If you flying out of Fiji to the United States or HongKong you usually have to hang around for at least 4 hours (or longer - depending on what time your flight departs). What should you do?
The last ferry departs Tokoriki at 1.30 pm and gets to Denarau Marina at 3.00 pm. That means, with luggage in tow you’ve got time to kill. What are your options?
The touristy option is to hang out at Denarau Marina. I personally do not like Denarau Marina. It serves its purpose but in my personal opinion it is aimed only to make money out of tourists. Everything is overpriced and ‘touristy’. That said it is a practical place to sit and wait and not unpleasant if you enjoy people watching.
My top tip is to head to Cardos which is a bit of an institution. Clean, friendly and supporting a local business (rather than a chain). Cardo’s also has rooms for rent upstairs which are very reasonably priced if you want a base and somewhere to relax, shower and change before your flight). Clean, friendly, will stow your luggage, on site toilets, do half decent pizzas, good steaks and excellent bloody marys! CARDOS CARDO’S DAY ROOMS When you are finished, you can simply hop in a taxi to the airport - allow half an hour.
Head to Vuda Marina. Vuda Marina is the airport side of Nadi. If you allow twenty minutes - half an hour to get you from Port Denarau Marina to get to the airport - plan on another half an hour to get you from the airport to Vuda Marina. When you think about it - Vuda Marina is probably only 10-15 minutes further away from the airport than Port Denarau. Vuda Marina is a stark contrast to Denarau Marina. Tastefully designed and a beautiful place to hang out. It is an active marina for smaller vessels and in peak sailing season (June - November) there is quite a buzz about the place. There is a little gift shop on site - but this closes at …. The restaurant at Vuda Marina is very good. A wonderful location, delicious food and good value for money. What’s more the car ride to Vuda is scenic and interesting. If your finances allow your best option would be to hire a local taxi driver from Denarau (or from one of the ground operators in Nadi- the resort will be able to assist you with setting this up) to drive you around and wait for you. You’ll easily kill 3-4 hours on this option without feeling like you are hanging around. VUDA MARINA You may wish to book ahead to get a good table.
For those in business class and/or with One World Alliance Member privileges (please see link below for eligibility), you’ll have the Tabua Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport to refresh, relax and take a shower if you wish before you board your flight. The lounge is also open to those in economy for a fee, on the proviso that there is room. You are unable to pre-book. Further details can be found here: TABUA LOUNGE Top tip: it is worth it if you have a long wait or a long flight ahead of you. The main lounges are very average.