The Must-Dos in Denarau
Let’s cut straight to the chase, the must-dos in Denarau are whatever you want to do! The manmade island made up of five-star resorts prides itself on catering to every holidaymaker’s needs, whether you want to spend your “Fiji time” relaxing with the family or seeking adrenaline activities with your mates. The activities listed below are not the only things you can do from Denarau, as most inland tours on the eastern side of Viti Levu will do hotel pick-ups from Denarau. For more of those activities, check out 20 Things to Do in Nadi and 20 Things to Do on the Coral Coast. But if the decision fatigue is getting to you, don’t worry. We have the list of the best things to do in Denarau to help!
While you’re here, you might want to explore more options with our Complete Guide to Denarau Island and The Best Day Trips from Denarau.
1. Relax, Drink, Snorkel and Enjoy Wood-Fired Pizza at the Cloud 9 Floating Bar
One of the most iconic and unique bars in Fiji, Cloud 9 is a floating bar in the Mamanuca Islands – just a short boat journey from Port Denarau Marina. Boat trips depart daily to take keen sun-seekers and cocktail-sippers to this floating pizza bar which serves up wood-fired pizzas, as well as drinks from all over the world. Hire snorkelling gear to explore the coral reef below or simply kick back on one of the two levels with day beds. Plan your excursion to the floating pizzeria at cloud9.com.fj.
Location: Boats depart from Port Denarau Marina. Check out Getting to Cloud 9 on cloud9.com.fj for more details including schedules.
© Cloud 92. Get Some Retail Therapy
Just next to Denarau Marina, Port Denarau is the largest resort town in the South Pacific! That means great shopping! Browse Fijian souvenirs, arts and crafts, clothing, wines and foodie treats at the many outlets and duty-free stores. Of course, there are plenty of restaurant options too, giving you something to experience beyond your resort. You have more than 10 restaurants to choose from, including the Hard Rock Cafe. Check out our top picks in our Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Denarau.
Location: Port Denarau.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Do Some Resort-Hopping by Bus or on Foot
Honestly, you could spend a whole day checking out all the amazing 5-star resorts around Denarau Island! Either get yourself a Bula Bus pass to make your way from resort to resort on the hop-on-hop-off bus or simply walk from resort to resort (for more ways to stretch your legs, check out the 5 Best Walks from Denarau). Jump between the Sheraton, Westin, Radisson Blu, Hilton, The Terrace, Wyndham and The Palms and enjoy their pools, shops and restaurants. Learn more about these resorts in our 10 Best Resorts in Denarau Island.
Location: Resort Drive, Denarau.
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Enjoy an Island Day Trip (Including Snorkelling, Kayaking and More)
Port Denarau Marina is one of the main connections between Fiji’s main island and the glorious outer islands of the Mamanucas. With that, day trips to gorgeous sandy islands with resorts and surrounded by coral reefs are abundant from Denarau. For instance, try a day cruise to Tivua Island with Captain Cook Cruises (more info on Viator and Klook) or to South Sea Island with South Sea Cruises (on Viator and Klook). 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: Boat trips depart from Port Denarau Marina.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Experience Fiji Scuba Diving
Speaking of day trips on the water, another way to experience Fiji’s glistening tropical waters is through scuba diving. Immerse in a diverse ecosystem of corals, fish and more on a scuba safari with Whitetip Marine Adventures. They offer both introductory diving trips and trips for certified divers. Learn more about what to expect in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Fiji.
Location: Port Denarau Marina. Pick-ups included from Denarau and Nadi accommodations.
© Whitetip Marine Adventures6. Go Jet Skiing
For a fun fast-paced way to get out on the water, hire a jet ski or jump on a jet ski tour! From short blasts by the hour to full-day jet ski island excursions, there are multiple options available, such as the 1h30mins jet ski tours to the Mamanuca Islands departing from the Hydro Water Sports base at the Radisson Blu Resort Denarau. You can also organise jet skiing tours through Cloud 9 to either Modriki Island or to the famous Cloudbreak surf spot and surrounding islands.
