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10 BEST Day Trips from Denarau, Fiji (Port Denarau)

10 BEST Day Trips from Denarau, Fiji (Port Denarau)

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We have been to Fiji tons of times and each time we go, there are always new and exciting things to do. From snorkeling with sharks to amazing island tours, Fiji offers so much variety and culture. You’ll never be bored! But with so many choices it can be difficult to know which tours are worth your time and money.

If you’re staying in Denarau and not sure which experiences would be best for you, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! We put together this list of the best day trips you can take from Denarau to make sure your trip to Fiji is everything you want and more. Even better, booking with Viator means you can save your spot in advance with peace of mind if your travel plans change since their refund policy is flexible.

Don’t have time to read the full article? There are fantastic tours from Denarau to fit every type of traveler. For a relaxing island getaway, we recommend taking this full-day trip to Malamala Beach Club which is only a 30-minute boat ride from Port Denarau. If you are looking for something more adventurous, you’ll love this half-day ATV tour that visits some of Nadi’s highlights like mud pools!

1. South Sea Sailing Full-Day Cruise 

A group of people relax on the seating on the South Sea Sailing Full Day Cruise in Fiji
Relaxing on Fiji’s only catamaran!
Daniel and Bailey take a selfie on the sandbar vistited on the South Sea Sailing Full Day Cruise in Fiji
Visiting secluded sandbars!

Staying in Denarau means you are very close to the Port Denarau Marina, where you can easily jump on a boat and be whisked away to some of the most beautiful islands and clear blue water you will ever see! Just off the coast are the Mamanuca Islands, a group of postcard-perfect islands that you can’t go to Fiji without witnessing!

On this full-day cruise, you will get to sail around the Mamanuca Islands in style on a luxury catamaran. The second we were welcomed on board with complimentary mimosas, we had a feeling that it was going to be a good day – and we were right! In fact, we consider this one of the best cruises in Fiji – you can read our whole review here!

Sailing through Fiji’s stunning turquoise water is always a special experience, but this cruise really takes things to the next level. The catamaran itself is fantastic, with canopies, tables, day beds, and beanbags to lounge on, and a slide right into the ocean. Pair that with a buffet lunch, followed by complimentary beer and wine, and you’re already looking at a pretty good day, but all of the exploring makes it even better.

The South Sea Sailing Full Day Cruise boat anchored in the water
The South Sea Sailing Full-Day Cruise boat anchored in the water

The route can vary day to day based on weather conditions, but regardless, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to go snorkeling and explore sand cays (small, sandy islands surrounded by a reef) on this 7-hour experience.

Please note children under 8 are not allowed on this tour due to safety reasons. There is a lot of drinking happening on the catamaran, so we think this is a great tour for couples and friends. It would even make a fun Fiji honeymoon experience!

This cruise costs $120 USD per person, which we think is a great deal considering that includes lunch, a two-hour open bar (wine and beer only), water, soft drinks, use of snorkeling equipment, and return transfers from hotels in Denarau, Nadi, Wailoaloa, Coral Coast, Natadola, Sonaisali, and Momi Bay.

If you’re ready to set sail on this 5-star adventure in paradise, book here!

2. Fiji Combo Day Tour Including Navua River Canoe, Fijian Village Visit, and Magic Waterfall

Welcome ceremony at a Fiji cultural village tour
Welcome ceremony at a Fiji cultural village tour
Navua Waterfall on a combination tour on the Navua River
Magic Waterfall!

If you’re looking for a family-friendly and stress-free tour that combines outdoor activities and cultural experiences this full-day Fiji Combo Day Tour is an outstanding option. With everything included you and your family are free to enjoy a day of Fiji’s natural and cultural wonders!

Depending on which city you’re in, your hotel pick-up time will vary as well as the length of your drive to Navua, where the adventure kicks off! If you’re in Denarau, your guide will be at your hotel at 6:30 am and the drive will be approximately 3 hours in a comfortable air-conditioned mini-van. 

Once you arrive you will board a motorboat and adventure up the Navua River. On your way keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you pass villages tucked into the rainforest, waterfalls, and other beautiful natural features. At the end of the ride, you will be treated to the “Magic Waterfall” where you can jump in and take a refreshing swim!

The rest of your day will fly by as you take a bamboo raft to a local village and learn about their customs and traditions. See time-honored dances and ceremonies, hear their stories, and even try your hand at painting! Your day will end with a traditionally prepared “Lovo” lunch and lots of smiles before your guide takes you back to your hotel.

This tour runs most days except Sunday, and the pick-up time and cost of the tour depend on which city you are staying in. If you are in Denarau, the cost is $107 USD. If you and your family are ready for a day of fun you can book your tickets here.

