20 Best Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands 🏝️[2025]

Last Updated: 16 June, 2025

The Top Activities and Attractions 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 a “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 won’t come as a shock to you. With more than 30 coral reef dive sites 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-affiliated dive centres if they don’t have their own, like the 20 Best Dive Resorts in Fiji, where you’ll be in the safe hands of local diving experts.

Learn more about scuba operators in the Mamanuca Islands in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Fiji, as well as the top dive sites in the 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Fiji.

Location: Almost all resorts in the Mamanuca Islands work closely with local dive operators or have their own dive shop. See the links above for recommendations and their locations.

20 Best Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands 🏝️[2025]

2. 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, explore the reefs and the coast, and watch the fish through the crystal-clear waters. Check out our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands for activity suggestions like this.

Location: All of the 25 Best Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands! Otherwise, check out day trips to Malamala Beach Club, South Sea Island, Castaway Island , and Mana Island, which are available with South Sea Cruises from Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi. See the Mamanuca Transport Guide to learn more.

3. 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 (25 ha) island for your spa treatment.

Or how about a couples’ massage accompanied by natural Fijian spa products at the Tropica Island Resort? Even on the floating platform of Seventh Heaven, there are massage rooms beckoning to soothe you (but we’ll get to that later). Take a look at all your spa options in our 10 Best Spas in the Mamanuca Islands.

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

4. Relax, Drink, Snorkel and Dine at the Floating Bars

Two of the most iconic and unique bars in Fiji, Cloud 9 and Seventh Heaven, are floating bars in the Mamanuca Islands – just a short boat journey from Port Denarau Marina and the surrounding Mamanuca resorts.

Boat trips depart daily to take keen sun-seekers and cocktail-sippers to these floating paradises, which serve up wood-fired pizzas at Cloud 9 or an a la carte menu at Seventh Heaven, as well as drinks from all over the world.

Both venues offer similar experiences, allowing you to hire snorkelling gear to explore the coral below or simply kick back on one of the two levels with day beds. Whether you choose Cloud 9 or Seventh Heaven, you’re guaranteed a unique and unforgettable day out on the crystal-clear waters of Fiji.

For more excursions like this, check out The Best Day Trips from the Mamanuca Islands.

Location: Tours depart from Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi, west coast of Viti Levu. Alternatively, book directly with the reception of your resort if coming from an island so they can arrange transfers.

5. 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.

You don’t even have to be staying at a Mamanuca resort to enjoy a sunset cruise in the area, as Salty Dog Adventures (Land and Sea Tours) and Captain Cook Cruises both offer their own magical versions of this experience from the mainland.

Check out the 10 Romantic Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands for more suggestions like this one. Plus, for more cruises to choose from, check out the 10 Best Sunset Cruises in Fiji.

Location: Six Senses & Likuliku – Malolo Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Salty Dog Adventures – Naisoso Marina, approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Nadi Airport. Captain Cook Cruises – Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi.

6. 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, which usually takes place once or twice a week.

Find out more about these activities and more in our 10 Best Ways to Experience the Fijian Culture.

Location: All of the 25 Best Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands!

7. 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 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!

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.

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.

8. 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 10 Surf Spots in the Mamanuca Islands to be inspired and book yourself into one of the 10 Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands.

Alternatively, surf boats are available to reach the Mamanuca surf breaks from the mainland – check out The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji to start planning.

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

9. Snorkel with the Fishes!

Discovering the vibrant underwater world of the Mamanuca Islands is a highlight for any visitor to Fiji. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeller or a first-timer, there’s an adventure waiting for you beneath the crystal-clear waters. Most resorts offer easy access to stunning coral reefs teeming with tropical fish straight from the beach.

For those who prefer a guided experience, hop on a snorkelling tour to explore the best spots – many Mamanuca Island resorts run their own excursions.

Alternatively, join one of the day cruises of the Mamanuca Islands from the mainland, which often include snorkelling stops at prime locations. Don’t worry if you’re not a strong swimmer; buoyancy aids are usually provided to ensure everyone can enjoy this magical underwater experience safely.

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

10. 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. Malolo Island Resort also offers this experience on the island’s pier or on the beach; Nakelo Treasure Island has beautiful “Sunset Bures”, and Musket Cove offers a romantic set-up on their private jetty.

Location: See private dining experiences and their locations in The Food Guide to the Mamanuca Islands.

11. 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 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.

12. 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, Heli-Tours Fiji and Island Hoppers Fiji 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.

