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Looking for the best day cruises in Fiji? You’ve come to the right place!
To truly experience Fiji’s island paradise, you’ve got to get off the mainland and explore by boat. From colorful coral reefs to secluded sandbars and postcard-worthy private islands, the best spots are only accessible by water—and trust me, they’re worth it!
After multiple trips and plenty of boat days, we’ve finally narrowed down to the top 5 best day cruises in Fiji. Whether you’re after incredible snorkeling, unlimited drinks, or relaxing on an uninhabited island, these tours are the ultimate way to spend a day in paradise. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
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Our personal favorite day cruise in Fiji is this full-day catamaran adventure! You’ll spend the day relaxing on the boat, snorkeling pristine reefs, swimming in turquoise waters, and exploring secluded sandbars. Plus, a delicious buffet lunch and beer and wine are included!
Best Day Cruises in Fiji
1. Full-Day Luxury Catamaran Cruise
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9:45 am
- Highlights: Sail around the Mamanuca Islands on a 78-foot luxury catamaran, enjoy specialty cocktails from the bar, snorkel at pristine sand cays, and indulge in a delicious buffet lunch
- Inclusions: Round-trip hotel transfers, snorkelling gear, lunch, soft drinks/water, 2 hours of unlimited beer & wine, use of paddle board
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Imagine sailing on a luxury catamaran through crystal-clear blue waters, snorkeling around untouched coral reefs, and exploring remote sandbars. If that sounds like your idea of a great day, you’re going to love this catamaran cruise!
I know I probably sound a little too excited—but that’s because I am! This is one of the best tours in Fiji—we loved it so much that when we got married, we actually rented the entire boat for our wedding party.
This full-day cruise takes you through the stunning Mamanuca Islands on a spacious, luxurious catamaran with plenty of room to lounge in the sun or shade. There’s even a full-service bar on board with delicious cocktails (available for an extra cost) and comfy seating throughout.
The day starts with hotel pick-up and a welcome mimosa as you board at Port Denarau Marina. From there, you’ll cruise through crystal-clear waters to vibrant snorkeling spots and have the chance to swim to a remote sandbar, complete with picture-perfect white sand and turquoise seas.
After a freshly prepared gourmet lunch, things get even better: you’ll enjoy two hours of unlimited beer and wine, served on the boat or brought out to you on the sandbar via tender boat, which was such a fun touch!
With a waterslide, paddleboards, great tunes, and an awesome crew, this day is as relaxing or active as you want it to be. We’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Read the hundreds of 5-star reviews and reserve your spot here!
2. Fijian Island Hopping and Snorkelling Cruise
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Swim and snorkel at 3 different spots around the Mamanuca Islands, have a traditional Lovo lunch on Monuriki Island (where Castaway was filmed!), enjoy free time to explore the island
- Inclusions: Free pick up from Denarau Island Resorts, guide, lunch, snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks/water, snorkelling equipment
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 2,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This full-day cruise was hands-down one of our favorite days in Fiji! If you love snorkeling, island hopping, and a bit of adventure, this tour is for you. Unlike some cruises that are more about lounging on the boat, this one keeps you moving and exploring. It’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a more active day trip through the Mamanuca Islands.
Over the course of the day, we visited Mana, Monu, and Monuriki Islands—all stunning, but Monuriki was the highlight. It’s the island where Cast Away was filmed, and yes, Wilson is there waiting for a photo op! We had time to explore the island, visit the iconic filming spots, and even enjoyed a traditional lovo lunch on the beach (with unlimited wine and beer too, of course!).
The snorkeling at each stop was incredible. The variety of fish and coral blew us away, and we spent as much time in the water as we could. If you love snorkeling, this tour takes you to some of the best spots we experienced in Fiji.
Between island stops, we were treated to snacks and some amazing scenery. Plus, our crew was top-notch! They were so warm and fun—we loved chatting with them and learning about Fijian life and culture.
The tour leaves from Port Denarau at 9 am, with hotel pickup included if you’re staying nearby. Honestly, if you’re looking for an unforgettable island tour in Fiji, this is it. There’s a reason it has THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews!
Check availability for your travel dates and secure your spot on this popular day cruise here!
Related Read: Castaway Island (locally named Qalito) is not the same as Mounuriki Island, where the Tom Hanks movie was filmed – but there are plenty of great reasons to visit this spot, too!
3. Full-Day Cruise to Castaway Island
- Duration: 8/9 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Cruise through Fiji’s stunning Mamanuca Islands aboard a high-speed catamaran, spend five blissful hours on Castaway Island (one of Fiji’s most beautiful island resorts), swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the soft white sand
- Inclusions: Round-trip catamaran transfers from Denarau Marina, free hotel pickups and drop-offs from most Nadi and Denarau resorts, snorkeling gear, resort pool access, two-course or buffet lunch, onboard WiFi
- Rating: 4.3 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There’s no better way to experience Fiji’s island magic than by spending a day at sea, and this cruise to Castaway Island is one of our favorites. We’ve taken a few day trips around the Mamanuca Islands, and every time feels like the first, that moment the catamaran pulls away from Denarau and the ocean turns a deeper shade of turquoise never gets old.
