Does Fiji have springs? Discover the volcanic wonders

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Contrary to common belief, Fiji's islands, a product of ancient volcanic activity, are home to several fascinating geothermal springs and mud pools. These natural phenomena offer a unique and therapeutic experience beyond the country's famous white-sand beaches, answering the question, does Fiji have springs?

Quick Summary

Fiji's volcanic history has endowed it with geothermal hot springs and mud pools on its main islands, offering unique natural spa and cultural experiences for visitors.

Key Points

Volcanic Origin: Fiji's islands were formed by volcanic activity, which is the source of its geothermal springs and mud pools.
Sabeto Hot Springs: A popular tourist attraction near Nadi offering a unique, therapeutic mud bath and hot spring soaking experience.
Nakama Hot Springs: Located in Savusavu, Vanua Levu, these public springs are a significant cultural site used by locals for cooking.
Natural Spa Treatment: The mineral-rich mud at locations like Sabeto is believed to have detoxifying and exfoliating benefits for the skin.
Beyond Geothermal: Fiji is also the source of the well-known Fiji Water, which comes from a natural artesian spring filtered through volcanic rock.
Cultural Connection: Visiting the springs offers a genuine opportunity to interact with Fijian locals and witness traditional practices.

Fiji's Volcanic History and Geothermal Activity

Fiji's geology is the direct result of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a product of powerful tectonic plate movements and ancient volcanic action. While the major volcanic activity that formed the islands occurred millions of years ago, remnants of this fiery past persist in the form of geothermal hotspots and springs. These geothermal features, including hot springs and bubbling mud pools, are concentrated on the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The warmth of the water is a result of groundwater filtering deep through the volcanic rock, where it is heated by magma bodies before rising back to the surface. This provides Fiji with more than just stunning coastlines; it also offers a chance to experience the Earth's raw, natural power in action.

The Famous Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool

One of the most accessible and popular spring destinations in Fiji is the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, located near Nadi on the island of Viti Levu. This site offers a rustic, outdoor spa experience operated by local villagers. The ritual involves covering your body in mineral-rich volcanic mud and letting it dry in the sun before washing it off in a series of naturally heated thermal pools. The experience is not only fun but is also believed by locals to have therapeutic properties for the skin. For a deeper dive into the specific offerings and to book a tour directly, you can visit the official site at sabetohotspringandmudpool.com/tours.

The Sabeto Experience

The Mud Bath: Begin by slathering warm, mineral-rich mud all over your body, letting it bake dry in the Fijian sun.
The Hot Springs: After the mud has worked its magic, rinse off in a series of thermal spring pools, each with a different, progressively warmer temperature.
Optional Massage: For the ultimate relaxation, visitors can opt for a traditional Fijian massage offered onsite.

The Nakama Thermal Hot Springs in Savusavu

On the northern island of Vanua Levu lies the town of Savusavu, which is at the epicenter of Fiji's most active geothermal activity. Here, visitors will find the Nakama Thermal Hot Springs, a national treasure and a central part of the local community. The springs have been used by locals for centuries as a natural cooking cauldron, and with recent upgrades, the site has become a major tourist attraction. Steam can be seen rising directly from the ground along the foreshore, creating a mystical and surreal landscape.

The Nakama Experience

Cultural Insight: Witness locals using the boiling hot water to prepare traditional meals like dalo and breadfruit.
Scenic Walk: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, observing the many steam vents that give the area its atmospheric, misty appearance.
Geological History: Learn about the geology behind the springs from informative signage installed during a recent site refurbishment.

A Comparison of Fiji's Main Geothermal Sites


Feature	Sabeto Hot Springs (Viti Levu)	Nakama Hot Springs (Vanua Levu)
Experience	Therapeutic mud baths and a series of hot spring pools.	Public, free-to-observe springs used for cooking; steam vents.
Location	In the Sabeto Valley, easily accessible from Nadi and the airport.	In the town of Savusavu on Vanua Levu's south coast.
Accessibility	Well-developed for tourism with guided tours and onsite facilities.	Easily accessible, located in the town center with new landscaping.
Cost	Nominal fee applies, with extra cost for massages.	Free to visit and observe.
Main Draw	Hands-on, rejuvenating mud bath and soak experience.	Authentic cultural insight and witnessing geothermal energy up close.

The Fiji Water Artesian Spring

Beyond the thermal springs, Fiji is also famous for its high-quality bottled artesian water. Sourced from a sustainable, natural artesian aquifer in the Yaqara Valley on Viti Levu, the water is filtered naturally through volcanic rock. This process gives the water a unique mineral profile and a distinctively soft, smooth taste. This demonstrates that Fiji's springs are not all geothermal; some are a source of pure, untouched drinking water, bottled and exported worldwide.

Conclusion

In short, the answer to the question "does Fiji have springs?" is a definitive yes, in more ways than one. From the therapeutic volcanic mud pools of Sabeto to the traditional cooking springs of Savusavu, and the pristine artesian source of Fiji Water, the country's volcanic origins offer a fascinating and diverse range of spring-related experiences. Whether seeking rejuvenation or a unique cultural encounter, Fiji's natural springs provide a memorable addition to any island itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find hot springs primarily on the main islands. Popular locations include the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool near Nadi on Viti Levu and the Nakama Thermal Hot Springs in Savusavu on Vanua Levu.

Yes, many of the geothermal pools are safe to soak in. However, some springs, like parts of the Nakama springs, are boiling hot and used for cooking, so caution is advised. At tourist sites like Sabeto, there is a sequence of pools with varying, safe temperatures.

Yes, Fiji Water is sourced from a natural, sustainable artesian aquifer located in the remote Yaqara Valley on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu.

At the Sabeto mud pool, you cover yourself in warm, mineral-rich volcanic mud, let it dry, and then rinse off in a series of progressively warmer thermal spring pools. It's a therapeutic and fun social activity.

At the Nakama Hot Springs in Savusavu, locals have historically used the boiling water to cook traditional foods like dalo (a starchy root vegetable) and fish.

The Fiji Water bottling plant sources water from an artesian aquifer. While visitors can't access the specific aquifer, the existence of this natural spring highlights the country's pure, underground water sources.

Fiji's islands were formed by volcanic activity. Groundwater seeps deep into the earth through faults in the volcanic rock, is heated by magma, and then rises to the surface as hot springs or steam vents.