3. Nadi Tivua Island Day Cruise 

Our boat arrives at Nadi Tivua Island in Fiji
Arriving at Tivua!
Two people walk on the beach at Nadi Tivua Island in Fiji
The beaches are beautiful!

This Tivua Island day trip takes you on a 90-minute boat ride out to a private tropical island where you will spend your day. Once there, you’ll find a rustic beach club with thatched huts, plenty of fun activities, and great snorkeling. Plus, it’s all-inclusive, so it’s a fantastic budget option! 

The boat ride over is filled with entertainment from the crew and when you get to Tivua Island, you’re welcomed with a traditional Fijian kava ceremony. Kava is a local drink that’s known for its relaxing properties. It tastes a lot like muddy water to me, but participating in this traditional ceremony is a great way to experience Fijian culture, and the one at Tivua is beautifully done. 

When you arrive on the island, I recommend you go snorkeling right away as we had to wait for equipment to become available. But it was worth the wait because we saw many tropical fish and even baby reef sharks! The area is known for them, and don’t be afraid, they’re just little! 

Relaxing in the cabanas at Tivua Island in Fiji
It’s paradise!

You can also head out on a glass-bottomed boat with the island’s resident marine biologist, go stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, or just chill on the beach with the all-inclusive drinks. The tour includes lunch, too, which is a delicious barbecue buffet – yum! 

The Nadi Tivua island day cruise includes hotel transfers, although the price varies depending on where you’re staying. From Denarau, the cost is $115 USD per person and it conveniently leaves from the Port Denarau Marina. We think it’s a good deal because the only thing extra you might need to pay for are drinks on the boat, which is helpful if you’re visiting Fiji on a budget.

This is the best tour for people looking for time on a tropical island as well as cultural experiences. This tour sells out quickly, so be sure to secure your spot here!

Related Read: If you are looking to learn more about Fijian history and culture, make sure to visit the Fiji Culture Village during your trip!

4. Half-Day Fiji Zipline Adventure & Cave in Nadi

Bailey on a Ziplining tour in Fiji
This was a ton of fun!

If you’re a sucker for beautiful views and a little adrenaline like we are then this half-day zipline and cave adventure is right up your alley! Explore limestone caves and fly over the jungle taking in views of the ocean as you tackle the longest zipline course in Fiji!

There are morning and afternoon tours, but we recommend starting earlier to beat the heat of the day since it does involve some hiking to get to the ziplines. Regardless of when you, go your guide will pick you up from your hotel and bring you back once the day is over.

One of the really cool things about this experience was getting to see three different ecosystems. Old-growth trees, rainforests, and caves are all fun to explore with your guide since they are so educated on the area. It’s especially fun to see them from a bird’s eye view. I loved flying through the trees and getting to see the ocean all around me, that’s how high up we were!

The whole time I was on the 16-cable course I felt completely safe and comfortable. If you’re especially daring you can go upside down! It covers 3 miles (5 kilometers) and is the longest and most diverse course in the country. Plus it includes lunch which is always a bonus.

This tour runs every day of the week and is $120 USD a person from Denarau making it fun and affordable! You can book this experience in advance here.

5. Malamala Beach Club 

Daniel and Bailey relax in the infinity pool at Malamala Beach Club
The infinity pool!
An expresso martini by the pool at Malamala Beach Club in Fiji
Cheers!

Malamala Beach Club is a sleek, modern beach club on a private island only 30 minutes from the Port Denarau Marina by boat, making it super convenient to visit if you are staying in Denarau. We came here with some friends after our wedding and had so much fun – it is one of our favorite places in Fiji!

This full-day tour to Malamala gives you around 7 hours to experience everything this beach club has to offer. You can relax and soak up all of the beautiful scenery, take a dip in the infinity pool, make use of the free snorkeling equipment, go SUPing, or go for a walk along the white sandy beach.

The water is crystal clear and boasts an impressive reef out front – we even saw a turtle! When you’re not in the water you can relax on the beach while listening to great music, sipping a cocktail, and indulging in delicious food from the restaurant. Or visit the infinity pool for some great tropical vacation vibes!

Wide angle shot of Malamala Beach Club as you arrive on the boat
The island is so beautiful!

A full-day pass to Malamala Beach Club costs $85 USD. This includes your hotel transfer, boat ride to and from Malamala, and use of snorkeling and non-motorized water sports equipment. It’s important to note that food and drinks are NOT included, so be sure to budget in extra for those!

There is also an option to reserve a daybed in advance for a fee after you book by contacting Viator. There are many free daybeds available for use, so we don’t overly think this is necessary. We just claimed some chairs as soon as we got on the island.