For those not residing in the Mamanucas, indulge in the ultimate luxury of a dedicated scenic flight over this stunning archipelago with Heli-Tours Fiji. For more inspiration on elevated experiences, peruse our guide to the 5 Breathtaking Scenic Flights by Helicopter in Fiji.

Location: Tours/transfers depart from Nadi Airport, while Heli-Tours Fiji also offers transfers from their helipad along Narewa Road, Denarau.

13. 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, and 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.

Check out the 5 Best Walks & Hikes in the Mamanuca Islands for our favourite hikes.

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

14. 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 with Lomani Island Resort or Musket Cove, a snorkelling cruise which is offered by just about all resorts, or visiting the floating Cloud 9 pizza bar, which is available from Port Denarau and most resorts!

Speaking of Port Denarau, some of the best island-hopping cruises depart from here, including South Sea Sailing‘s trip to the Malolo Sandbar, Whale’s Tale escapade to Monuriki Island and Cruisin Fiji to just about everywhere else! We also love the varied snorkelling tours with Vuda Water Taxis & Island Hopping Fiji.

For more excursion ideas, take a look at The Best Day Trips from the Mamanuca Islands & Denarau and 10 Best Island-Hopping Cruises in Fiji.

Location: Lomani & Musket Cove – Malolo Lailai Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Cloud 9 – Malolo Barrier Reef, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Other tours mentioned depart from Port Denarau, Denarau Island, Nadi or Vuda Marina, Nadi.

15. 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? Learn more about our top picks in the 10 Best Village Tours in Fiji.

Location: Six Senses – Malolo Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Sheraton Tokoriki – Tokoriki Island, the central region of the Mamanuca Islands.

16. 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 included in this exclusive activity in the Mamanuca Islands.

Private picnics are available at resorts such as Nakelo 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.

Location: Vomo – Vomo Island, the northern region of the Mamanuca Islands. Treasure Island – Nakelo Island, the eastern region of the Mamanuca Islands. VOMO Resort – Vomo Island, the northern region of the Mamanuca Islands.

17. 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 Fiji 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.

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

18. Get Adventurous on a Fishing Charter

An adventurous day out on the water awaits on a private fishing charter in the Mamanuca Islands. Experienced anglers will be treated to potential catches of giant trevally, mahimahi, Pacific sailfish, yellowfin tuna and much more – just check out What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Fiji?

Alternatively, reef fishing is great fun for all levels of experience. The Mamanuca resorts listed in the 10 Best Fishing Resorts in Fiji are great bases for fishing. You can even experience fishing in the Mamanucas from the mainland with one of the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Denarau.

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

19. Enjoy a Private Island Day Trip

You don’t have to be staying at an island resort to enjoy the glorious experience of being on a private island. Several tour operators departing from Port Denarau can take you to their luxurious private islands. For instance, try a day cruise to Kadavu Lailai with Captain Cook Cruises, to South Sea Island with South Sea Cruises, or one of our favourites, the Malamala Beach Club.

Trips often include a mix of snorkelling, kayaking, drinks, lunch, cultural activities and/or glass-bottom boat tours. Check out our 10 Best Island Day Trips in Fiji for inspiration on islands to visit.

Location: Mamanuca Islands. Boat trips depart from Port Denarau Marina. For more experiences from Port Denarau, see the 20 Best Things to Do in Denarau.

20. Spend the Day on an Exclusive Sailing Charter

Speaking of cruises, imagine gliding over the stunning islands of the Mamanucas with your loved ones and not another soul in sight. A private island excursion via sailing yacht is just the way to make that happen. If you only have a day to experience the Mamanuca Islands, choose a private sailing charter with the likes of Coral Cats Sailing Fiji.

Options include the 13 m Wanaka sailing catamaran, the intimate Miss Minnie racing catamaran, the spacious Reel Game, or the speedy Zigzag for island-hopping. These customisable experiences include snorkelling, island visits, and sailing. Alternatively, indulge in luxury with Yacht Charters Fiji‘s opulent Sailing Catamaran Knysna 48f.

Savour a gourmet lunch prepared by your private chef, along with premium refreshments throughout the day. Finally, QUIXOTIC Charters Fiji offers day sails and full sailing holidays, complete with exquisite dining experiences and activities like Hobie sail kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, and cultural experiences.

See more in the 10 Best Sailing Tours in Fiji.

Location: Tours depart from Port Denarau Marina, Denarau Island, Nadi, west coast of Viti Levu.

More About the Mamanuca Islands

That’s it for our guide to the Mamanuca Islands; for more information about this stunning island group, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands.

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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