The journey is just the beginning, though. As soon as you arrive at Castaway, you’ll see why it’s one of Fiji’s most-loved islands. The beach is ridiculously pretty, with soft white sand and water so clear it barely looks real. You can snorkel straight from the shore, float in the resort pool, or just stretch out under a palm tree and let the world drift by.
Lunch at the beachside restaurant is a treat too, with fresh island-style dishes and ocean views that make everything taste better. There’s a Kids Club for little travelers, and for those feeling adventurous, kayaking and windsurfing are on offer. The trip back to Denarau is always a highlight, with the Fijian crew singing and playing guitar as the sun sets over the islands.
This Castaway Island cruise is pure Fiji fun, a full day of sun, sea, and smiles that reminds you exactly why island life feels so good.
Secure your spot here and receive FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise and Cultural Show
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 5 pm
- Highlights: Sail past tropical islands while watching the sunset, indulge in an onboard buffet dinner, enjoy a cultural show by Fijian musicians & dancers
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off (Nadi & Denarau), welcome cocktail, tea/coffee, dinner
- Rating: 4 stars (check 280+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
What could be better than watching the Fijian sun dip below the horizon while enjoying a gourmet dinner? This sunset dinner cruise takes it up a notch with an onboard Fijian cultural show, making it an evening you won’t forget.
The cruise departs Denarau Port between 5 and 5:30 pm and returns by 8:30 pm—perfect if you’re after a shorter cruising experience. Plus, round-trip transport is included for most Nadi and Denarau hotels, so it’s totally hassle-free.
You’ll be welcomed onboard with a complimentary cocktail, and while tea and coffee are free, other drinks have to be purchased, so bring some extra cash. Personally, we think the Mokusiga Pacific Lager is the perfect pairing for sunset on the water!
Before dinner, we had plenty of time to take in the scenery and snap lots of sunset photos, so make sure you dress up. Even on a cloudy evening, the views were stunning!
Dinner is served buffet-style with plenty of options (including vegetarian dishes), but we highly recommend upgrading to the lobster dinner—it was so good we forgot to take a photo! But the post-dinner cultural performance was the real highlight, full of music and traditional Fijian dance. We’ve seen a lot of shows in Fiji, but the crew’s energy made this one feel especially memorable.
This cruise runs every day except Monday and is the perfect mix of romance, scenery, and culture—ideal for couples, honeymoons, or just a fun night out in paradise!
Check availability for this sunset cruise here!
Related Read: Another fantastic getaway in Fiji from Denarau is Seventh Heaven Fiji. This floating oasis is one of our favorite spots!
5. Day Cruise to Tivua Island
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Sail on a tall ship to the island of Tivua, experience a kava ceremony, relax on the island, snorkel with a marine biologist, and go on a glass-bottom boat tour
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, guide, BBQ lunch, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks and paddle boards, kava ceremony
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
What makes this Tivua Island day cruise so special is that you spend the entire day on one beautiful island instead of rushing between stops. With drinks, meals, and activities all included, it’s the perfect tour for anyone who wants to explore, relax, and soak up the best of Fiji in one place.
You’ll depart Port Denarau at 10 am aboard the Ra Marama, a gorgeous 1957 schooner. During the 75-minute cruise to the island, you’ll be treated to morning coffee or tea and live music from the crew (who were amazing!). We loved the cultural touches, like the kava welcome ceremony and traditional Fijian songs—it really added meaning to the experience.
Tivua Island itself is a slice of paradise, surrounded by soft white sand and over 500 acres of vibrant coral reef. There’s so much to do here—guided snorkel tours with a marine biologist, glass-bottom boat rides (we saw an octopus!), stand-up paddleboarding, and beach lounging with a cold beer or wine in hand.
A freshly prepared BBQ lunch is served right on the island, with grilled fish, chicken, and fresh salads. After a full day of sun, sea, and great company, you’ll cruise back to Denarau with more music and even more memories!
You can snag your tickets in advance here through Viator with the option to pay later!
Other Activities to do While in Fiji
While day cruises are one of the best things to do in Fiji, there are plenty of other amazing activities to check out too. Below are a few of our absolute favorites to help round out your trip and make the most of your time in paradise!
- Go sightseeing! – Nadi is one of Fiji’s largest cities and the main gateway for most travelers flying in and out of the country. There’s a surprising amount to see and do here, and this sightseeing tour makes it easy to check off all the highlights in just half a day. You’ll see the Hindu Temple, Nadi Market, Garden of the Sleeping Giant, and the relaxing mud pools. It’s a great mix of culture, nature, and a little pampering to top it all off!
- Visit a floating bar – Some of my absolute favorite days in Fiji were spent lounging on a floating bar, surrounded by nothing but turquoise ocean and blue skies. The two best options are Seventh Heaven and Cloud 9—and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. Both offer great food, drinks, music, and those unbeatable ocean views. If you need help choosing between them, check out our full comparison review!
