Beqa Island

Beqa Island combines a 462 m-high mountain peak with steep slopes and valleys that descend to a coral reef coastline within Beqa Lagoon. There are also full-day guided hikes, a rainforest waterfall and a firewalking tradition rooted on the island. When choosing your holiday rental, it is also important to know how to get around: there are no roads on Beqa, so people travel by boat.

Mountain scenery and guided hikes

Hikes on Beqa lead to a variety of destinations. A full-day guided tour reaches the old village fortification on the rocky headland of Korovatu (292 m). Another full-day guided hike leads to the remains of a radar station built by the United States during the Second World War on Delaibeqa (385 m). The destinations offer different highlights: one is an old fortification, the other a military installation from wartime. Both hikes are described as full-day guided tours.

Another tour leads to the summit of Mount Ulunkoro on Beqa Island. It stands at 460 m, with panoramic views stretching across the lagoon, the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands. If you prefer to combine water and rainforest, you could consider a waterfall hike. The trail leads through Beqa’s rainforest to a natural spring-fed waterfall and includes a swim in the crystal-clear pool at its foot.

Reef, lagoon and dives

The water activities also vary. The house reef at Beqa Lagoon Resort is just a few steps from the beach; guided reef snorkeling tours are also offered there. The official Shark Reef Marine Reserve is located in the coral reef lagoon surrounding Beqa Island.

Aqua Trek offers shark and soft coral dives in Beqa Lagoon. The dive sites are a 10- to 15-minute boat ride away. The lagoon has more than 30 dive sites in total. Experienced divers can take dives from 18 m deep, where eight shark species and hundreds of other fish are found.

Beqa’s firewalking tradition

Beqa’s firewalking tradition began around 500 years ago in the highland village of Nakarovu. The special ability associated with fire is still linked to the bloodline of Tuinaiviqalita and members of Beqa’s Sawau tribe. It is demonstrated in a firewalking ceremony. Beqa is considered an ideal place to see this ceremony in its most authentic form.

At Beqa Lagoon Resort, firewalkers perform a ritual described as ancient before dinner. Those interested in traditions will find a different way to experience the island here than through hiking or diving. The firewalking performance is a distinct experience, not to be confused with the landscape and water activities.

Getting around Beqa

There are no roads on Beqa; people get around by boat. The scheduled boat crossing from Pacific Harbour to Beqa Island Resort takes 45 minutes; departures are listed daily at 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

If you would like to explore other island destinations in addition to Beqa Island, you can also find Naingani and Melimeli here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Central Division.