All in all, we LOVED our day at Malamala. So if you’re ready for a day in paradise, book your trip here!

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.

6. Ultimate Encounter Snorkel with Sharks in Fiji

A shark swims below me while snorkeling in Fiji
So cool!
A shark swims above me while snorkeling in Fiji
Some of the sharks are huge!

This Snorkeling Encounter with Sharks is for the truly adventurous (also those who weren’t terrified by the movie “Jaws”) and will be the highlight of your trip if you are brave enough! This full-day tour is fine for any skill level and will get you up close with the ocean’s most infamous residents, sharks!  

Your day will begin at Port Denarau where you board a boat for Kuata Island. It is important to note that during this 9-hour day, you will spend roughly 5 of those hours on and off boats. Once you arrive at the stunning Kuata Island you will get a safety briefing and then be taken to the snorkeling site! 

The sharks you snorkel with are reef sharks and are incredibly docile, even pretty cute if you ask me! The water is the definition of crystal clear and you will even have a marine biologist onboard to answer any questions you have. There is even a shark sighting guarantee! If in the rare event you don’t see any sharks, you will be provided with the opportunity to do the tour again for free within 3 days!

Afterward, you are brought back to Barefoot Kuata Island Resort for a delicious complimentary lunch and an afternoon of relaxation on one of Fiji’s prettiest islands. You will have access to a bar, pools, and hammocks for a couple of hours before you make the trip back. Be sure to bring some extra cash if you’d like a drink after your dive!

If you’d like to level up your experience, we recently went on a shark dive in Fiji and it was even better than snorkeling – we saw 8 different types of sharks!

But if you’d prefer to stick to snorkeling, this tour is offered every day of the week and has round-trip hotel transportation if you are staying in Denarau. Costing only $177 USD per person you can snag your tickets for this unforgettable experience here.

7. Best of Nadi Highlights

Bailey with the Nadi Hindu Temple in Nadi, Fiji
Bailey with the Nadi Hindu Temple in Nadi, Fiji

If you’re short on time but would still like to have some amazing experiences this Best of Nadi Tour is a great choice for anyone. From temples to markets and even a visit to mud pools, the amount of things packed into this half-day tour is sure to leave you satisfied.

The tour has two start times of 8:30 am and 12 pm that you can choose from and offers hotel pick-up and drop-off. If you are interested in a Fijian village visit, I recommend that you take a morning tour since this is not offered in the afternoons. 

Your first stop of the day is the colorful Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu temple where your guide will explain its history and meaning to you. After your quick temple stop you will have the opportunity to take part in a special Fijian kava ceremony and do some shopping for local crafts – I love the sarong I got here!

If you booked the morning tour you will now visit Viseisei village, the oldest settlement in Fiji and believed to be where the first Fijians landed. Your last two stops for the day are the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, a beautiful botanical garden, and some hot spring mud pools. If you’ve never had a mud bath you need to give it a try! 

This tour goes every day of the week except Sunday and has a two-person minimum. With included entry tickets, transportation, and a guide this tour is a steal at around $80 USD a person. Note that prices change if you are not staying in Denarau so check the cost beforehand if staying elsewhere. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance here!

Related Read: If you are stopping over in Fiji on your way to New Zealand, or if you’re from there, check out our guide on these unique things to do in New Zealand!

8. Seventh Heaven Floating Platform 

Seventh Heaven floating Bar in Fiji
It’s a floating paradise!
A cocktail from Seventh heaven Floating Bar in Fiji
The pina coladas were so good!

Seventh Heaven is a floating bar in the middle of the ocean and we think it’s the best bar in Fiji! We love it so much, that we even wrote a whole blog on visiting Seventh Heaven!

To get here, you’ll take a 45-minute boat ride from Port Denarau on this full-day tour. You’ll get hours on the floating platform to relax and take in the beauty, go snorkeling, swim in the warm water, sip on some cocktails, and have lunch. We really can’t fault this place!

The cocktails were some of the best drinks we’ve had in Fiji, and the service was spectacular. The food was delicious too – way better than you would expect on a floating platform! We were also pleasantly surprised by how affordable the food and drinks were (only around $8 USD for a beer!). 

People enjoy the day on the Seventh Heaven Floating platform in Fiji
People enjoy the day on the Seventh Heaven Floating Platform in Fiji

There were also plenty of fun activities to keep us occupied. You can take the “Leap of Faith” and take a running jump from the upper level of the bar, go snorkeling, or go for a paddle in a kayak. 

This tour costs around $73 USD, and includes the boat ride there and back and hotel transport from Denarau. When you book on Viator, you can choose a 9 am or 11 am departure. They both cost the same but the earlier slot will give you an extra hour at Seventh Heaven, so we recommend opting for that!

