4 Best Eco-Resorts in Fiji for a Sustainable Surf Trip
Looking for the best eco-resorts in Fiji for surfers? Discover four of our top picks if you want to chase waves sustainably in this Polynesian island paradise.
It’s no secret that Fiji boasts some of the most epic waves in Oceania. The most famous among these is Cloudbreak, a legendary left-hander that’s on most surfers’ bucket lists.
But to keep pumping out perfectly pristine barrels, this island nation’s spectacular reefs need healthy oceans. That’s why Fiji’s leading surf resorts and tour operators are stepping up to protect marine habitats and ensure these world-class waves exist for future generations.
Through initiatives like STOKE – the first sustainability certification designed specifically for surf businesses – these forward-thinking companies are taking charge. They’re reducing single-use plastics, offsetting carbon emissions and keeping Fiji’s oceans pristine.
By embracing sustainability, they’re helping to preserve Fiji’s natural wonders for us all.
In this article, discover 4 of the best eco-resorts in Fiji for surfers, perfect if you’re planning a sustainable wave-chasing escape in paradise.
Planning a surf trip to Polynesia? Click on the links to discover everything you need to know about surfing Samoa and Tonga.
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Maqai Beach Eco Resort, Qamea
Located on Qamea Island (just a short hop north of Taveuni) is one of Fiji’s leading sustainable surf resorts.
Maqai Beach Eco Resort is surrounded by picture-perfect beaches, dense rainforests and world-class waves. It also offers genuine encounters with the Fijian people that you won’t find everywhere.
The Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award for Sustainability recognises businesses leading the way in eco-friendly practices. As a multiple winner of this prestigious award, Maqai Beach Eco Resort exemplifies sustainable tourism done right…and we love to see it!
Solar panels provide over 95% of the resort’s electricity needs, reducing reliance on diesel generators. Meanwhile, an innovative wastewater treatment system recycles water onsite while the organic garden supplies the kitchen with fresh produce.
The resort also gives back to its marine environment through coral gardening programs that help restore damaged reefs.
Maqai Beach sets the standard for sustainable surf resorts worldwide. Their commitment to implementing renewable energy sources, reducing waste and protecting marine ecosystems shows that surf travel can also be environmentally responsible.
Qamea Island is also a great place to dive. You’ll find more of Fiji’s best dive destinations and eco-dive resorts in our detailed article here.
Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort, Viti Levu
Nestled amidst a tract of coastal forest along Viti Levu’s Coral Coast, Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort is a surfer’s paradise with a conscience.
As the world’s first surf resort to earn STOKE eco-certification, Matanivusi blends sustainability with incredible surf experiences.
It boasts just 12 thatched-roof bures perched on stilts above the forest floor and overlooking an idyllic lagoon. All of the bungalows are connected by rustic walkways that lead to the resort’s restaurant and bar area, together with a sparkling swimming pool.
From its secluded beach, you can paddle out to some of Fiji’s best breaks, including the famous “Frigates”.
Matanivusi operates entirely off-grid, collecting rainwater and treating wastewater on-site for reuse. Not only that but all waste gets sorted for composting, recycling or repurposing.
The bountiful organic gardens at this eco-friendly Fiji surf resort supply the kitchen with fresh local produce, which will keep you refuelled in between surfs.
Best of all, Matanivusi is completely plastic-free and encourages sustainability practices at every turn.
Looking for easy ways to be an eco-conscious surfer? Check out our detailed article here.
Tavarua Island Resort, Tavarua
More than just a world-famous surfing mecca that attracts legends of the sport, Tavarua Island Resort is a model of eco-friendly surf tourism and marine conservation.
This tiny, heart-shaped island in the Mamanucas features rustically designed villas and bures designed to suit all group sizes. Plus, there’s a swimming pool, a hot tub and an onsite spa.
Beyond their state-of-the-art sustainability practices like solar power and rainwater harvesting, Tavarua actively protects the surrounding marine environment.
In partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries, they operate a giant clam hatchery. It has already reared over 500 endangered juvenile clams, supporting efforts to repopulate Fiji’s reefs.
Additionally, their turtle rehabilitation ponds nurse sick and injured hawksbill turtles back to health.
With initiatives that benefit both its guests and the ocean, this eco-friendly Fiji dive resort certainly has a big heart for marine conservation. Its environmental ethos shows that a resort can both provide a world-class travel experience and serve as a steward of its natural surroundings.
Travelling further afield? Check out these inspiring eco-surf camps and resorts around the globe.
Namotu Island
For those craving the ultimate surf adventure, look no further than Namotu Island – a picturesque speck in the Mamanucas.
This Fijian paradise puts you right in the heart of all the surfing action. While staying here, you’ll enjoy easy access to seven world-class breaks that include the powerful left-hand barrel of “Cloudbreak”.
But it’s not all sun and surf at Namotu Island. This eco-friendly Fijian resort is working diligently to protect the pristine paradise that envelops it.
Recently recognised by STOKE for its innovative bio-cycle wastewater system and plastic reduction initiatives, Namotu is committed to preserving its slice of island bliss.
The shores of Namotu Island serve as a regular nesting site for sea turtles, so they carefully log and rope off each nest to avoid disturbance.
Like its neighbours at Tavarua Island Resort, Namotu also nurtures giant clams that will one day be released into the surrounding marine park.
At the restaurant of this eco-friendly Fiji surf resort, only sustainably sourced seafood is served to ensure the local marine ecosystem can thrive.
By staying at one of Namotu Island’s 12 beachfront bures and villas, you’ll be supporting ocean conservation projects that have wide-reaching impacts.
Heading to Fiji to dive? Discover 9 of the best eco-dive resorts in Fiji here.
Supporting sustainable surfing in Fiji
Aside from its outstanding eco-surf resorts, Fiji also offers incredible surf charter adventures.
Based in Nadi, the Fiji Surf Co. knows this playground like nobody else and will whisk you away to uncrowded waves that suit all levels. Not only that but they championed the creation of Fiji’s Surf Act, opening up the island’s legendary waves to all.
On a regular basis, the Fiji Surf Co. spearheads community beach cleanups and native tree planting. These events are designed to help preserve this island nation’s natural environment.
Other conservation initiatives include the replanting of heat-resistant coral on damaged reefs and the installation of mooring buoys at renowned surf breaks to stop boat anchors from scarring the reef.
The Fiji Surf Co. also played a role in developing the world’s first reef-friendly sunscreen from charcoal and beeswax, Bati Protector.
As the Fiji Surf Co. illustrates, size doesn’t matter when it comes to protecting our oceans. With passion and grit, this modest surf company is making a big splash in ocean conservation. Their progressive approach to surf tourism and marine life preservation shows that anyone can be a catalyst for change.
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About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
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We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe.
After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainable surf camps, eco-dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore.
