11 Best Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands with Kids

Last Updated: 3 September, 2024

The Top Family-Friendly Activities in the Mamanuca Islands

Don’t believe that the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji are not the best place in the world for a family holiday? Let’s see what you think after reading this list of things to do with kids in the Mamanuca Islands!

The Mamanuca Islands, just off the west coast of Fiji’s mainland, consists of around 30 islands. Many of them boast fun and fabulous family resorts where the balance of family time and separate holiday time is spot on. The resorts present a fun selection of family activities – more than any family can ever achieve in one holiday. So take a look at the list below and start planning your dream holiday vacation to the Mamanuca Islands.

While you’re here, don’t miss our Guide to the Mamanuca Islands for Families.

1. Snorkel with the Fishes!

Showing the kids the lively and beautiful underwater world is one of the highlights of a family holiday on the Mamanuca Islands. As long as your child is able to swim (buoyancy aids are usually provided for weak swimmers), you will have a snorkelling trip waiting for you. Snorkelling is the most accessible way to see the coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Most resorts have snorkelling spots accessible straight from the beach. Alternatively, jump on a snorkelling tour to get to the best spots – most Mamanuca Island resorts have their own snorkelling tours, or check out the 15 Fun Family Day Trips from Denarau for snorkelling tours of the Mamanuca Islands from the mainland.

Location: All over the Mamanuca Islands! Check out the 10 Best Family Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands for ideas. Otherwise, see the link above for recommended snorkelling tours from Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi.

10 Best Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands with Kids

2. Learn to Scuba Dive (Ages 10+)

They don’t call Fiji the “soft coral capital of the world” for nothing, so don’t miss the opportunity to scuba dive in the Mamanucas! It can be an adventure for the whole family with introductory scuba diving trips or learn-to-scuba courses available for ages 10+. Trips are available from Subsurface Fiji at the Malolo Island Resort and Musket Cove, Purple Turtle at the Sheraton Tokoriki Resort, Ocean Play at VOMO Island and many other dive centres.

Location: Malolo Resort – Malolo Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Sheraton Tokoriki – Tokoriki Island, the central region of the Mamanuca Islands. VOMO Resort – Vomo Island, the northern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Purple Turtle also provides scuba diving trips to the Mamanuca Islands from Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi.

10 Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands with Kids

3. Get on the Water with Kayaks, Sailboats and Even Waterparks

Family resorts in the Mamanuca Islands have an abundance of watersport equipment for families to enjoy. Non-motorised equipment like stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, Hobie cat sailboats, and sometimes windsurfing equipment are free for guests to use. They make a fun, inexpensive way to spend the day exploring the coast and watching the fish in the clear waters below. We love the on-the-water floating waterpark of Plantation Island Resort, where kids can spend hours! Check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands for more activities you can do from the resort.

Location: All over the Mamanuca Islands! Check out the 10 Best Family Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands for ideas. Otherwise, Plantation Island – Malolo Lailai Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Day trips to some family-friendly resorts, like Castaway Island and Mana Island, are available with South Sea Cruises from Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi. See the Mamanuca Transport Guide to learn more.

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4. Capture Amazing Views on an Island Walk

Sometimes, simply going for a stroll is the best way for the whole family to see the island you are staying on. Walk among stunning tropical forests, up to stunning viewpoints, and along the beaches from resorts such as Castaway Island, Six Senses Fiji and Mana Island Resort – their staff can show you where to go! Otherwise, we list a few more hikes that are involved in the 6 Best Walks & Hikes in the Mamanuca Islands.

Location: See the link above for recommendations and their locations. Day trips to Castaway Island and Mana Island are available with South Sea Cruises from Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi. See the Mamanuca Transport Guide to learn more.

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5. Immerse in the Fijian Culture

Many resorts share islands with Fijian villages where the culture is alive and clear to see. Visitors can experience everyday village life being played out with a guided village visit organised by your resort. For instance, Malolo Island Resort offers the Shell Village Tour, which allows visitors to visit the villages of Solevu and Yalo. Alternatively, resorts host Fijian culture nights with “meke” dancing, “lovo” feasts and traditional kava ceremonies. Check out these experiences at resorts like Malolo Island Resort, Six Senses Fiji and Ratu Kini and learn more in our 10 Best Ways to Experience the Fijian Culture.

Location: Malolo Resort & Six Senses – Malolo Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Ratu Kini – Mana Island, the western region of the Mamanuca Islands.