Location: Radisson Blu Resort Denarau, Resort Drive, Denarau or Cloud 9 (see above).
© Pxhere7. Play Some Golf
Yes, Denarau even has its own championship golf course. Enjoy a complex game with plenty of fun water hazards on the par 72 courses at the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club. There’s also the option to take golf lessons, hire electric carts, and check out the golf shop and rental shop. It’s not all about serious golf though. It’s fun to play a few games at the mini-golf course in Denarau too. For more about playing golf in Fiji, see The Complete Guide to Golf in Fiji.
Location: Resort Drive, Denarau.
© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji8. Make a Splash at the Waterpark
With gorgeous weather, Fiji is an ideal place for some water park fun! Needless to say, this option is great for kids. Big Bula Waterpark claims to be the largest inflatable water park in the world, home to some gargantuan waterslides! There’s something more relaxed in the kiddie’s pool, and there’s something for the parents to try at the mechanical surfboard (think of the mechanical bulls you find in bars!) There’s also a cafe, ice creams and a fully licensed bar, so no one will judge you if you want to stay there all day. The water park is open year-round.
Location: Jayant Road, Denarau.
© Big Bula Waterpark9. Experience Game Fishing
We’re not joking when we say there are tons of fishing trips leaving Denarau. There’s a fishing trip for everyone with reef fishing for the family to catching the whoppers in game fishing (seriously, check out What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Fiji!) Everything that you will need for the day is organised for you: lunch, all the gear and an experienced guide. All you need is a sense of adventure, an angler’s arm (and maybe some sunscreen). Find out more about Fiji fishing in The Complete Guide to Fishing in Fiji and compare trips in the 9 Best Fishing Trips from Denarau.
Location: Port Denarau Marina.
© Pxhere10. See the Islands from the Sky
One of the best perspectives of the paradise islands of Fiji is from the sky. Join Turtle Airways or Heli-Tours Fiji for their seaplane trips out of Denarau where you’ll get to see the islands in style. You can land at one of the tranquil islands for the day, such as Sawa-I-Lau or even see the Blue Lagoon, or just enjoy the view on a 20-minute to a 1h30min flight. No two trips are the same, as the pilot usually asks what sort of things you’d like to see before departure. Note, that flights require a minimum of two passengers for flights to go ahead. See more experiences like this in the 10 Luxury Activities in Denarau.
Location: Turtle Airways – Wailoaloa Beach, approximately 11km (6.8 miles) from Port Denarau. Heli-Tours Fiji – Narewa Road, Denarau.
© Tavyland on wikipedia 11. Skydive Over the Islands
Jump from either 8,000ft or 14,000ft (2,500-4,300m) with Skydive Fiji! Record the whole experience with a hand-cam or your own dedicated cameraman! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freefalling at 200km/h (125m/h) with views of coral reefs, turquoise waters and stunning islands. If your budget will allow, there’s even the option to skydive onto an outer island, and then stay at an island resort! What an entrance! Learn more in The Best Places to Do Skydiving in Fiji.
Location: Narewa Road, Denarau. Pick-ups are available from Nadi and Denarau.
© Skydive Fiji12. Do Some Kayaking
Where there’s water, there are kayaks to be hired! Most resorts on the beach will have kayaks for hire so you can explore the coast. Alternatively, choose a day cruise (see #4) where kayaking is available to see coral reefs from the water’s surface and explore the volcanic islands of Fiji.
Location: See the resorts in the 10 Best Resorts in Denarau Island or day trips with kayaking in 10 Best Island Day Trips in Fiji.
© Tourism Fiji13. Treat Yourself at the Spa
Giving you the most relaxing experience possible is what Denarau Island does best. The island has a whopping 10 spas, from the luxurious tropical plant paradise of the Heavenly Spa by Westin to the quick treatment go-to at the Island Surf Beauty & Spa.
Location: Check out all your options including locations in our 10 Best Spas on Denarau Island.
© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji14. Experience Denarau Dining
Some of Fiji’s finest dining can be found right here in Denarau, most of which are within the resorts. The Radisson Blu Resort Denarau alone has six pristine dining locations within its walls! Try some Thai delights at the Chantara Thai Restaurant or experience Loma Ni Wai meaning “in the water”. Other than that, you are really spoiled for choice from buffet to a la carte, from family-friendly eateries to adults-only bars, ocean views or literally a restaurant in the water, it’s options galore! Check out our top picks in our guide to The Best Eats & Restaurants in Denarau.
Location: All over Denarau.
© FijiPocketGuide.com15. Try a Traditional Fijian “Lovo”
While Denarau Island isn’t the most “cultural” location in Fiji, the resorts certainly bring the culture to you with their fantastic lovo nights! Lovo is a traditional cooking method of slow-cooking meats and vegetables in an underground oven. The result is a mouthwatering feast, with resorts like the Sofitel Fiji Resort, Wyndham Resort and The Westin Resort putting on special lovo nights for their guests complete with captivating cultural performances. See more experiences like this in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Denarau.
Location: Inquire with Sofitel Fiji Resort, Wyndham Resort and The Westin Resort, Denarau.
© amanderson2 on Flickr16. Unwind in One of the Resorts’ Adults-Only Areas
You’ve probably heard about how family-friendly Denarau Island is, but couples and adult groups have it pretty darn good too! While some resorts like the Radisson Blu Resort and the Sheraton Fiji Resort have cute and quiet adults-only areas, the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Hilton Fiji Beach Resort have full-blown adults-only complexes where you will spend the day in pure luxury! Find out more about these experiences in our 10 Adult-Only Activities in Denarau.
Location: Radisson Blu Resort, Sheraton Fiji Resort, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Hilton Fiji Beach Resort, Denarau.
© FijiPocketGuide.com17. Have a Romantic Dinner at Private Waterfront Table
Celebrate that special occasion, or just the fact that you’re with your favourite people, with your own private restaurant service. The Radisson Blu Resort and Sofitel Fiji Resort both offer private dining experiences where you’ll dine by the waterfront and be served by a personal butler. It makes for a romantic evening with your loved one. Check out more experiences like this in our 10 Romantic Activities in Denarau.
Location: Radisson Blu Resort and Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau.
© Radisson Blu Resort18. Take the Kids to the Kids’ Club!
Most of the Denarau resorts have fantastic (and free) kids’ clubs that keep the young ones entertained all day long! There are usually two age ranges to choose from so your kids can mingle with others their own age. As for the activities, there’s a wide range to keep them busy from crab racing to treasure hunts to learning Fijian dances and war chants!
Location: See the 5 Best Kids’ Clubs in Denarau for locations.
© FijiPocketGuide.com19. Join in on the Activities of the Adults’ Programme
It’s not just the kids that get to hang out, the adults have the opportunity to meet some like-minded holiday-goers too with the resorts’ adults’ programmes. Join in on some sports like volleyball, croquet or aerobics or watch cultural ceremonies. Ask at your resort’s reception for the full itinerary.
Location: Inquire with the resorts listed in the 10 Best Resorts in Denarau Island.
© FijiPocketGuide.com20. Have a Pool Day
Let’s be honest, who isn’t going to do this during their stay on Denarau Island? Guests at any accommodation on Denarau Island are spoiled for choice with luxury outdoor pools and often several different pools to choose from! There’s a range of kids’ pools, adults-only pools, lagoon-style pools, lap pools and much more. So enjoy a shameless day by the pool doing absolutely nothing! For more like this, check out the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Denarau.
Location: Every resort in Denarau.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore Must-Dos and Things to Do in Denarau
That’s it for our list of the best things to do in Denarau but it’s by no means the end of our advice! Check out the guides below to help plan more of your trip to Fiji’s most popular island:
- The Family Guide to Denarau
- The Budget Guide to Denarau
- The Food Guide to Denarau Island
- The Luxury Travel Guide to Denarau Island
- The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Denarau
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Denarau Island.
