Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical paradise, where you can relax on white sandy beaches, swim in turquoise waters, surf on world-class waves, dive among colorful coral reefs, sail on a luxury yacht, hike on lush green hills, visit traditional villages and enjoy the island life? If so, then the Mamanuca Islands are the perfect destination for you.
The Mamanuca Islands are a group of 20 islands located off the west coast of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. They are easily accessible by air, sea or land, and offer a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. The Mamanuca Islands are famous for their natural beauty, diverse activities and friendly culture. They have also been featured in several movies, such as Cast Away, The Blue Lagoon and Survivor.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know to plan your dream holiday in the Mamanuca Islands. We will show you the best resorts, activities and attractions in the Mamanuca Islands, and give you tips and insights on how to get there, when to go and what to do. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, a solo trip or a group holiday, the Mamanuca Islands have something for everyone.
Resorts
One of the main reasons to visit the Mamanuca Islands is to stay in one of the amazing resorts that dot the islands. The resorts in the Mamanuca Islands cater to different tastes, budgets and needs, and offer a variety of features and benefits, such as:
- Location: The resorts are located on different islands, each with its own unique charm and character. Some resorts are on private islands, offering exclusivity and privacy. Some resorts are on larger islands, offering more facilities and activities. Some resorts are on beachfronts, offering stunning views and easy access to the water. Some resorts are on hilltops, offering panoramic views and breezy atmosphere.
- Views: The resorts offer spectacular views of the ocean, the islands, the sky and the sunset. You can enjoy the views from your room, your balcony, your pool, your restaurant or your spa. The views are especially breathtaking in the morning and in the evening, when the sun paints the sky and the water with vibrant colors.
- Amenities: The resorts offer a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. You can expect to find air-conditioned rooms, en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, safe, phone and more. Some resorts also offer extra amenities, such as jacuzzi, bathtub, outdoor shower, hammock, lounge, sofa, desk and more.
- Services: The resorts offer a range of services to make your stay convenient and hassle-free. You can expect to find 24-hour reception, room service, laundry service, concierge service, luggage storage, currency exchange, tour desk, airport transfer and more. Some resorts also offer extra services, such as babysitting, massage, spa, yoga, fitness center, water sports, entertainment and more.
- Cuisine: The resorts offer a range of cuisine options to suit your palate and preferences. You can expect to find buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a variety of dishes, such as local, international, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and more. You can also find à la carte restaurants, bars, cafes, snack shops and more. Some resorts also offer special dining experiences, such as beach picnic, candlelit dinner, private island dinner, cultural night and more.
- Entertainment: The resorts offer a range of entertainment options to keep you entertained and amused. You can expect to find live music, dance, karaoke, trivia, bingo, movie night, fire show, cultural show and more. Some resorts also offer special entertainment events, such as themed nights, festivals, parties, weddings and more.
Here are some of the best resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, with their prices, ratings and links:
- Likuliku Lagoon Resort: This is a luxury resort that offers the only overwater bungalows in Fiji. It is located on a private island, and has a stunning lagoon, a pristine beach, a spa, a restaurant, a bar and a pool. It is ideal for couples who want a romantic and secluded getaway. The price is $1,500 per night, and the rating is 4.8 out of 5.
- Castaway Island Resort: This is a family-friendly resort that offers spacious and comfortable villas, with garden or beach views. It is located on a large island, and has four beaches, a spa, four restaurants, three bars, two pools and a kids club. It is ideal for families who want a fun and relaxing holiday. The price is $800 per night, and the rating is 4.7 out of 5.
- Malolo Island Resort: This is a budget-friendly resort that offers cozy and charming bures, with ocean or garden views. It is located on a small island, and has a beach, a spa, two restaurants, two bars, a pool and a kids club. It is ideal for solo travelers or groups who want a simple and affordable holiday. The price is $400 per night, and the rating is 4.6 out of 5.
Activities
Another reason to visit the Mamanuca Islands is to enjoy the various activities and adventures that the islands offer. The activities in the Mamanuca Islands cater to different interests, levels and moods, and offer a variety of experiences, such as:
- Surfing: The Mamanuca Islands are a surfer's paradise, with some of the best waves in the world. You can find waves for all skill levels, from beginner to expert, and for all styles, from longboard to shortboard. Some of the most famous surf spots are Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Wilkes and Namotu. You can rent or bring your own surfboard, or join a surf tour or camp. The best time to surf is from April to October, when the swell is consistent and the wind is offshore.
- Diving: The Mamanuca Islands are a diver's dream, with some of the most diverse and colorful coral reefs in the world. You can find reefs for all experience levels, from novice to advanced, and for all tastes, from shallow to deep, from soft to hard, from fish to sharks. Some of the most popular dive sites are Supermarket, Gotham City, Big W and Plantation Pinnacle. You can rent or bring your own dive gear, or join a dive course or trip. The best time to dive is from November to April, when the visibility is clear and the water is warm.