This experience is very popular so we recommend reserving your spot in advance. Viator even allows you to reserve without making any payment until just before you go, so if you end up changing your mind it’s super easy to cancel.

9. ATV Quad Bike Adventure Tour with Hot Springs & Mud Pool

View from the ATV while ATVing in Fiji
So much fun!
Daniel and Bailey take a selfie while ATVing in Fiji
There’s always time for a selfie!

This half-day ATV Adventure Tour is a great way to get off the beaten path, literally! Jump on a quad and experience Fiji in a way most don’t during this 5-hour tour that shows you the best Nadi has to offer.

You’ll start your day in Nadi where you will get geared up and hit the trails on your own ATV. Fiji’s landscape is gorgeous and I loved driving down the dirt paths towards our destinations. Much better than taking a minivan if you ask me!

The first stop is the mud baths and hot springs. When you arrive your guide will buy your tickets and show you where to go. If you’ve never had a mud bath, you’re in for a treat. It will leave your skin feeling great! After you get good and lathered up in mud you jump in some nearby hot springs for a little relaxation and to wash off. 

Riding down more back roads your final stop for the day is the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. A natural botanical garden outside of Nadi with all sorts of beautiful plants and flowers. I especially loved the large roots of the Dawa tree, it’s nothing like the trees we have back home in Canada! 

They offer hotel pick-up and drop-off with start times of 9:15 am and 1:15 pm all days of the week. Your entry tickets are included, as well as tour photos, water, and snacks. Being only $187 USD a person I think this is an easy pick for any adventurous traveler.

I can’t recommend this tour enough. Riding ATVs around these places is such a thrill! You can snag your tickets in advance here.

Related Read: There are also amazing adventure tours (and even a tour of all the best Instagram spots!) when you explore Uluwatu in Bali!

10. Cruisin Fiji – Authentic Fijian Day Cruise 

People swim around a sandbar on the Cruisin Fiji - Authentic Fijian Day Cruise
The water is just stunning!

The Cruisin Fiji day tour isn’t just one of the best island tours in Fiji, it’s one of the best overall! It visits some of the top swimming and snorkeling spots in the Mamanuca islands so it’s perfect for people wanting to spend a lot of time in the water.

For one thing, you get to explore a bunch of the beautiful Mamanuca Islands, including Monuriki Island, where Castaway was filmed! But instead of an old volleyball for company, you’ll be with an incredibly fun crew who are all from the Mamanuca Islands.

You get to enjoy some fantastic snorkeling on the private Mana Island, where there will be no other tour groups around to disturb you. You also explore a deep sea cove on Monu Island and have an authentic lunch on Modriki Island which is cooked in a lovo (aka an underground oven). Plus, wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are all complimentary – such a nice bonus! 

It costs $148 USD per person and lasts for 8 hours. Complimentary pickup from Denarau is included or you can arrange pickup elsewhere for an extra fee.

This island tour really has it all – awesome snorkeling, beautiful scenery, authentic culture, and an awesome crew. It’s a one-of-a-kind tour and it’s pretty well-known so make sure that you secure your spot in advance.

Where to Stay in Fiji

the private island of Beachcomber Island Resort
This place is just wow! Photo Credit: Beachcomber Island Resort

There are so many great areas to stay around Fiji. You can choose to stay on the main island of Viti Levu or venture out to the smaller surrounding islands. With so many choices, it can be hard to narrow it down. To help, 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 – Radisson Blu Fiji Resort

The Radisson Blu Resort is just stunning, and for what you get, the price is very reasonable too. This resort is huge offering tons of activities for both families as well as couples. There is an adults-only pool as well as an area specifically for kids. It is beachfront and offers spa services as well.

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. Some rooms feature courtyard views while others have a view of the lagoon. All rooms have a balcony and minibar. Check availability and prices at the Radisson Blue 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 to stay 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 info on each area, the best things to do nearby, prices, getting to hotels, and so much more.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel and Bailey take a selfie as they arrive to Malamala Beach Club in Fiji
Thanks for reading!

There you have it, a low-down on all the best day trips from Denarau! I hope you found the perfect tour for you, and if you’re struggling to choose don’t worry because you can’t go wrong – they’re all so much fun!

If you need more ideas on great Fiji experiences, have a look at our full guide to the best day trips in Fiji and then take a peek at our other Fiji blogs, including some favorites below:

13 BEST Things to do in Suva – A Guide to Exploring Fiji’s Capital City

5 BEST Yasawa Islands Resorts in Fiji (for all Travelers and Budgets!)

5 BEST Multi-Day Island Cruises in Fiji

How to Take Better Travel Photos