• About
  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Wild Junket

  • Course
  • Work with Me

Wild Junket

White Water Rafting in Fiji

White Water Rafting in Fiji

July 23, 2013

Last Updated on November 16, 2021

“Wananabu! Paddles up in the air!” roared Noah Lewaravu, our young Fijian rafting guide. We screamed with much enthusiasm and raised our paddles in the air to do a high five. Buzzing with a natural high, our boat of four rowers were cheering as water splashed in all directions, providing a cooling respite from the sultry heat of inland Fiji.

As we maneuvered around a bend, the river suddenly dipped, sending us flying mid-air. Suddenly, my world was spinning 360 degrees as I realized I was in a whirlpool of water. Thankfully, Alberto hauled me back onto the raft and soon I was cheering and joking with our rafting mates and Noah once again. “What happens in the river stays in the river,” was our guide Noah’s mantra.

Continuing our journey, we passed more rapids and bends, twisting and turning through the narrow limestone gorge, meandering past steep black volcanic rock faces that soared as high as 150 feet into the sky. Carved out from these rock faces were the occasional caves, which as Noah said, were the places where traditional rituals including cannibalism used to be practiced. 

White Water Rafting in Fiji

Spring water plummeted down from the rock faces, creating cascading natural waterfalls. Once in a while, thick foliage of palm trees and ferns exploded from the banks, setting a lush and exotic backdrop that reminded me that I was in the Pacific.

With a dramatic and impressive setting, the Upper Navua River in the highlands of Viti Levu is one of the best places to do white-water rafting in the country, especially for its class II-III whitewater that suit rowers of all levels. Rafting along the river also gives a unique glimpse of the remote Fijian highlands, an area that’s usually hard to access due to the country’s poor infrastructure. Most importantly, this rafting trip directly benefits the rural highland communities and conservation work in the area thanks to Rivers Fiji.

In 2000, Rivers Fiji and the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB) partnered up to establish the Upper Navua Conservation Area to protect the area from future logging and gravel extraction. In return, Rivers Fiji contributes 10% of every cent it makes to the NLTB and landowners and also provides them with employment opportunities. The company also conducts educational outreach programs for village youth to teach them the importance of conserving their lands.

READ NOW
How to Visit the Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador

That day, we left with wide grins on our faces and a promise to return. This was by far our favorite rafting experience — we knew we would be back. These are some photos shot that day by River Fiji.

Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers

I’ve been using Safety Wing for years now, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made as a frequent traveler. Their Nomad Insurance plan is affordable and provides solid coverage for medical emergencies regardless of where I’m traveling. It’s been super reliable for me, and I think you’ll find it just as helpful on your adventures!

winding through the narrow gorge

Winding through the narrow gorge

Beautiful setting - white water rafting in fiji

Beautiful sandstone cliffs form the backdrop

That's us preparing to fly

That’s us preparing for the splash

Maneuvering the rapids

Riding the waves

Getting wet

Getting wet

White Water Rafting in Fiji

Look at our expressions!

Paddling Upper Navua RiverFiji - white water rafting

Conquering the eddies on Upper Navua River

Frolicking under the waterfall

Showering under a waterfall


How to Go White Water Rafting in Fiji

No experience is needed for white-water rafting. Basic equipment like paddles, life safety jackets, and helmet are included. You will need to hike a few kilometers up and down muddy slopes to get to the rafting launch point. To ensure your safety, watch the orientation video at Rivers Fiji before heading out.

A mid-morning snack, full lunch and afternoon snack are included. The rafting trip picks you up at 6.45am and ends around 6pm. The price for the day trip is US$219.

Rivers Fiji also organizes Class II rafting trips on the Luva River that include overnight camping and village visits.


Disclaimer: Our trip was made possible by Tourism Fiji and Rivers Fiji, but all opinions expressed above are our own.

3 Comments
Share
Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides. She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

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

The Comments

  • Gabriel
    July 23, 2013

    Ahhhh that looks like sooo much fun. I have yet to go white water rafting but it's definitely on our to do list. The last time I went to the mountains there was a river close by and could see the white water rafters from above, it looked like so much fun =)

    Reply
  • Angela
    July 23, 2013

    Looks like a great trip. I always do enjoy white water rafting when available. It is good to know that Fiji isn't all about resorts, islands, and beaches!

    Reply
  • Andrea
    July 26, 2013

    So cool that you have photos – I love white water rafting but nobody has ever taken pics of us doing it!

    Reply

You May Also Like

September 5, 2018

Tajikistan Travel: All You Need to Know

October 22, 2013

Antarctic Animals: What You Can Expect to See on Your Antarctic Trip

August 28, 2012

Wildlife Safari on the Chobe River

Hi, I’m Nellie

A published book author, professional travel writer and adventurous mum on a quest to visit every country in the world!

Current Location

Current Location

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Shop My Favorites

Eagle Creek

Osprey Backpacks

Columbia

KEEN Shoes

Teva Sandals

My Books

product_title_1

Lonely Planet Mexico

product_title_2

Lonely Planet Singapore

product_title_3

Explorers

product_title_4

Amsterdam Like a Local

product_title_5

The Adventure Traveler's Handbook

My Latest Video

My Latest Video My Latest Video
Follow Me for Updates

Recent Posts

  • Singapore with Kids: How to Plan a Singapore Family Trip 2022

    Singapore with Kids: How to Plan a Singapore Family Trip 2025

    April 8, 2025
  • Best Croatian Islands to Visit

    8 Best Croatian Islands to Visit in 2025

    March 26, 2025
  • Pakistan with Kids: Our Tips & Guide

    Pakistan with Kids: Our Tips & Guide

    March 25, 2025
  • Spain with Kids: Tips from an Expat

    Spain with Kids: Tips from an Expat

    March 24, 2025
  • Portugal with Kids: My Portugal Family Travel Guide

    Portugal with Kids: My Portugal Family Travel Guide

    March 23, 2025

COPYRIGHT © 2024 WILD JUNKET. PRIVACY POLICY Site Powered by Pix & Hue.