Part of our Pacific Islands guide.
Oceania’s highlights span Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and French Polynesia, but the Galápagos Islands are part of Ecuador, not this region. Below are seven places and guides from our coverage, with practical travel tips for the Pacific Islands.
Related travel guides: Things To Do In Pacific Islands, Hidden Gems In Pacific Islands, Beaches In Pacific Islands, and What It Costs In Pacific Islands.
Oceania Travel Guide - Best Places To Visit In Oceania + Tips
Oceania covers Australia and thousands of islands across the Pacific Ocean, including Fiji, French Polynesia, and Samoa. Australia is the largest country here, home to the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef. Focus on one or two island groups rather than hopping across the entire region—flights between remote islands are limited and can be pricey. Carry cash in local currencies for smaller islands, as card acceptance is patchy outside resorts.
How To Extend A Layover In Fiji
If you have a layover in Fiji, choose one lasting at least 24 to 48 hours—this gives you enough time to leave the airport, see some sights, and return without stressing about your connection. Book a layover that includes an overnight stay if possible, as day trips from Nadi can feel rushed. Many airlines allow you to extend a stopover for a small fee, so check with your carrier before booking. For shorter layovers, stay near the airport and use the time to sample local food or visit a nearby beach rather than attempting a full island tour.
Visiting Las Bachas In The Galápagos
Las Bachas is a white-sand beach on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, but note that the Galápagos are part of Ecuador, not Oceania or the Pacific Islands as covered in this guide. If you do visit, you’ll find flamingos and marine iguanas near the lagoon, and the beach is one of the few places in the archipelago where you can swim without a guide. The site is accessible only by boat or a short walk from the dock, and there are no facilities, so bring water and snacks.
Visiting Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) In The Galápagos
Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill, sits on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos—again, part of Ecuador, not the Pacific Islands region. The site is named for the land iguanas that resemble mythical dragons, and a hike up the hill rewards you with panoramic views of volcanic landscapes and the ocean. The trail is about 1.5 miles round trip and takes roughly an hour, with a steep but manageable climb. You’ll likely see iguanas basking on the rocks near the trail, so keep a respectful distance and avoid feeding them.
Natural Wonders Of Samoa: 5 Unmissable Sights
Samoa offers five unmissable natural sights. First, the To Sua Ocean Trench is a collapsed lava tube filled with clear turquoise water, accessible by a long ladder down the cliff. Second, the Papaseea Sliding Rocks are natural rock slides worn smooth by freshwater, perfect for a family splash. Third, the Alofaaga Blowholes shoot seawater high into the air along the rugged south coast. Fourth, the Piula Cave Pool is a freshwater spring in a lava tube, ideal for swimming. Fifth, the Saleaula Lava Fields at the eastern tip of Savai’i show the aftermath of a 1905 eruption, with a buried church and village frozen in time. Samoa’s interior trails lead to waterfalls and crater lakes, but hire a local guide for safety.
Visiting Black Turtle Cove In The Galápagos
Black Turtle Cove is a secluded lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos—part of Ecuador, not the Pacific Islands region. You reach it by boat or kayak, gliding through mangrove tunnels where you’ll spot black-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays in the clear shallows. The site is a protected nesting area, so you must stay in your vessel and keep noise to a minimum. Early mornings offer the best wildlife activity, and there are no landing sites, so you’ll view everything from the water.
Cruising The Galápagos With Ecoventura
Ecoventura operates sustainable cruises in the Galápagos, which are part of Ecuador, not Oceania. Their small expedition ships carry no more than 20 passengers, allowing access to remote islands that larger vessels cannot reach. Each day includes two guided shore landings, with options for snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. Naturalist guides certified by the Galápagos National Park lead all excursions, and itineraries cover sites like the Charles Darwin Research Station and the highlands of Santa Cruz. Book well in advance, as permits for visitor sites are limited and fill up months ahead.
