Suva Fiji Port Guide

When you’re on a cruise to Australia and New Zealand and visit the tropical paradise of Fiji, a stop in the capital city of Suva will do you plenty of good. It’s lush and underrated as far as tourism is concerned, even though Suva is the largest city in the South Pacific. Beyond the incredible nature excursions and activities here, like hiking and swimming in Colo-I-Suva Forest Park or a quick trip to nearby Pacific Harbor, there’s also plenty of history at the Fiji Museum and lovely landscapes at Thurston Gardens.

In other words, Suva is much more than a simple harbor city. Suva is also regarded as the cultural and economic beating heart of Fiji and a keyto the local economy. Get to know the locals when you peruse the stalls at Suva Market, and don’t miss the Fijian rainforest up close when you visit. Fresh seafood and Suva go hand in hand, so order up on mackerel, snapper, and other catches of the day. 

Cruises to Suva, Fiji

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Top Sights & Attractions for Cruises to Suva

Fiji Museum

If you don’t know much about the history of Fiji, a visit to the Fiji Museum is a quick fix and fun way to spend an afternoon during your Suva cruise. With a cheap admission of just 10 Fijian dollars and a variety of exhibitions, from colonial times all the way to modern day, it won’t take but an hour or two to soak up the knowledge of Suva’s rich past.

Albert Park

It’s easy to explore Suva’s green spaces, like the expansive Albert Park, which is named for Prince Albert of Great Britain. You can people-watch as locals play a game of rugby or sit on the lawn and chill. There’s no wrong way to relax during your Suva cruise.

Colo-I-Suva Forest Park

Head into the dramatic Fijian rainforest for hiking, swimming, waterfalls, and tropical trails at Colo-I-Suva nature preserve. It’s a lush, picture-perfect scene of Fiji where you can enjoy a guided tour from a park ranger, play on rope swings, and dip in the cool swimming holes that run through Wasilla Creek.

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Top Things to Do in Suva

Shopping at Suva Market

Suva Market is one of the top activities for locals and tourists alike, where Fijian vendors and craftsmen hawk their stylish wares and offer up fresh seafood, produce, and plenty of pineapple juice. Stop by for an hour to mingle with vendors and walk away with fresh fruit for an afternoon snack.

Scuba Dive at Pacific Harbor

An hour outside of Suva is the adventure of a lifetime at Pacific Harbor, where you can swim with sharks and other ocean life, scuba dive, jet ski, or experience an incredible shark encounter.

Relax Over A Few Rounds of Golf

Looking for an active afternoon in Fiji? Go golfing at the Suva Golf Club, where you can putt around and enjoy golfing among the palms and tropical flora. It’s a peaceful break from museum hopping and exploring when you want something different to do.

Stroll Through Thurston Gardens

Over 100 gorgeous palm trees thrive at Thurston Gardens, the largest botanic garden in all of Fiji. It’s located within the Fiji  Museum, and the gardens date back to the 1800s. It’s an ideal activity for nature lovers to relax and picnic near the sea.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Suva Cruise Port

Cafe Thirty

Address: 30 MacGregor Rd, Suva, Fiji

This charming, no-frills bistro comes with the classic comfort foods like hearty portions of fish and chips, sandwiches, and more. The plates are big, so come hungry. It’s closed on Sundays.

Tiko’s Floating Restaurant

Address: Stinson Parade Road, Suva, Central Division, Fiji

Tiko’s lives up to its name. After all, the restaurant is hosted onboard a boat in Suva Harbor, which often has live jazz music, always has fresh seafood, and is never a dinner on land. Sunset makes for a beautiful harbor view. Special mains include grilled mackerel and freshly caught snapper, to name a few.

Governors

Address: Knolly St, Suva, Fiji

Governors is located within an old colonial home, and the atmosphere can’t be beat for a night out in Suva. There’s live music and a popular brunch service on weekends. The specials change daily, and there are typically several varieties of fresh cheesecake to choose from for dessert. Take a slice with you as you leave for a snack during the rest of your Suva adventuring.

Culture & History of the Suva Cruise Port

Suva is the nation’s capital city and the largest city in Fiji. Suva is also a prominent commercial district and port town. Early settlers to Fiji arrived over 3,000 years ago. Eventually, Dutch and European colonizers came to the area to squabble over settlement. In 1822, Suva was declared the capital. By the mid-19th century, Suva and this part of Fiji were offered as a “loan” to Australia. Suva gradually began to thrive as a commercial center, important port city, and tropical tourism destination that its known as today. Today, Suva has a population of a little over 150,000 people.

Suva Port Facilities & Location

It’s only a five- or ten-minute walk from the Suva cruise port to the center of town, and the cruise port is minimally equipped but gets the job done. Walk into town or chat with tour operators at the pier if you want to venture beyond the main sights. There’s also a helpful tourist information center at the cruise pier.

Transportation in Suva

Buses are a cheap and easy way to get around in Suva if you’re interested in getting to know the public transit system. Taxis are also very cheap in Fiji. If you’d like, you can negotiate with a taxi driver for them to pick you up and drop you off at multiple destinations in town. You can also walk to many of the main sights. When you schedule an excursion with Celebrity, transportation is included.

Shopping Near the Suva Cruise Port

You’re better off finding shopping in downtown Suva. There’s not much in the way of shopping near the port except for the Suva Market, where you can chat with local artisans and vendors as you peruse their handmade goods, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. There’s also a shuttle bus that takes passengers to more upscale shopping beyond the center of town.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Use the official currency, the Fijian dollar ($), while on your Suva cruise. There should be plenty of ATMs scattered around Suva, and it’s recommended to carry cash just to be safe. Many places don’t accept credit cards. Tipping isn’t a custom in Fiji, so you’re not obligated to leave a tip for your tour guide, server, or taxi driver. It is appreciated if you round up to the nearest Fijian dollar, but it’s not a requirement.

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