Mamanuca Islands

Tiny Tivua Island in the Mamanucas

Mamanuca Islands are a group of tiny islands west of Viti Levu in Fiji.

Understand

The Mamanuca Islands consist of more than 20 islands. At high tide seven of them are completely inundated. These islands offer coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and palm fringed sandy beaches.

Islands

Islands in the Mamanuca chain, not all of which are inhabited, include:

• Amunuca
• Beachcomer
• Castaway
• Eori
• Kadavulailai (a/k/a Bounty)
• Kadomo
• Male
• Malololailai
• Malolo
• Mana
• Manu
• Matamanoa
• Modriki
• Monu
• Monuriki, an uninhabited tiny island, is very much off the beaten track. The movie Cast Away was shot on this island.
• Nautanivono
• Navadra
• Navini
• Nomatu
• Oalito
• South Sea
• Tavarua
• Tavua
• Tivua
• Tokoriki
• Treasure
• Vomo
• Vomo Lailai
• Yanuya

Get in

From Nadi International Airport

• Flights on a helicopter (Island Hoppers) or float plane offer the fastest, and most expensive, way to reach the islands.

From Denarau Marina

The marina is a 20-minute drive from Nadi Airport. One can generally catch a free bus from any of the major resorts near Nadi or from the airport to Denarau Marina. If you aren't sure, ask the front desk; they can probably call the bus for pick up. Port Denerau is the location of some of the largest and most expensive resorts on the main island, including the Sheraton, Hilton, Westin, and Radisson Hotels.

• Large, luxury catamarans from South Sea Cruises with seating for approximately 200 people take several hours to reach your destination, depending on which island is your destination. They are often air-conditioned lounge with food and drinks available for purchase. There are three daily departures: 9:15AM, 12:15PM, 3:15PM.
• Water Taxis (Seafiji) also service the islands in small aluminium boats. They are good for groups going to the same destination.

Get around

South Sea Cruises have a resort connections service. There are two modern vessels providing transfers to your Fiji Island resorts in the Mamanuca Islands. Each vessel has a "Captain's Lounge" where you can book reserved seating and travel in greater comfort. These lounges are air conditioned and include refreshments en route. South Sea Cruises ferries depart Denarau Marina several times a day and are very efficient.

Do

• Beachcomber Island. Beachcomber Island offers a lot to do, from Fijian craft lessons to coral viewing in a glass bottom boat. There is a huge range of water sports available and a great bar for cocktails on the beach with white sand stretching up under your bar stool. Snorkeling and scuba around Beachcomber island is not to be missed. The coral is surprisingly healthy and there is an abundance of fish species considering its proximity to busy resort and the many people visiting the small island. Blacktip reef sharks are in the area, but are not considered dangerous. Most only grow to around a metre in length. There is a dive shop on Beachcomber Island. 
• Bounty Island (30 min from Denarau Marina). It is largely untouched and has 48 acres of natural wilderness encircled by beautiful white sandy beaches. There is a small resort with all facilities including a fresh water swimming pool. Being a marine reserve it is perfect for snorkelling. 
• 1 Castaway Island, ☏ +679 666 1233. Snorkel straight off the beach in the crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs or enjoy other non-motorised watersports such as kayaks, catamarans, windsurfers and spyboards. 
• 2 Malolo Island. Malolo Island offers scenic walks around the volcanic island with views out over the Mamanuca Islands. 
• Mana Island Resort. Mana has three separate beach areas, clear waters, and lots of shady palm trees, poolside bars and loungers. Enjoy snorkelling and a range of water sports on the lagoon side or laze on the quieter North Beach. Here you have views out over uninhabited islands and Sunset Beach. Snorkeling off the North and the South Beaches of Mana island is excellent too. For divers one of the best spots is "The Supermarket", very close to Mana, where you are guaranteed to see many sharks. 
• Seaspray Ocean Sailing. Departs daily from Mana Island. Explore beautiful beaches, lagoons and the crystal clear waters of the Mamanuca Islands onboard "Seaspray", an 83-foot (25-m) classic sailing schooner. Explore the uninhabited island of Modriki, snorkel and visit a traditional Fijian island village on Yanuya. All food and drink is included. 
• South Sea Island. South Sea Island is 30 minutes from Denarau so you can either go for the whole day or take a quick trip in the morning and be back on the mainland by mid-day. South Sea Island has a swimming pool, snorkelling gear, and kayaks, stand up paddleboards and a semi-submersible coral viewer. 
• 3 Treasure Island, ☏ +679 801 0938. Treasure Island is surrounded by a marine reserve and offers great swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear waters. Choose a spot on the palm-fringed sandy beach to relax and enjoy. The hidden treasures of the resort make it a great destination for families with a pool, tennis courts and mini-golf course. They also have a turtle restoration program. 

