6 Best Day Trips to do with Family in Fiji

If you are staying in Nadi and especially Denarau, you can hop on a high-speed catamaran in the morning and be back in time for dinner at your hotel.

Something to note about the day trips in Fiji which is mostly in the Mamamuca and Yasawa regions is that they depart from Port Denarau Marina in Nadi. it’s one of the reasons why staying in Nadi is a must to comfortably take these day excursions. Buses or coaches will pick you up early morning then drop you back at 5pm so staying in Nadi is preferable.

1. Malamala Mamanuca Day Trip

Malamala Beach Club is easily one of the best day trips you can take in Fiji. Located just 25 minutes from Port Denarau and the first stop of the catamaran before venturing to the next island of South Sea Island. Read more in-depth of Malamala here.

The infinity pool overlooks the Mamanuca Islands and is hands-down the ultimate spot for an Instagram photo, but if you really want to treat yourself, you can rent a private beachside cabana complete with butler service to feel like a celebrity for the day.

Unlike other islands that are home to resorts or local villages, Malamala is purely for day guests. It feels like a private club in the middle of the ocean. The food menu is prepared on-site on per order basis.

Instead of standard tourist buffets, they serve an incredible à la carte menu with Pacific-inspired food. I had the skewers with fries and they were delicious, just keep in mind that food and drinks cost extra beyond your pass.

Honestly, the beach and water here felt much cleaner than other popular spots like Beachcomber Island and Kadavu Lailai. You can’t go wrong with Malamala if you had to choose just one island day trip.

Malamala Day Trip Itinerary

To Malamala is super straightforward you just catch a high-speed catamaran with South Sea Cruises right out of Port Denarau.

Full-day trips usually set sail around 9:30 AM (or 10:00 AM if you’re coming from the Coral Coast), so you’ll be stepping onto the island’s jetty by 10:00 AM with the whole day ahead of you.

Once you arrive, the schedule is completely up to you, whether that means lounging by the infinity pool, snorkeling in the crystal-clear lagoon, or settling in for a long, relaxed lunch at the restaurant.

When you’re ready to head home, you can hop on either the 4:15 PM or 5:15 PM boat back, bringing you back to Port Denarau by 4:45 PM or 6:00 PM.

Once you arrive you’ll need to get a card from the reception on the island where your drinks and food will be billed to then before heading back to Denarau you must return the card and settle your bill at the same time. It’s a cashless payment so only debit and credit cards are accepted. If this sounds too bothersome try the next island.

Denarau Resorts with Kids Club

Nadi Hotels for Transiting

7-day Sofitel Honeymoon

2. South Sea Island Day Trip

If you only have half a day or you want an island that feels like a giant tropical playground, South Sea Island is the place to be. This tiny “treasure island” is located just 30 minutes from Port Denarau and perfect for families with young children. They’re going to like the semi-submersible craft.

The South Sea Island is very popular because it combines island time with the bells and whistles including snorkelling gear, buffet lunch and unlimited drinks at a nice price especially when travelling as a family or in groups.

The island itself is so small you can walk around it in about ten minutes, but don’t let the size fool you. It is packed with activities.

South Sea Island Highlights

South Sea Island offers semi-submersible submarine viewer which lets you explore the corals and colorful fishes up close without getting your hair wet (a total game-changer for toddlers and grandparents!).

You also won’t have to worry about extra costs throughout the day because your trip includes an all-inclusive buffet lunch along with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks while on the island.

You’ll get a lovely dose of local culture with a live traditional Fijian Meke singing and dancing performance during lunch, served every day except Sundays.

South Sea Day Trip Itinerary

Getting to South Sea Island is a breeze with a quick 30-minute catamaran ride straight from Port Denarau.

Depending on whether you choose a full-day or half-day trip, your boat departs at either 9:30 AM or 12:15 PM, getting you onto the island by 10:00 AM or 12:45 PM.

Whenever you’re ready to call it a day, return boats head back at 3:00 PM or 5:15 PM, bringing you back to Port Denarau by 6:00 PM at the latest.

3. Castaway Island Day Trip

Castaway Island Resort is a private resort island, and the day trip gives you “shipwrecked in luxury” vibe. Perfect for couples and honeymooners. Day trips is a much cheaper option to enjoy the Fiji island resort without paying an arm and a leg for staying overnight.

Beautiful beach at Mamanuca Islands with resort and sailboats.

Grab your snorkelling mask and fins (which are complimentary) and swim out a few meters straight off the beach into vibrant coral gardens.

