I’m sure most people end up on a list at the end of the day for Natadola Beach on Viti Levu, and I’m glad to say why. Pale, wide surf beach leading to a shallow reef lagoon; it’s near Nadi, so you can see the lagoon and be back for dinner. Usually, the beach is considered one of the finest on the main island, but even with a limited time window, it is easy to make a day trip.
How to get there, the actual beach, what to do once on the beach and a few tips on combining it with a few stops on the coral coast for a full day. The numbers give an indication of the prices, hours, and access available, but please check before you go.
Natadola Beach at a glance
| Detail | Information |
| Where | Southwest Viti Levu, on the western edge of the Coral Coast |
| Approximate distance to Nadi | About one hour’s drive from Nadi International Airport |
| Entry | Beach access is available for free, with activities being paid for separately |
| Outer City | A car park located outside the city centre, reported as informal. |
| Inner City | An informal car park located in the city centre, reported as inner city. |
| Great for: | Swimming in the lagoon, walking, horse riding, a laid back lunch |
| Open Hours | Typical hours are sunrise to sunset, but may vary by operator. |
The term Coral Coast is used to describe the section of the southern coast of Viti Levu that lies along Queens Road, from Sigatoka to Pacific Harbour. Natadola Beach is located at its Western extremity and is almost always included within it.
Natadola Beach is easily accessed by road from Nadi:
There are three realistic ways.
A private car hire service or taxi service. This will allow you the greatest flexibility. Make sure that you agree on the price before leaving, and also agree on the time that they will need to wait to pick you up-there is no beach taxi rank. Drivers for the day are often more cost effective for a day that includes the beach as well as other stops.
A tour. Usually includes group transportation to and from the hotel and entrance fees to villages and any waterfalls included. The price of one 8-hour tour to Biausevu Waterfall and Natadola Beach has been quoted at approximately US$139-149 per adult and riding the horses is an additional cost. If you want to check out what Natadola picnic tour listings have to offer, we have our own!
A rental car. The drive, from Fiji, is on the main drive, Queens Road, which is driven on the left and is not too complicated as it heads down south and then turns off towards the coast. Be careful of speed bumps, pedestrians and the occasional animal on the road, and stay off the roads after dark.
There are local buses on Queens Road but they don’t run all the way down to the beach, so they are not convenient for a day trip. If you’d like to use public transport in Fiji, the following information provides an overview of how it works in Fiji. Check the airport transfer guide for airport arrivals.
A description of what Natadola Beach is like:
The beach is a wide curve of sand which is backed by casuarina trees, and with a shallow reef lagoon in front. A resort is located at the northern end, but the beach is open to the public and runs along the resort.
The primary attraction of the lagoon is swimming. The conditions vary according to the tide and swell, so check the water before entering it. The southern end has been reported as having a stronger shore break than the rest of the beach and a reef lagoon is not generally a place to dive in head-first. If you are going to walk out any distance, it will be useful to wear water shoes.
Facilities are limited. Basic amenities are available around main access points and the resort area a restaurant Sanasana, is said to be within walking distance to the sand. Plan for that as a possibility not a certainty and pack water, food and sunscreen. Few formal facilities for access, including ramps or boardwalks, so please plan accordingly for access for people with a mobility impairment.
There’re many things to do at Natadola beach:
Swim and walk
The simplest course of action is the most successful. Swim in the lagoon then walk along the length of the beach. It is quieter in the morning, before mass tourist groups reach the area, than in the middle of the day.
Horse riding
The main attraction here is a stingy-riding along the shoreline. Local operators operate directly on the beach, and you can also find tour operators. If you offer a ride on the sand, make sure to agree on the price and length of the ride before riding, and politely turn down a ride if you don’t wish to. Organised operators also have their own rules; one of the operators in Nadi says there is a minimum age of 7 years and a maximum weight of 80 kg for their beach rides, so check these if you are travelling with children or larger riders.
This service is provided to help with massages and local services.
Massages are available on the beach from the local villagers. They are sold at varying prices and not all of the vendors will accept cards so have some FJD in small denominations.
Lunch and sunset
If you are remaining until late afternoon, the light across the lagoon is worth waiting for! One of the more popular ways to end the day is by riding at sunset, but be sure that your driver or tour will be okay staying that late.
The other reefs and beaches are great places to stop:
Natadola beach is a half day excursion in its own right. These stops make it into a whole day.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes. The dunes are located close to the mouth of the Sigatoka River and are a result of thousands of years of influence from water, wind and vegetation. Go for a walk early – there is little shade later in the day and the sand is hot.
Kula Eco Park. The Fiji crested iguana is bred at this wildlife park. Entry for FJ$50 (adults) and FJ$25 (children) is available on a tour listing, but please double-check the current rates.
Tavuni Hill Fort. Fortified hilltop site close to Sigatoka with Tongan history. It brings a historical touch to a day dominated by beach and nature.
Visits to villages and potteries. A number of tours call on Lawai or Nakabuta where pottery demonstrations and a kava welcome are held. If you do join one, be sure to read our guides to Fijian cultural experiences and the kava ceremony first to know what to expect.