Eat

It won't surprise anybody that Fiji's cuisine features a lot of seafood. However, it may surprise those not familiar with Fiji's history that it also includes numerous Indian dishes introduced by Indian labourers brought over in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Kokoda is a Fijian delicacy similar to ceviche or Hawaiian poke. It consists of pieces of raw fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk, often accompanied by pepper, onion and tomato.

Rourou soup is a smooth and creamy soup made from blended taro leaves and coconut milk.

Fresh tropical fruit is also popular on the islands, including plantains, papaya, mango and pawpaw.

Drink

Coconut milk!

Sleep

• 1 Beachcomber Island, ☏ +67 966 61500, info@beachcomberfiji.com.fj. Check-in: Noon, check-out: 10AM. A popular backpackers resort catering to travellers who are looking for a place to relax and have a good time. Beachcomber is known as the "party island" due to its popularity with college-age travellers, and exciting entertainment every night, including Beachcomber's own "Bula Dance". (updated Aug 2022)
• 2 Serenity Island Resort, ☏ +679 910 3500, reservations@serenityisland.com.fj. (updated Aug 2022)
• 3 South Sea Island Resort - South Sea Island, ☏ +679 999 5512, reservations@ssc.com.fj. Has a swimming pool, snorkelling gear, and kayaks, stand up paddleboards and a semi-submersible coral viewer. It is a popular backpacker resort and the dorm has just been refurbished. South Sea Island can sleep 32, ideal for an event. Dorms $235+, doubles $328. 
• 4 Mana Island, ☏ +679 665-0423, info@manafiji.com. Has a couple of backpacker resorts: Ratu Kini and Mana Lagoon (both ~$50 with 3 meals included). If you walk around to the other side of the island you might still find the remains of Survivor TV show stage (a couple dozen of bures). A pretty good reef to snorkel near sunset beach (equipment is not free though). 
• 5 Matamanoa Island Resort, ☏ +679 672 3620. A small resort for adults looking for a tranquil and tropical destination. It does not allow children under the age of 12. Guests may stay in beachfront bures or hotel rooms and spend their days laying on the beach or by the pool, snorkeling on the reefs ringing the island, scuba diving, kayaking or hiking to the top of the island. 
• 6 Six Senses Fiji, ☏ +679 666 5028, reservations-fiji@sixsenses.com. On tropical Malolo Island, 15.5 miles (25 km) from Nadi International Airport. The resort features 24 spacious private pool villas plus an additional inventory of residences, offering from two to five bedrooms. 
• 7 Vomo Island, ☏ +679 776 7955, res@vomofiji.com. A luxury Fiji resort popular with families due to the Baby Butlers programme. The adults-only Rocks Pool and Bar makes it popular with couples. It is a privately owned island (225 acres) island 15 minutes by helicopter from Nadi International Airport or a 75-minute boat ride from Denarau Marina. Accommodation for sleeping includes a mix of beachfront villas, hillside villas and luxury private residences. (updated Aug 2022)

Stay safe

The Mamanuca Islands are small and secluded, isolating them from much of the theft or other crimes committed in Fiji. The most prevalent dangers come from the environment. Wear plenty of sunblock, do not walk on or touch the coral reef or sea creatures inhabiting it, and be cautious of when and where you swim as large waves or undertows are possible.

Go next

Head to the Yasawa Islands, one of Fiji's most stunning regions. The remote Yasawa Islands group consists of a chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands. Four of these islands have dramatic elevations with summits just short of 600 m above sea level. The pristine white sandy beaches and dramatic monoliths surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons provide a beautiful environment in which to relax or enjoy the many activities on offer. Approximately 30 resorts are spread through the islands and most resorts provide basic accommodation and meals with access to natural and cultural sites.