The Mamanuca Islands

From the Nadi International Airport, helicopters are the most expensive way to get to the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. Getting to Mamanuca from the Denarau Marina is the most popular route. The marina is 20 minutes away from the Nadi International Airport by land. Free bus rides from major resorts around Nadi and from the airport to Denarau Marina can take you; you may ask the concierge for information. Port Denarau is the home to many luxury hotels and resorts like Sheraton, Westin, Hilton, and Radisson.

Luxury catamarans seating approximately 150 people take several hours to get you to Mamanuca destinations. They are usually air-conditioned matched with meals available for purchase on board.

A water taxi or Seafiji are also means of transport around the islands in aluminum catamarans. They are the most affordable transportation for groups with the same destination point.

Fiji’s cuisine features a munificent number of seafood dishes. Apart from seafood cuisine, many may not be familiar with Fiji’s cuisine history that includes Indian dishes introduced by Indian laborers in the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

You should try Kodoka. It is a Fijian delicacy similar to ceviche or Hawaiian poke. The ingredients include raw fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk and matched with pepper, onion, and tomato. For soup, Rourou is smooth and creamy blended to taro leaves and coconut milk. Fresh tropical fruits can be enjoyed. There’s papaya, plantains, mango, and pawpaw to name a few.

Port Denarau is the main jump-off point to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. You should experience a day-trip to Beachcomber island for lunch beach, watersports, snorkeling and scuba diving. The sea life must not be missed as you will witness astoundingly healthy corals and a spectacular wealth of sea life even with its proximity to busy resorts and boat routes. Visit a dive shop on Beachcomber Island for your diving needs. Blacktip reef sharks are known to be around the area, but are not deemed dangerous. They grow to around a meter in length.

The North and South beach of the Mana island is perfect for snorkeling. One of the best diving spots is the Supermarket which is close to the Mana where you can see sharks.

For accommodation, there are numerous options. The Beachcomber Island is popular for its name as the “party island” because of common young travelers who seek excitement and entertainment every night like Beachcomber’s “Bula Dance”. Another resort is the Bounty Island resort.

Ratu Kini and Mana Lagoon are backpacker resorts costing 50 FJ dollars including 3 meals. A couple dozen of bures that served as the stage can still be found as remains of the Survivor TV show can be found south of the island. You can snorkel nearby reefs with snorkeling equipment fees.

If you are looking for tranquility, go to Matamanoa Island. Take note that guests under the age of 12 are not admitted. You can simply lay on the beach or by the pool, snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, or hike to the top of the island. The Resort Walu Beach is just a few steps from the water’s edge on Malolo Island. It’s secluded so you can enjoy privacy in the delight of stretched golden sand with tall palms and lush gardens.

The Mamanuca Islands are secluded, freeing them from the danger posed by thefts. The dangers come from nature so it is important to wear sunblock and stay away from rocky reefs and dangerous sea creatures. Mind the waves when you go for a swim.