Biausevu Waterfall. About a one and a half hour drive from Nadi via tour listings, entry to the village is also charged. It’s a good option if you want a swim in fresh water.
Sigatoka town. A convenient lunch stop and local shops and market.
On-site sample day trips from Nadi
A half day devoted to the beach.
- 8:30 am: Leave Nadi or Denarau
- 9:30 am – 10:00 am: Get to Natadola Beach
- 10:00 am to 12:30 pm: Swim, walk, and a horse ride if you want one
- 12:30 pm: Lunch near the beach.
- 2:00 pm: Head back to Nadi
An entire day of the Coral Coast, ending on the beach.
This is an order that brings the hot, exposed stops in the morning and the beach in the afternoon.
| Time | Stop | Notes |
| 7:30 am | Leave Nadi or Denarau | Go early to get away from the heat of the day |
| 9:00 am | Sigatoka Sand Dunes | 1-1.5 hrs |
| 10:45 am | Kula Eco Park or Tavuni Hill Fort | If you don’t have much time, you can choose between Kula Eco Park and Tavuni Hill Fort at 10:45 am. |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch in Sigatoka | Go to lunch in Sigatoka at a market/local cafes (12:30 pm). |
| 2:00 pm | Natadola Beach | Swim & Walk, or horse ride (optional) |
| 4:30 pm | Leave for Nadi | (about an hour if there is heavy traffic) |
The time it takes to drive is affected by traffic and stop times, so leave some time for this. If you’re not interested in the beach, then choose the Sand Dunes.
Approximate costs
These are based on published information and are not guaranteed to be up-to-date. Double check before leaving.
The approximate cost in FJD (unless specified) for each item.
| Item | Cost |
| Natadola Beach entry | Reported free |
| Parking at the beach | Reported free (informal car park) |
| Horse on the beach (Riding around on a horse) | Agreed before riding, varies by operator. |
| Kula Eco Park | FJ$50 adult, FJ$25 child (per a tour listing) |
| Group tour to Biausevu Waterfall and beach | $US139 to $US149 per adult. |
For a wider look at what a trip costs, see our daily budget guide.
Practical tips
- If possible, head out in the morning. The beach is less crowded before day-trippers arrive.
- Take water, snacks, sun cream and a sun hat as there is limited shade and basic facilities.
- Keep cash in small FJD notes for horse riding, massage and the village entrance fee.
- Look at the tide and swell before going in for a swim and avoid going near the southern end if the water seems rough.
- Don’t leave valuables unattended on the sand. Have a bag that is accessible to you.
- When visiting a village, wear modest clothes and follow your guide’s directions.
- The wetter months are November-April – be prepared for a shower or two and check the weather forecast before heading out.
Tour or independent?
If you don’t want to get in your car, then a tour is convenient and will cover costs for your transportation and entrance fees and will combine multiple stops for one day. The downside is this is a set schedule and it typically results in less time at the beach than you would like.
If you’re travelling alone, travelling independently with a driver is more expensive per person, but you’ll be able to stop where you want and stay as long as you want. If you’d like help planning either option, you can contact us. In addition to the time spent in Nadi, our list includes things to do in Nadi, information on the temple, market and mud pools.
FAQs
Can anyone go to Natadola Beach?
There is no charge for public access to the beach and no charge for the informal car park. Horses, massages and other activities are additional fees. Conditions can change, please check with your driver or tour operator at the time of booking.
What is the distance between Natadola Beach and Nadi?
One hour drive from Nadi International Airport. Allow more time if you’re travelling from a resort further out or in heavy traffic.
Can you swim in Natadola Beach?
The lagoon is shallow and usually suitable for swimming, but may change with the tide and swell. The southern end has been reported to have more shore-break, take care with children, and look at the water first!
Can you go horse riding at Natadola Beach?
Yes, it’s one of the main activities. Beach and/or tour operator rides are available. Negotiate the amount and time up front, and inquire about age and weight restrictions (which are individual to each operator).
What is the recommended time at Natadola Beach?
A swim and walking for lunch should be completed in 3-4 hours. For those who want to include the Coral Coast attractions like the Sand Dunes or Kula Eco Park, you may need a full day of 7-9 hours, including driving.
Are there toilets, food and shops at the beach?
Usually, basic facilities are located around the main access points and the resort area and a restaurant is within walking distance. Bring water and snacks and be sure to have cash on hand.
When is the ideal time to come to Natadola Beach?
Morning is more peaceful and cooler. Check the forecast as it will rain more often from about November to April. If you are able to move around, sunset can be a good time.
Is it possible to go to Natadola beach from Denarau?
Yes. The journey to Denarau is slightly longer than from town and is close to Nadi. There are tours that accept pickup from Denarau resorts.
Wrapping up
Natadola Beach is best enjoyed as a basic day: a drive in the morning, some hours in the lagoon and a lunch back on the drive. For more, the route will include Sand Dunes and Kula Eco Park. Choose the one that works best for you in terms of energy and time, and if you want someone to help you assemble it, reach out.
If you want someone to help you assemble it, reach out. For more trip ideas and planning guides, browse our Fiji vacation guides.