- Relax at Malamala Beach Club – For the ultimate way to relax, take a short boat ride out to Malamala Beach Club. With white sand beaches, an infinity pool, water activities, and beachside cabanas with drink service, it’s pure island bliss. Add in great cocktails and gourmet food, and you’ve got a dream day in Fiji!
- Visit the cultural village – If you’re looking to experience Fijian culture beyond the beaches, this Cultural Village Tour is a must! You’ll watch visit a traditional village, watch a cultural performance (with fire dancing!), and participate in a kava ceremony—all while enjoying a delicious buffet dinner. It’s a fun, interactive evening that gives you a real feel for the local culture and warm Fijian hospitality.
- Go ziplining – If you’re craving some adventure in Fiji, this half-day ziplining tour is the perfect adrenaline fix! Just outside of Nadi, you’ll soar through the treetops on 16 giant ziplines and explore hidden caves tucked into the limestone cliffs. It’s fast-paced, fun, and a great way to mix some thrill into your tropical getaway!
Where to Stay in Fiji
There are so many great areas to stay in Fiji. You can choose to stay on the main island of Viti Levu or venture out to the smaller surrounding islands. If you are planning to catch one of the day cruises above, I recommend staying in Port Denarau (where the cruises depart from) or in Nadi nearby.
If they are available, these are my top picks for each area in Fiji that fit a range of budgets:
Nadi – The Ramada
Located right on Wailoaloa Beach, the Ramada Suites by Wyndham is the most luxurious hotel in this area. It features an exclusive pool and restaurant for guest use only. It is the tallest building in the area, offering incredible views of the coastline and sunsets!
Because of its close proximity to the airport (only a 15-minute drive), many people stay here for a night before or after their flight. It’s a good place to spend some time before catching a ferry out to an island. A King Studio Room with a sea view goes for around $200 USD. Check availability and book a stay at the Ramada here!
Port Denarau – Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa
If you’re looking for a luxury resort with all the tropical trimmings, the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa is a standout. It’s set right on the beach with dreamy ocean views, 9 swimming pools (including 2 adults-only pools), and a long stretch of soft white sand. There are multiple restaurants and a spa on-site, and it’s just a short drive from Port Denarau, making it a great base if you’re planning to do island cruises or day trips.
Rooms here start from around $400 USD per night and range from standard hotel-style rooms with king beds or two queens, up to two-bedroom suites. Check availability and prices at the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort here!
Yasawa Islands – Barefoot Manta Island Resort
Barefoot Manta Island Resort is perfect for those wanting a real island getaway experience without paying huge amounts of money. Surrounded by a vibrant protected coral reef, this is the best place to go for ocean lovers. You can even swim with manta rays just off the shore from May-October!
You can easily get to Barefoot Manta Island Resort on the Yasawa Flyer ferry that departs Port Denarau regularly. The ride should take about 3 hours.
They offer dorm beds for only $29 USD a night. There are also private beachfront bungalows available starting at around $200 USD per night. Check prices and availability for Barefoot Manta Island Resort here!
Mamanuca Islands – Beachcomber Island Resort
Beachcomber Island Resort is one of the most popular island resorts in Fiji. Its affordable pricing mixed with its close proximity to Viti Levu make it one of the best places to stay in Fiji. You can reach the Beachcomber Resort from Port Denarau by riding the Yasawa Flyer ferry. The ride should take about 2 hours.
There are many different rooms and bungalows to choose from – something for every budget! Remember, all these prices also include ALL your meals. Dorm beds go for as little as $60 USD per night, whereas you can get a standard twin room for $225 USD. Check prices and availability at Beachcomber Island Resort here!
Coral Coast – Maui Palms
Mixing beach life and luxury, the Maui Palms is perfect for those wanting a bit of pampering on their holiday. There are lots of on-site activities, and the snorkeling right in front of the resort is great. Expect an infinity pool, games room, bar, restaurant, and beautiful ocean-view villas with private balconies!
The location on the Coral Coast means you don’t need a boat to get there, but can still experience some of the tranquility and beautiful beaches you might find on the smaller islands. There are also a few restaurants nearby, so you won’t be confined to the hotel.
Rooms and villas here start at around $250 USD and up. Check prices and availability for the Maui Palms here!
If you’re looking for more info about where to stay in Fiji, be sure to read our blog. It includes detailed information on the best areas and hotels!
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There you have it – all the best day cruises in Fiji! Honestly, you have to take a cruise in Fiji because where else will you get to explore uninhabited beaches and such stunning waters?! Plus, we’ve vetted all the ones on this list to ensure you have an amazing time. I hope you found the perfect one for you, but truthfully, you can’t go wrong no matter which one you pick.
If you need more ideas on what to do, be sure to check out the rest of our Fiji guides. You can get started with one of the popular ones below:
13 BEST Things to do in Suva – A Guide to Exploring Fiji’s Capital City
Fiji Culture Village Experience and Tours – Know Before You Go!