- Sailing: The Mamanuca Islands are a sailor's delight, with some of the most scenic and calm waters in the world. You can find sailing options for all budgets and needs, from luxury to adventure, from day to overnight, from private to shared. Some of the most enjoyable sailing experiences are Malolo Cat, South Sea Cruises, Pacific Island Air and Joyce Aviation Group. You can rent or charter your own boat, or join a sailing tour or cruise. The best time to sail is from May to September, when the weather is dry and the breeze is steady.
- Hiking: The Mamanuca Islands are a hiker's heaven, with some of the most lush and green hills in the world. You can find hiking trails for all fitness levels, from easy to hard, and for all durations, from short to long. Some of the most rewarding hiking destinations are Monuriki Island, where Cast Away was filmed, Tavua Island, where Survivor was filmed, and Malolo Lailai Island, where you can see the whole Mamanuca group. You can rent or bring your own hiking shoes, or join a hiking tour or guide. The best time to hike is from June to August, when the temperature is cool and the humidity is low.
Attractions
Another reason to visit the Mamanuca Islands is to discover the hidden gems and must-see sights of the islands. The attractions in the Mamanuca Islands cater to different curiosities, cultures and senses, and offer a variety of discoveries, such as:
- Cloud 9: This is a floating platform that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It is located in the middle of the ocean, and has a bar, a restaurant, a DJ, a sun deck and a water slide. It is ideal for anyone who wants to have fun and chill out. The price is $150 per person, and includes a boat transfer, a welcome drink and a pizza.
- Malamala Beach Club: This is a private island that offers a luxurious and exclusive experience. It is located on a small island, and has a beach, a pool, a spa, a restaurant, a bar and a cabana. It is ideal for anyone who wants to pamper and indulge themselves. The price is $200 per person, and includes a boat transfer, a towel, a sunbed and a $50 food and beverage voucher.
- South Sea Island: This is a tiny island that offers a fun and adventurous experience. It is located on a coral cay, and has a beach, a pool, a submarine, a kayak, a snorkel and a volleyball. It is ideal for anyone who wants to explore and enjoy the marine life. The price is $100 per person, and includes a boat transfer, a buffet lunch, a drink and a snorkeling gear.
- Village Tours: This is a cultural experience that offers a glimpse into the local life of the Fijian people. You can visit one of the villages in the Mamanuca Islands, such as Solevu, Yaro or Yanuya, and learn about their history, traditions and customs. You can also participate in some of their activities, such as kava ceremony, meke dance, weaving, cooking and fishing. You can book a village tour through your resort or a local operator. The price varies depending on the duration and the inclusions of the tour.
Transport
The final reason to visit the Mamanuca Islands is to experience the different transport options to and from the islands. The transport options in the Mamanuca Islands cater to different modes, speeds and costs, and offer a variety of advantages and disadvantages, such as:
- Air: The fastest and most convenient way to get to the Mamanuca Islands is by air. You can fly from Nadi International Airport to one of the airstrips or helipads in the islands, such as Malolo Lailai, Mana, Castaway or Likuliku. You can choose between a plane or a helicopter, depending on your budget and preference. The flight time is about 10 to 15 minutes, and the view is spectacular. You can book your flight through Pacific Island Air or Joyce Aviation Group. The price ranges from $200 to $500 per person, depending on the distance and the type of aircraft.
- Sea: The cheapest and most common way to get to the Mamanuca Islands is by sea. You can take a ferry, a catamaran, a speedboat or a yacht from Port Denarau or Wailoaloa Beach to one of the jetties or anchorages in the islands, such as Malolo, Musket Cove, Plantation or Beachcomber. You can choose between a shared or a private service, depending on your schedule and comfort. The travel time is about 45 to 90 minutes, and the ride is smooth. You can book your boat through South Sea Cruises, Malolo Cat, Awesome Adventures or Mamanuca Express. The price ranges from $50 to $150 per person, depending on the destination and the type of boat.
- Land- The most adventurous and flexible way to get to the Mamanuca Islands is by land. You can drive from Nadi or Suva to one of the coastal towns or villages, such as Lautoka, Ba, Tavua or Rakiraki, and then take a local boat or a water taxi to one of the islands. You can choose between a car, a bus, a taxi or a rental, depending on your convenience and preference. The drive time is about 2 to 4 hours, and the scenery is diverse. You can book your car through Budget, Avis, Hertz or Europcar. The price varies depending on the distance and the type of car.
Conclusion
The Mamanuca Islands are a truly amazing destination that will make your holiday in Fiji unforgettable. They offer a variety of resorts, activities and attractions that will suit your needs, interests and budget. They are easy to reach, fun to explore and hard to leave.
Don't wait any longer, book your dream holiday in the Mamanuca Islands today. You won't regret it. The Mamanuca Islands are waiting for you. Paradise awaits.
