Everything You Need to Know About Transport in the Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands are sandy tropical islands just off the coast of Fiji’s mainland, Viti Levu. They are the closest of Fiji’s breathtaking islands to the Nadi International Airport so that you could be sipping cocktails on the beach within an hour of landing in Nadi!
Sure, as you’ve seen from our Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands, the islands are stunning, but how do you get there? Discover all of your options with this Mamanuca Islands transport guide listing five ways to get to the Mamanuca Islands!
Want more information about the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji? Check out our 20 Best Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands and our 25 Best Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands.
Table of Contents
1. Ferries from Port Denarau – How to Get to the Mamanuca Islands
Jump onto a high-speed catamaran on the Malolo Cat between Port Denarau and the Malolo Lailai Island resorts, which runs four times a day.
Alternatively, explore more of the Mamanuca Islands with South Sea Cruises, which departs three times a day from Port Denarau, heading to South Sea, Bounty, Treasure, Beachcomber, Castaway and Malolo Islands. Both ferry companies provide transfers from Nadi/Denarau hotels, so be sure to enquire if needed.
Learn more about ferry routes and prices in How to Take the Ferry to the Mamanuca Islands.

2. Water Taxis from Port Denarau – How to Get to (and Around) the Mamanuca Islands
Head to any of the Mamanuca Islands whenever it suits you with the Mamanuca Express or SeaFiji. These private water taxi services will get you to any of the islands in the Mamanuca Group.
While faster and more convenient than taking the ferry, they are much pricier. What’s more, they can also be a good option for getting between islands in the Mamanucas.
Musket Cove Resort also offers its own 24-hour speedboat ferry service on demand aboard its 43′ Malolo Lailai speedboat.
Find out more in our complete guide on How to Catch a Water Taxi in Fiji.

3. Boat Transfers from Wailoaloa (Near Nadi Airport) – How to Get to the Mamanuca Islands
For a great budget option to get to the Mamanuca Islands, take the boat transfer services from Wailoaloa. Wailoaloa is a mere 10-minute drive from Nadi Airport, keeping the airport transfers to a minimum.
Mana Flyer departs from Wailoaloa Beach around 10-11 am daily, taking you to Mana, Beachcomber, Treasure and Bounty Islands. What’s more, Nadi hotel transfers (excluding Denarau) are included.
Learn more about these alternative ferry options in our guide, How to Take the Ferry to the Mamanuca Islands.

4. Boat Transfers from Vuda Point – How to Get to (and Around) the Mamanuca Islands
Vuda is located approximately 15 km (mi) north of Nadi Airport, where more boat transfers await to get you to the Mamanuca Islands.
Vuda Water Taxi at Vuda Marina offers an on-demand water taxi service to just about any island in the Mamanuca Islands. They also offer the option to island-hop, should you want a break from your resort.
Needing to get to Beachcomber Island? Beachcomber Island Resort has its own boat transfer service departing from the Anchorage Resort daily at 8:30 am (a minimum number of 2 people is required). Note that Beachcomber Island also offers its own transfers from Port Denarau.
See the 6 Budget Accommodation in the Mamanuca Islands to learn more about these island resorts.
Learn more about these boat transfers in How to Catch a Water Taxi in Fiji and How to Take the Ferry to the Mamanuca Islands.

5. Fly from Nadi Airport – How to Get to the Mamanuca Islands
Exchange a 30-45 minute ferry/boat ride for a 12-minute flight to the Mamanuca Islands. Pacific Island Air, Heli-Tours Fiji and Island Hoppers Fiji do Mamanuca Island transfers to and from the domestic terminal at Nadi Airport, while Heli-Tours Fiji also offers this service from their helipad in Denarau.
Choose from a seaplane, aeroplane or helicopter!
Check out The Complete Guide to Domestic Flights in Fiji for more information and compare Helicopter Vs. Seaplane for Island Transfers in Fiji.

6. Guided Tours and Cruises – How to Get Around the Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands can also be explored through guided tours and cruises, offering a fantastic way to experience island hopping, snorkelling, and sightseeing. You’ll find a variety of options to suit your travel style and itinerary:
- Day Cruises: Departing from Port Denarau, Vuda Marina, and Wailoaloa Beach, these trips are perfect for those who are short on time but eager to experience the islands’ beauty – check out the 10 Best Day Cruises in Fiji for ideas.
- Private Charters: For a truly exclusive experience, consider booking a private charter. These bespoke trips allow you to customise your itinerary, whether you’re after a romantic sunset sail or an action-packed day of island-hopping – check out the 10 Best Sailing Charters in Fiji for inspiration.
- Multi-Day Cruises: For a more immersive experience, consider the small ship cruises offered by Blue Lagoon Cruises. These adventures set sail from Denarau and allow you to explore the Mamanucas in depth over several days. More details can be found in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji.
Whether you’re a water enthusiast or simply looking to soak in the stunning scenery, these guided tours and cruises offer something for everyone. You’ll have the chance to visit multiple islands, discover hidden beaches, and experience the vibrant marine life that makes the Mamanucas so special.
See the 5 Best Mamanuca Day Trips From Mamanuca Resorts & Denarau to learn more about getting around the Mamanucas in this way.

7. Private Yachts – How to Get to the Mamanuca Islands
For those seeking the ultimate freedom to explore the Mamanuca Islands, chartering a private yacht is an unbeatable option. You’ll have the flexibility to create your own itinerary, discovering hidden coves and secluded beaches at your leisure.
One of the most popular marinas in the Mamanucas is Musket Cove Marina, located on Malolo Lailai Island. This well-equipped facility offers mooring facilities, a fuel dock, a yacht club and resort amenities for visiting sailors.
It’s important to note that the Mamanuca Islands are not an official port of entry for Fiji. However, don’t let that deter you! Clearance can be easily arranged at nearby Denarau or Vuda Marina before you set sail for the Mamanucas.
For those new to sailing in Fiji or looking for more detailed information, we recommend checking out our comprehensive The Sailing Guide to Fiji. It’s packed with essential tips and advice to ensure your yachting adventure in the Mamanucas is smooth sailing from start to finish.

8. Skydive – How to Get to the Mamanuca Islands
Yep, you’ve read it right. For an extra fee, skydiving companies can organise island landings for your jump in Fiji. After skydiving above the stunning landscapes of the Mamanuca Islands, you will land on a golden sand beach and be taken to your resort. What an entrance!
Your trip back to the mainland will be by boat though, so you will still get to cruise the Mamanucas. Skydive pick-ups are available in Denarau and Nadi.
Check out more ways to experience Fiji to the extreme with The Best Places to Do Skydiving in Fiji.

More About Mamanuca Islands Transport
That’s it for our guide to Mamanuca Islands transport; for more information about getting around the Mamanucas, check out the following articles:
- How Much Do Ferries and Water Taxis Cost in Fiji?
- Information, Shops & Services in the Mamanuca Islands
- The Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Fiji Transport Guide: 20 Best Ways to Get Around 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.