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# 4 Things We Wish We Knew Before Cruising Fiji
- URL: https://svsabado.com/4-things-we-wish-we-knew-before-cruising-fiji/
- Published: 2026-10-04T03:02:13.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-04T03:02:13.000Z
- Description: We didn’t get to explore as much of Fiji as we would have liked this season, but we did pick up a few lessons along the way. If you’re planning to cruise Fiji, here are four things we wish we’d known before we arrived.
- Author: Holly Hendricks
- Tags: Guides, Boat Life

We didn’t get to explore as much of Fiji as we would have liked this season, but we did pick up a few lessons along the way. If you’re planning to cruise Fiji, here are four things we wish we’d known before we arrived.

## **1\. Have Realistic Expectations for Sevusevu**

One of the things we were most excited about before arriving in Fiji was participating in a [sevusevu ceremony](https://oceanposse.com/fiji-the-sevusevu-process/?ref=svsabado.com).

We imagined arriving in a village with a bundle of kava, meeting the chief, taking part in a meaningful cultural exchange, and being formally welcomed into the community. We had heard so many wonderful stories from other cruisers that we were really looking forward to the experience.

Our reality was quite different.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/43/0b/430bbca4-113f-4e23-b72d-96a7c0bcf98d/content/images/2026/10/9048E434-ED61-4DAE-831A-E70EBD92163E.jpg)

Holding some of the kava bundles we purchased. We bought a few $20 FJD and $30 FJD bundles, but we also saw bundles for sale for as much as $90 FJD.

At most of the places we anchored, someone came out in a skiff or kayak to collect the kava bundle. That was essentially the extent of the sevusevu. Sometimes the person collecting the kava told us they were the chief’s son or had another connection to the village. We had no way of knowing whether those claims were accurate. In several places, we were also asked for money, gasoline, or cigarettes as well. 

It’s worth noting that Fijians are some of the kindest and most welcoming people we’ve encountered in our travels. Our experience with sevusevu simply didn’t match the cultural exchange we had expected based on what we’d heard beforehand. Perhaps that’s because we didn’t make it to the more remote islands, or perhaps it’s simply a reflection of how Fiji, like many other island nations in the South Pacific, has become an increasingly popular cruising destination, with more locals understandably recognizing the growing number of visiting boats as an opportunity to earn an income. Or maybe the chiefs have simply had their fill of kava with the growing number of boats passing through!

Our advice is to go into it with realistic expectations. Think of it like bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party: a polite and appreciated gesture.

## **2\. Provisioning in Fiji Is Easier Than You Think**

Before arriving, we assumed provisioning in Fiji would be difficult, but we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it actually was!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/43/0b/430bbca4-113f-4e23-b72d-96a7c0bcf98d/content/images/2026/10/Still-2026-10-03-214001_1.21.3-1.jpg)

There are large produce markets, plenty of grocery options, and several excellent butcher shops in easily accessible areas. Fresh produce is plentiful, and with a little planning, stocking up for a passage is relatively straightforward.

There is also a provisioning service available called [Farm Boy](https://farmboyfiji.com/?ref=svsabado.com), that allows you to place an order online and have it delivered to locations throughout Fiji, anywhere accessible by ferry. For cruisers, this can be a huge help. 

## **3\. Be Prepared for Sugar Cane Harvest Season**

August and September are peak sugar cane harvesting months in Fiji, and we happened to be on Viti Levu during that time. The harvesting process creates a surprising amount of smoke, and around Port Denarau in particular, it had a noticeable impact on our day to day life. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/43/0b/430bbca4-113f-4e23-b72d-96a7c0bcf98d/content/images/2026/10/Untitled-design---8.jpg)

Fires burning overnight near our anchorage, they looked like erupting volcanos! 

Our boat was soon coated in ash, and the smoke began to take a toll on our health. Our throats hurt, our eyes were red and swollen, and we quickly developed cold-like symptoms. Our advice? Bring plenty of allergy medication and eye drops. You’ll be glad you did.

## **4\. It Can Actually Be Cold!**

We were envisioning a tropical paradise, but the reality was that we were wearing wetsuits and often reaching for sweaters and long sleeve shirts. Our cruising season happened to fall during Fiji’s winter, and despite the beautiful beaches, inviting water, and seemingly endless palm trees, it is definitely not hot year round.

The temperatures were still pleasant compared with many places, but if you’re expecting tropical heat every day, you might be surprised. Plan for cooler weather. 

## **A Few Things We’d Do Differently**

Every cruising destination comes with its own learning curve, and Fiji was no exception.

We wish we’d arrived with more realistic expectations about sevusevu. We were pleasantly surprised by how easy provisioning could be, and we definitely would have planned around sugar cane harvest season if we had known what to expect. Oh, and we certainly would have waited to stow away our warm clothes!

**For those of you who were able to explore more of Fiji, what advice would you give to incoming cruisers?**