Castaway has a “boutique” feel. It’s less about loud music and more about white sand, swaying palm trees, and high-end service. If you want a more intimate island trip look no further. Also, it’s a bit further out than South Sea Island, so you get to enjoy a longer, scenic boat ride through the Mamanuca group.

When you get hungry, the beachfront restaurant serves up a delicious à la carte or buffet lunch that is a serious step up from your standard, basic island BBQ. Plus, you get full access to the resort’s beautiful freshwater pools, including a peaceful adults-only pool that’s ideal for relaxing.

Castaway Island Day Trip Itinerary

Getting to Castaway Island is half the fun with a scenic 90-minute cruise across the water departing Port Denarau at 9:30 AM, delivering you to the island resort right around 11:00 AM.

Once you step ashore, you’ll have hours to enjoy a delicious lunch at the beachside restaurant, cool off in the freshwater pools, and snorkel straight off the white sandy beach into clear, turquoise waters.

When the day winds down, the catamaran departs Castaway at 4:20 PM, getting you comfortably back to Port Denarau by 6:00 PM.

Check out our blog on where to stay in Denarau for your day trip

4. Malolo Island Day Trip

Malolo Island is a larger, more lush island that is home to several resorts and local villages. A day trip here gives a more authentic Fiji Island vibe because you aren’t just on a tiny sand cay; you are on a volcanic island with hills and deep blue bays. Personal note: the view here is similar to Savusavu in Vanua Levu, Fiji.

Malolo has a very laid-back “old Fiji” feel. The resort where you’ll spend your day is designed like a colonial plantation, with huge verandas and beautiful gardens which is a nod to Fijian history.

Malolo Highlights

Malolo Island Resort gives you the best of both worlds, whether you want to unwind or stay active. You can spend your day floating between the massive family pool and the peaceful adults-only pool complete with a swim-up bar, or take a break from your sun lounger to explore the island’s scenic hiking trails that lead straight to the summit for breathtaking views. Plus, if you’re traveling with little ones, their fantastic kids’ club will keep the children happily entertained while you relax with a quiet cocktail by the water.

Malolo Island Day Trip Itinerary

Getting to Malolo Island is easy on a high-speed catamaran out of Port Denarau, which typically sets sail at 9:30 AM and drops you off at the Malolo jetty around 11:05 AM.

You’ll have the whole afternoon to spend however you like – relaxing by the swim-up bars, paddling out on a kayak, or hiking up the island’s trails for a panoramic 360-degree view across the Mamanuca Islands.

When it’s time to head home, the boat departs at 4:10 PM, bringing you smoothly back to Port Denarau by 6:00 PM..

5. Mantaray Island Day Trip

If your main goal in Fiji is to see manta rays and untouched coral—then you need to head to the Yasawa Islands. Mantaray Island Resort is a bit of a journey (about 3 hours each way on the “Yasawa Flyer” catamaran), but it is worth every minute. It’s great for adventure seekers and marine life lovers.

Colorful coral reef with a fish swimming above it in clear blue water.

Mantaray island is located on a channel where the water is rich in nutrients, attracting incredible marine life. While the trip is long, the scenery on the way is spectacular. It’s like a mini-cruise.

Mantaray Highlights

Even if you visit outside of manta season, you won’t miss out, as the island boasts what is arguably the best house reef snorkeling in Fiji, located just steps from the beach and teeming with thousands of vibrant, colorful fish.

If you visit during manta ray season between May and October, you might hear the resort ring its iconic bell which is your signal to jump straight into the channel and swim alongside these majestic marine creatures!

Mantaray Day Trip Itinerary

Getting to Barefoot Manta Island is an adventure in itself, starting with an early 8:45 AM departure from Port Denarau aboard the “Yasawa Flyer” catamaran for a scenic three-hour cruise through the islands.

You’ll pull up to the island around 11:35 AM with roughly three and a half hours to enjoy lunch, relax, and snorkel the vibrant reef. If you visit during manta ray season from May to October and the rays are spotted, you’ll be whisked straight out into the channel to swim right alongside them!

Your return boat collects you at 2:55 PM, getting you comfortably back to Port Denarau by 6:00 PM..

6. Mana Island Day Trip

Mana Island is one of the largest resorts in the Mamanucas. It is so big that it actually has three different beach areas. This makes it a great choice if you are traveling in a group where everyone wants to do something different.

Because Mana is an expansive resort, it never feels crowded. You can always find a private corner to yourself. It also features a “semi-submersible” boat, just like South Sea Island, but it explores a different part of the reef system.

