The Must-Dos in the Mamanuca Islands
Do you know those postcard photos of white sand beaches, glistening waters and lush coconut palms? Well, they were probably taken in the stunning Mamanuca Islands of Fiji. The archipelago of some 20 islands is what many would consider as “paradise” yet is only a short boat ride or flight from Fiji’s international airport. Once you arrive on the islands, you are spoiled for choice with the water, land and cultural activities on offer. This list of things to do in the Mamanuca Islands will give you just a taste.
For more Mamanuca must-dos, check out our The Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands.
1. Scuba Dive Among Stunning Coral Reefs
If you know anything about Fiji then this first thing to do in the Mamanucas probably doesn’t come as a shock to you. With more than 30 dive sites of coral reefs to explore, the Mamanucas is a great place to scuba dive in Fiji. Beginners can dive among the vibrant and sheltered coral reefs of the Mamanucas, while experienced divers have the exciting opportunity to head to the ocean-side reefs sharing the waters with manta rays, dolphins and large pelagic fish! Almost all the resorts in the Mamanucas have access to PADI-associated dive centres where you’ll be in the safe hands of local diving experts.
© Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash2. Explore the Islands by Kayak
Being a guest or even a day-tripper at an island resort in the Mamanucas often means you get access to the resort’s “non-motorised” watersports equipment. Included in the watersports menu is always the option to hire kayaks. Get out on the water and explore the reefs, the coast and watch the fish through the crystal clear waters. Check out our 12 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands for activity suggestions like this.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Treat the Kids to a Fun-Filled Day at the Kids’ Club
The kids get a day of fun, while the parents get time to reconnect: it’s a win-win at the kids’ clubs of the Mamanuca Islands! The Mamanucas’ kids’ clubs are a fantastic way for kids to socialise and be educated in a fun way about the local culture. For instance, the Plantation Island Resort‘s Coconut Kids’ Club has a jam-packed itinerary of coconut boat making, T-shirt tie-dye and much more, while at the Treasure Island Resort kids get the unique opportunity to be involved in turtle conservation programs. Learn more about each kids’ club in our 7 Best Kids’ Clubs on the Mamanuca Islands.
© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji4. Indulge in One of the Mamanucas’ Island Spas
Let’s be honest, everyone deserves some R&R time in Fiji. The resort’s spa is one of the best places to get some time out. For a bit of spa inspiration, try the Tadrai Island Resort‘s spa where you get to choose the setting on this 60-acre (25ha) island for your spa treatment. Or how about a couples’ massage accompanied by natural Fijian spa products at the Tropica Island Resort? Take a look at all your spa options in our 10 Best Spas in the Mamanuca Islands.
© Chris Jarvis on Unsplash5. Take a Boat Trip out to the Cloud 9 Floating Bar
Discover Fiji’s most unique dining venue! Most resorts and even tours from Nadi/Denarau offer day trips out on the water to Cloud 9. This floating bar serves up wood-fired pizzas and a wide range of local and international beverages. Floating above a coral reef, Cloud 9 is a stunning snorkelling location and has a number of watersports activities available from the bar. Find out more about trips to Cloud 9 on Viator or Tripadvisor. For excursions like this, check out The Best Day Trips from the Mamanuca Islands.
© Cloud 96. Do a Sunset Cruise Around the Islands
A romantic experience or a “spoil-yourself” thing to do with a group of friends is a cruise around the Mamanuca Islands as the sun disappears behind the Pacific Ocean. Resorts like Six Senses Fiji and Likuliku Lagoon offer sunset cruises complete with refreshments and sparkling wine while you sit back and enjoy the views of the islands. Check out 10 Romantic Activities in the Mamanuca Islands for Couples for more suggestions like this one.
© SPTO7. Relax with Fijian Entertainment
One of the major highlights of any stay in the Mamanuca Islands is the captivating Fijian nights! Many resorts treat guests to complimentary Fijian entertainment, whether it’s a kava ceremony or a captivating “meke” dance performance. Find out more about these activities and more in our 10 Best Ways to Experience the Fijian Culture.
© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji8. Get Competitive with Beach Volleyball, Golf, Tennis and More
All resorts in the Mamanucas offer free use of sports equipment and courts so you can get competitive when you have a spare couple of hours. For example, check out the tennis courts on Castaway Island or Mana Island, play beach volleyball at the Sheraton Resort, or go on a cycling trip at Six Senses Fiji. Vomo Island even has its own 9-hole golf course!
© Pexels 9. Surf Epic Reef Breaks
Surfers, you’re in for a treat. The Mamanuca Islands are famous for their epic surf breaks, such as Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Wilkes Passage and much more! Just check out our 9 Surf Spots in the Mamanuca Islands to be inspired and book yourself into one of the 8 Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands.
© Tourism Fiji10. Sit Down to a Private Waterfront Dinner
Romance is never too hard to find in the Mamanuca Islands, especially as many of the resorts offer exclusive private dinners. The experience usually involves an indulgent three-course dinner with sparkling wine and your very own personal butler. Try in-villa gourmet dining at the Tokoriki Island Resort or a private oceanview bure dinner at the Likuliku Lagoon Resort.
© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji11. Arrive at Your Resort in Style by Helicopter or Seaplane
Out of all the ways to get to the Mamanuca Islands, nothing beats the breathtaking views from a scenic flight. Fly by helicopter or seaplane to your chosen resort while indulging in exceptional views of the islands, coral reefs and sparkling waters. Air operators like Pacific Island Air and Turtle Airways offer air transfers between Port Denarau/Nadi International Airport and the Mamanuca Islands’ resorts. Get tips for flying to the Mamanucas in the Helicopter Vs. Seaplane for Island Transfers in Fiji.
© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji12. Hike to the Island’s Viewpoint
Some stunning views can be captured atop the islands of the Mamanucas. Many of the island resorts, such as Likuliku Lagoon, Malolo Island, Tokoriki Island, Plantation Island… to name a few, have access to walking trails where you’ll be rewarded with outstanding views across the ocean and surrounding islands.
© Tourism Fiji13. Embark On an Island-Hopping Cruise
There are around 20 islands in the Mamanuca Islands, so we fully recommend getting out of the confines of your resort to explore! Island cruising is a fantastic way to spend the day in the Mamanucas, whether it’s on a dolphin safari, a snorkelling cruise or visiting the floating Cloud 9 pizza bar which is available to do from most resorts! For more excursion ideas, take a look at The Best Day Trips from the Mamanuca Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.com14. Visit a Fijian Village
While all the action seems to be on the water in the Mamanucas, it’s always worth spending the time to discover the local culture on the islands. Many resorts offer guided village visits where you’ll get to meet local villagers and see their way of life. Join Six Senses Fiji on a trip to Solevu including a lunch with the villagers or how about seeing where the staff are from with the Tokoriki Island Resort village visit including a traditional welcoming ceremony?
© Mark Snyder15. Have a Picnic on a Private Island or Beach
Visiting the Mamanuca Islands on a romantic getaway or honeymoon? Take resorts up on the offer to indulge in a private island or private beach picnic with your loved one. A gourmet picnic, Champagne and time to snorkel and explore the island is usually what is included in this exclusive activity in the Mamanuca Islands. Private picnics are available with resorts such as Treasure Island Resort, VOMO Island Resort, Tadrai Island Resort and much more. Check out more activities like this in our 10 Romantic Activities in the Mamanuca Islands for Couples.
© Pexels 16. Learn How to Cook Fijian Cuisine in a Cooking Class
Learn how to cook your own island-style meals at one of the Mamanuca resorts’ cooking classes. At the Plantation Island Resort, learn how to cook traditional Fijian dishes using tropical ingredients. Another option is at the Six Senses Resort in their very own dedicated cooking school within their herb and vegetable garden. For more foodie experiences like this, take a look at our 10 Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands for Foodies.
© Tourism FijiMore Must-Dos and Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands
