Beqa Island: Hiking, Reef and Firewalking

On Beqa Island, a striking mountainous landscape, guided hikes and a living firewalking tradition come together. The island also offers reef and diving activities in Beqa Lagoon.

Beqa’s Landscape and Getting Around

Beqa Island rises to a 462 m mountain peak. Steep slopes and valleys descend to a coral reef coastline within Beqa Lagoon. The uplands and reef coast are two distinctive geographic landmarks of the island. There are no roads on Beqa; you travel by boat. Keep this in mind when getting around the island.

Guided Hikes to Historic Sites

A full-day guided hike leads to an old village fortification on the rocky headland of Korovatu, which rises to 292 m. Another full-day guided hike reaches the remains of a US-built radar station from the Second World War on Delaibeqa (385 m). Both tours take a full day, but lead to different historic sites: one to a village fortification, the other to a wartime radar station.

The summit of Mount Ulunkoro is also a hiking destination. It is located on Beqa Island at an elevation of 460 m; from there, panoramic views extend across the lagoon, the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands. This summit hike stands apart from the tours to historic remains for its scenic viewpoints.

The Firewalking Tradition on Beqa

The firewalking tradition began about 500 years ago in the highland village of Nakarovu. This special ability associated with fire is still linked to the bloodline of Tuinaiviqalita and members of Beqa’s Sawau tribe, and is demonstrated in a firewalking ceremony.

At Beqa Lagoon Resort, firewalkers from Beqa perform a ritual described as ancient before dinner. The program may change; check in advance for the current schedule. This allows the longstanding tradition and a specific performance to be understood as distinct aspects of firewalking.

Reef and Dive Sites in Beqa Lagoon

The official Shark Reef Marine Reserve is located in the coral reef lagoon surrounding Beqa Island. For guests of Beqa Lagoon Resort, the house reef is just a few steps from the beach; guided reef snorkeling tours are also available. Tour availability may change.

In Beqa Lagoon surrounding Beqa Island, Aqua Trek offers shark and soft coral dives. The dive sites are a 10 to 15 minute boat ride away. In Beqa Lagoon, experienced divers can take dives from a depth of 18 m, where eight shark species and hundreds of other fish can be found. Schedules and certification requirements may change; check with the operator for current times and requirements.

Waterfall Hike and Swimming Pool

A hike leads through Beqa’s rainforest to a natural spring-fed waterfall and includes a swim in the crystal-clear pool at the foot of the falls. Trail conditions may vary. This tour focuses on a waterfall and swimming in the pool, while the climb up Mount Ulunkoro is primarily about the panoramic views.

Boat Crossing and Travel Planning

The scheduled boat crossing from Pacific Harbour to Beqa Island Resort takes 45 minutes; departures are listed daily at 11:00 am and 4:30 pm. A reservation is required for the boat. Check the schedule before traveling and allow for the crossing time when planning your arrival.

Discover more destinations: Naingani, Melimeli.

Back to the broader travel overview: Central Division.