Monuriki Island, Mana Sandbar and Snorkelling Day Cruise from Nadi

Port Denarau and the Mamanuca Islands

The Mamanuca Islands lie just off the west coast of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island, and are famous for white beaches, clear lagoons and reliable sunshine. Many are tiny coral islands that you can walk around in minutes, while others are steep volcanic peaks rising from the sea. The islands sit within easy reach of Nadi, which makes a Mamanuca Islands day trip from Nadi one of the most popular ways to see Fiji's outer islands.

Your day starts at Port Denarau, the main marina on Denarau Island, about 20 minutes from Nadi town. Guests staying at Denarau Island resorts are collected and brought here free of charge; transfers from other hotels can be arranged for an extra fee. Once aboard, the crew greets you with a warm bula, the Fijian welcome, and the boat heads west through the calm channels between the islands.

Mana Sandbar

Near Mana Island, a long ribbon of pure white sand appears in the middle of the lagoon, surrounded by water in every shade of blue and green. The Mana Sandbar is one of the most photographed spots in the Mamanuca Islands: you can walk along its length, wade into the warm shallows and look back at the green hills of the nearby islands. The shape of the sandbar changes with the tide, so every visit looks a little different.

The cruise stops here so you can swim, relax on the sand and take photos. The water is shallow and usually calm, which makes it a good place for children and less confident swimmers wearing life jackets. There is no shade on the sandbar itself, so bring a sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen and a towel, and drink plenty of water from the boat.

Snorkelling at Monu Cove

Monu Cove lies beside Monu Island, a neighbour of Monuriki, and its sheltered water is ideal for snorkelling. Below the surface, coral gardens shelter parrotfish, butterflyfish, clownfish in their anemones, blue starfish and sometimes reef sharks resting on the sand. The water in the Mamanuca Islands stays warm all year, usually between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius, and visibility is often excellent.

The crew provides masks, snorkels, fins and flotation devices and explains where to swim and how to protect the coral. If you are new to snorkelling, they will help you get comfortable before you set off; you can also stay closer to the boat or simply enjoy a swim. Remember not to stand on or touch the reef. For many guests, this is the best snorkelling spot of their stay in Fiji.

Monuriki Island

Monuriki, also called Modriki, is a small, steep and uninhabited island at the western edge of the Mamanuca group. Its rocky green slopes drop to a curved beach of white sand and a lagoon of startling turquoise, and the island became world famous as the setting of a well-known castaway film. It belongs to the people of the nearby village of Yanuya, who protect it as a nature reserve.

The island is also a conservation success: after introduced goats were removed, the rare Fiji crested iguana, found only in Fiji, was returned to its native forest. During the stop you walk on the beach, swim in the lagoon and explore the shoreline, but the interior is protected, so please stay on the sand. If you are wondering how to get to Monuriki Island, a day cruise from Port Denarau like this one is the easiest way.

Fijian Lovo Lunch and Local Hospitality

Lovo is Fiji's traditional feast: food such as fish, chicken, cassava and taro is wrapped in leaves and slowly cooked on hot stones in an earth oven. The result is tender, smoky and full of flavour, and it is usually reserved for celebrations and special guests. On this cruise the local crew prepares the lovo lunch for the group and serves it with salads, fresh fruit and soft drinks, juice and water.

What makes the day special for many travellers is the crew itself. The cruise is run by a Fijian family, and the crew share stories, songs and everyday island life in a relaxed, friendly way, so you feel like a guest rather than a passenger. Snacks and fresh fruit are offered throughout the day. Tell us when you book if you have dietary requirements, and we will pass them on.