Nadi is by far one of Fiji’s most developed ports for cruising tourists. Although this part of the country boasts of a few golf courses and plenty of resorts, it still retains much of its culture over the years and what a varied mix it is. Historically, the residents of Nadi come from a mix of different races: Polynesians, Melanesians, Micronesians, indigenous Fijians, and more recently, the Indo-Fijians; these are the immediate descendants of mainland Indian laborers, carried off by the British to work the country’s cane fields in the end of nineteenth century.

Admittedly, there aren’t plenty of beachcombing pursuits available in Nadi; these and other similar exploits can be experienced in the outer isles of Fiji. But it’s still a good visit otherwise, if only for the vehicle cruise along the Coral Coast, for tasting multi-culture, gourmet cuisine, and for getting a good soak in the island’s exotic plant and animal life. You won’t want for a better accommodation here, as there are plenty of hotels to check into, including a former mangrove swamp which was redeveloped into prime real estate. There are high-end resorts such as the Hilton or Radisson, and if you want to take a boat trip to nearby Mamanuca islands, Port Denarau is the main departure and access point for daytime trips.

Some of the destination’s highlights include a visit to Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, the local religious hub for a majority of its Hindu population. The temple is personally decorated by Indian artisans, and in the manner typical of the Southern Indian Dravidian style. Within the cool recess is a statue of the Indian rain deity, Lord Murugan; you can bask in the frescoes and temple carvings, just remember to remove your shoes if you step inside, and refrain from taking any pictures. The foot of the Sabeto mountain range also offers a nice stroll among a veritably flourishing garden of indigenous plants, as well as numerous species of orchids and cattleyas. The trails wind into forest hillsides, gushing streams, and ponds draped over with water lilies.

You can spend your early morning or late afternoons trekking the immense sand dunes of Sigatoka National Park; the dunes can rise for up to 200 feet, providing plenty of cover for recently unearthed pottery, dating for as far back as two thousand years ago. You can take it from here, and follow the easy trail to a mahogany forest. You can also visit Kula Ecopark, in nearby Korotogo; this flora and fauna sanctuary is the breeding place of various species of turtles, parrots, fruit bats, and owls. The park is also home to several endangered species, such as the South Pacific black duck, and the exotic crested iguana.

Beach bums still can enjoy the surf by going to Nadi’s Natadola Beach, where fine white sand and blue waters remain unadulterated, despite the constant patronage. The beach is open to picnicking and snorkeling, just be on the lookout for strong undercurrents. Nadi offers a wide range of experiences for the average traveler, and for the seasoned cruiser, this versatility offers more opportunities for lengthy onshore excursions.