Nadi & Sleeping Giant: ATV Quad Bike, Mud Pool & Hot Springs

Summary

ATV ride from Nadi to orchids and Fiji’s famous mud pools

You’ll zip through Nadi on an ATV quad bike with a local guide, wander among wild orchids at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, then sink into Fiji’s famous mud pools and hot springs. Expect laughter, muddy hands, and real moments with locals — plus snacks and hotel pickup to keep things easy.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll get mud in places you didn’t know existed,” our guide Ben grinned as he handed me a helmet. He was right — I’m still finding bits of Fiji in my shoes. We started out at the Go Dirty Tours base in Nadi, helmets a little crooked, engines humming nervously. The air smelled like rain on dust and something sweet from a nearby stall. I’d never driven an ATV before, but Ben just laughed and said, “Just don’t race me.” (Spoiler: I didn’t.)

The quad bike ride was way more fun than I expected — bumpy enough to make my teeth chatter but not scary. We zipped through town, past kids waving and women selling pineapples at the market. The road turned rougher as we headed toward the Sleeping Giant Mountain Range. At some point I realized my hands were covered in red dirt and I kind of loved it. We stopped at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant — orchids everywhere, some colors I’d never seen before. It was quiet except for birds arguing overhead. Ben pointed out which flowers his grandmother liked best; he seemed proud of this place.

After that came the Tifajek Mud Pool and Hot Spring — honestly, slathering myself in grayish mud felt ridiculous at first (my friend took way too many photos), but once it dried and we washed off in those warm pools, it was just… relaxing. You could smell sulfur but also frangipani drifting over from somewhere. There were other travelers chatting with locals who run the pools; everyone seemed to slow down here.

The ride back was quieter — maybe tiredness or maybe just that post-hot-spring floaty feeling. My arms ached a bit but in a good way. If you want a day trip from Nadi that’s equal parts adventure and just soaking up Fiji’s weird magic (and actual mud), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour with garden and hot springs

• Safety briefing and test drive
• Visit local market for fruits
• Explore Garden of the Sleeping Giant
• Enjoy Tifajek Mud Pool and Hot Spring
• ATV ride back to base

Top questions

How long is the ATV quad bike tour from Nadi?

The tour lasts about 4-5 hours including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Nadi.

Do I need experience to drive an ATV on this tour?

No prior experience is needed; there’s a safety briefing and test drive before starting.

What should I bring for the mud pool & hot springs?

Bring a driver’s license, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, change of clothes, towel and swimwear.

Are entry fees for the Garden of the Sleeping Giant included?

Yes, all entry fees for attractions are included in your booking.

Is food provided during the tour?

A snack pack and bottled water are provided for each guest.

Can children join this ATV adventure?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; they share a two-seater quad bike with their adult driver.

What if it rains on the day of my booking?

The tour operates in most weather conditions; only extremely poor weather may cause cancellation or rescheduling options.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels), all entry fees to both Tifajek Mud Pools & Hot Springs plus the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, use of ATV safety gear like helmets and glasses, bottled water with light snacks along the way, free tour photos snapped by your guide so you don’t have to worry about your phone getting muddy—and everything led by someone who really knows these roads.