boat through branches and small patches of water.

Sigatoka River

This video will give you a glimpse of a portion of our ride. Just imagine the fresh air blowing too.

We really liked that our driver also served as our guide. He stopped the boat along some scenic areas and told us about Fiji’s complicated past that included cannibalism. We learned about customs and life along the river and were free to ask him questions. Many of the things we learned I covered in the 21 interesting things about Fiji post.

Sigatoka Valley Fiji

The Sigatoka Valley was just so lush and verdant. It was absolutely beautiful and serene. Fiji is known for its beaches but it was really wonderful to see its inland areas too. And it was just as impressive!

Fiji Sigatoka River Safari

We loved seeing the villagers swimming or playing along the river especially the children. It was also a stark reminder that these rural villagers still pretty much rely on the river for chores we take for granted like doing laundry.

Sigatoka River People Fiji

No matter what they were doing, they made an effort to wave happily. It’s a testament just to how friendly and welcoming they are of visitors.

Fiji Sigatoka River Safari

My kids enjoyed spotting the locals and looking for animals along the river banks. It was a highlight for these Southern California suburban kids to see all these goats and cows.

Fiji river goats

We stayed for about two hours at the village. But, who knew the return trip would be even more fun. Our driver had asked us if we were all open to doing the Sigatoka spins which are 360 degree spins on the water. We all enthusiastically yelled “YES!” But, if guests aren’t comfortable, they are dropped off at the jetty.

Sigatoka River safari fiji

It was such a thrilling experience but we did get soaked despite my daughter’s best efforts to cover herself with the sarongs. Our driver twirled his index finger as a signal of an impending spin. I think we did about four spins. Of course, the kids loved it. Here’s a video of one of our spins that shows what it was all about.

My kids still talk about this trip so fondly. The Sigatoka River jet boat safari was such a great adventure. We felt safe throughout the ride despite the speed. It was memorable and a lot of fun. It’s not cheap especially for families but it was still good value since the village visit is included and they consider the jet boat ride as an added bonus. If you’re visiting Fiji, we highly recommend doing this tour and it’s great for all ages.

Sigatoka River safari with kids

Sigatoka River Safari Basics and Tips

  • Prices vary depending on where your hotel is located for pickup. This is pricing sample for pick-up in Denarau (where most of the resorts are located). Adults $299 FJD ($146 USD)  Children (4-15) $150 FJD ($73 USD); Family Pass (2 adults, 2 kids) $850 FJD ($415 US); Kids under three years old are free. It’s not cheap but definitely worth it.
  • There is a morning tour and an afternoon tour.
  • Visitors can drive to Sigatoka town to save a bit of money. Tickets will be discounted since you won’t get picked up at your lodging.
  • Tours Include: Round-trip transportation from lodging, Fijian lunch at the village visit, contribution to the village, bottled water, sarong for women, 10% discount at Fiji Market & Tappos store in Sigatoka.
  • Pick-up times from lodging will depend on how far your resort is located from Sigatoka Town. They were great with communicating all the necessary information through email.
  • There were lockers and restrooms at the jetty.
  • Bring a change of clothes and towel. You will get wet no matter where you sit during the spins.
  • Don’t bring anything valuable that will get wet.
  • Apply Sunscreen and bring some for re-application.
  • There is a wet weather policy.
  • Bring a large container for extra water. It can get quite hot.
  • Pictures with your driver and some action shots of the boat are available for purchase in various packages.

Have you gone on river safaris like this?

The World Is A Book contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links or any of the product links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.

Check out these other Fiji tours!

Pin it for later!

Sigatoka Safari Fiji

36 thoughts on “Snapshots from Sigatoka River Safari Fiji”

  1. Taking a jet boat ride is on my list for New Zealand, and I didn’t know that they had them in Fiji, too. It definitely looks like a fun and fast way to get around. My kids would especially love it while I’d be squeezing my eyes closed and hanging on for dear life. I can’t wait to hear more about your visit to the village.

  2. This is going to sound corny coming from a guy but I’m proud of it. When I get really emotional at a happy moment my face will BEAM with a smile and my eyes will well up with tears, Mary! That happened here especially with the 2nd video. I absolutely LOVED this post! The 3rd pic down reminds me of the California foothills. I have a girl-FRIEND at work and we have said for years we would/will go to Fiji. I will often call her on a disgruntled day and just say, “Fiji, this weekend.” She will gladly say yes. I essentially grew up on a speed boat/ski boat. We were on it all of the time in California. And it blew me away when I turned 16 with my drivers license that my dad handed me the keys and said go have fun. He KNEW, despite how wild I was, that I would never let anything happen to that boat because of how much I loved it. He had groomed me for years with safety and with skiers being towed behind. I did just that…I was always safe and treated that boat and my friends safety like gold. This post made me VERY happy today! Posting my comment then I’m going to go watch the videos again…thank you, my friend! :)

    1. Thank you so much Mike! I’m so glad to bring you back to your jet boat days and bring a smile to your face. I really hope you and your friend make it to Fiji for a few weekends.

  3. We’ve not done this but it is one adrenalin experience I would enjoy. I’m with your kids, the goats and cows and I would be staying onboard for the spins. It is good that there is the option to watch from the jetty.

  4. This looks like a fun (but expensive!) half day, Mary. Looks like you not only have to bring a change of clothes, you’ll need a waterproof camera as well. Love your videos, too.

  5. What an interesting adventure. I’m surprised to see the landscape look so European. I though it would be much more like a Gauguin style tropical paradise.

  6. The idea of visiting Fiji is such a dream! I’ve seen so many wonderful photos of the beaches, but I’ve never seen pictures of the inland area. I especially enjoyed seeing photos of the locals and their animals. Wonderful!

  7. It’s always great to experience rural life when traveling. Good to hear that the drivers are well trained. Some of the boat operators I’ve encountered in my travels have been so dodgy. I would have stayed on board for the spins!

  8. I was just in Fiji a few weeks ago. We didn’t do any river safaris although I would be open to one in another destination that I visit. I love, love, love the photo with the blue water and the green mountain reflection that you captured!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.