Mana Island Highlights

Mana Island Resort offers plenty of variety to suit whatever mood you’re in, starting with three distinct beaches. You can relax on the calm Lagoon side that’s perfect for kids, retreat to the quiet and romantic North Beach, or head over to Sunset Beach to watch the day wind down.

Also, because it’s a larger, well-established resort, you get to enjoy top-notch facilities, including spotless changing rooms and multiple bars scattered across the property.

There’s never a dull moment with activities ranging from traditional Fijian basket weaving to hands-on coral planting, which gives you an amazing chance to give back to the marine ecosystem while you visit.

Mana Island Day Trip Itinerary

Getting to Mana Island is simple with a high-speed catamaran ride through the Mamanuca group that departs Port Denarau at 9:30 AM, bringing you to the island’s shores by 10:45 AM.

You’ll have plenty of time to customize your day, whether you want to hit the Lagoon beach for water sports, stretch out on North Beach for a quiet nap, or enjoy the buffet lunch included with your trip.

When you’re ready to wrap things up, the return vessel leaves at 4:40 PM, getting you back to Port Denarau by 6:00 PM.

Plan your Fiji Day Trip on a Budget

Passport holders of Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, China Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore etc. don’t need a visa when travelling to Fiji. Others please see this list.

Step 1: Early birds gets the best price. Best time to travel to Fiji is between April – May & October – November where there’s a good balance of nice weather, lower prices and smaller crowds. Try checking flight cost below to get a rough idea.

Step 2: A few dollars difference can go a long way. I’ve linked below the best affordable family resort with free airport pick-up and free pick-up and drop-off to most Fiji tours and Mamanuca day trips. Click on each hotel platform to compare which is the cheapest: Agoda, Klook, Expedia, Trip.com, Booking.com and Hotels.com.

Step 3: Fiji tours and day trips are in demand with limited spaces. It’s wise to book via Viator, GetYourGuide or Klook to reserve your spot especially for big groups. Book travel e-sim, travel insurance and hotel transfer for smooth holiday.

Step 4: List your travel essentials and pack accordingly.

Step 5: Check-in online if available and be at the airport 3 hours early.

Step 6: Upon arrival at Nadi International Airport, there’s a toilet at the immigration area. Visitors section is on the left and Fiji residents on the right.

Step 7: If required there are money exchanges in the baggage claim area (right side) and the arrival area (left side). There’s also a currency exchanger in the departure hall to exchange back FJD to tour local currency before your flight back.

Airport Transfer

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FAQ

1. Which island is best for a “Beach Club” experience?

Malamala Beach Club is the top choice for travellers wanting a chic, upbeat atmosphere. It features an infinity pool and private cabanas. Unlike most resort day trips, Malamala is designed specifically for day-trippers, so you won’t feel like you’re “crashing” a hotel. Read more about it in the blog section.

2. Which trip is best for families with toddlers or young children?

South Sea Island is the most popular pick for young families. It is the closest island to Port Denarau (only 30 minutes away), which minimizes travel time. It also features a semi-submersible coral viewer, allowing kids to see the reef and “Finding Nemo” fish without getting in the water. Food and drinks are included for everyone which when you think about it saves a lot of money.

3. Can I swim with Manta Rays on a day trip?

Yes, but only at Mantaray Island Resort. This trip takes you further north into the Yasawa Islands. Please note that Manta Ray sightings are seasonal (typically May to October) and depend on the tides. This is a longer day (approx. 3 hours travel each way), so it’s best for dedicated adventure seekers and if you’re a couple who love the sea, this the perfect day trip.

4. Which island has the best snorkeling directly off the beach?

Mantaray Island and Castaway Island offer some of the most vibrant marine sanctuaries accessible right from the shore.

Mana Island is unique because it has three different beach areas (North, South, and Sunset beaches), giving you multiple reef environments to explore in a single day.

5. Is lunch included in these Fiji island day trips?

Most day trip packages are inclusive, but the style of lunch varies:

Included: South Sea Island (BBQ Buffet + Drinks), Castaway (2-course à la carte), Malolo (1 course à la carte), and Mana (Buffet).

Additional Cost: At Malamala Beach Club, you pay for what you eat and drink from their à la carte menu, which features high-end Pacific-fusion cuisine. Highly recommend the BBQ skewers and fries.

6. Which island is the best for a “Classic Resort” experience?

If you want to spend the day at a world-renowned resort, Castaway Island and Malolo Island are the top choices. These islands offer a more traditional Fijian aesthetic with thatched-roof bures and lush tropical gardens. They feel more “secluded” and “boutique” than the larger Mana Island.

6 Best Day Trips to do with Family in Fiji | Which is Better?