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6. Treat the Kids (and Yourself) to a Day at the Kids’ Club

The kids get a day of fun, and the parents get a break: it’s a win-win at the kids’ clubs of the Mamanuca Islands! The Mamanuca Islands’ kids’ clubs are a fantastic way for kids to socialise and learn more about Fiji’s nature and culture. 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 Nakelo Treasure Island Resort, kids get the unique opportunity to be involved in turtle conservation programs. Find out more about each kids’ club in our 10 Best Kids’ Clubs on the Mamanuca Islands.

Location: See the link above for recommendations and their locations.

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7. Let the Teens Hang Out at the Teens’ Club

With most kids’ clubs only being suitable for up to 12 years, the Mamanuca teens’ clubs give them the opportunity for young adults to mingle with others their own age. The Lairo Club at the Plantation Island Resort is for 12-16 years and has an itinerary of kayaking, beach games, crafts and walks – just to name a few. Khail’s Club at Malolo Island Resort is a lounge for 13-18-year-olds with bean bags, table tennis, free WiFi and more.

Location: Plantation Island – Malolo Lailai Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Malolo Resort – Malolo Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands.

8. Get Competitive on Land

Every family resort in the Mamanucas has sports equipment for families to get competitive and create stronger bonds. What’s more, they are free to use, making it an amazing way to kill a couple of hours. Check out the tennis courts on Castaway Island or Mana Island, play beach volleyball at the Sheraton Tokoriki Resort, or go on a family cycling trip at Six Senses Fiji. VOMO Island even has its own 9-hole golf course meandering through the coconut groves!

Location: Castaway Island – Qailto Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Mana Island – Mana Island, the western region of the Mamanuca Islands. Six Senses – Malolo Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Sheraton Tokoriki – Tokoriki Island, the central region of the Mamanuca Islands. VOMO Resort – Vomo Island, the northern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Day trips to Castaway Island and Mana Island are available with South Sea Cruises from Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi. See the Mamanuca Transport Guide to learn more.

9. Treat Yourself (and Even the Little Ones) to a Spa and Wellness Day

That’s right, you don’t have to sacrifice your spa time just because there’s nothing suitable for the kids. Resorts like the Six Senses Fiji and VOMO Island offer special children’s spa treatments and massages, making a family spa day completely possible! Kids can even go to kids’ yoga and get on board with your R&R time in Fiji. Learn more about wellness in Fiji in our 10 Beautiful Places to Experience Yoga in Fiji and 10 Glorious Ways to Relax in Fiji.

Location: Six Senses – Malolo Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. VOMO Resort – Vomo Island, the northern region of the Mamanuca Islands.

10. Cruise Around the Islands

There are around 30 islands in the Mamanuca Islands, so we fully recommend getting out of the confines of your resort and exploring! Island cruising is a fantastic way to spend the day in the Mamanucas, whether it’s on the Musket Cove dolphin safari, a snorkelling cruise which is offered by just about all family resorts, or visiting the floating Cloud 9 pizza bar, which is available from Port Denarau and most resorts! For excursion ideas, check out The Best Day Trips from the Mamanuca Islands & Denarau.

Location: Musket Cove – Malolo Lailai Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Cloud 9 – Malolo Barrier Reef, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. For more family day trips of the Mamanucas from the mainland, we recommend visiting 15 Fun Family Day Trips from Denarau.

11. Bond Over a Fishing Trip

It’s the classic father and son bonding scenario: a family fishing trip. Tackle some of the ocean’s feistiest monsters on a game fishing charter with resorts like Beachcomber Island, Malolo Island Resort and Musket Cove Resort. It’s always an impressive sight for the kids. Plus, they’ll get to have a go themselves with the abundance of reef fishing available on every trip! Alternatively, to explore the Mamanuca Islands on a fishing trip from the mainland, check out the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Denarau.

Location: Musket Cove – Malolo Lailai Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Malolo Resort – Malolo Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Alternatively, check out the link above for more recommendations and their locations.

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More Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands with Kids

That’s it from the things to do in the Mamanuca Islands with kids. For more tips like this, check out the following guides:

Finally, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families. Plus, discover more remarkable places to stay in the 20 Best Family Resorts in Fiji.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Mamanuca Environment Society (Regional conservation website)
Tourism Suncoast (Regional tourism website)
Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Mamanuca Environment Society (Regional conservation website)

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura (Lora) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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