3-Day Budget Itinerary for Fiji
We get it, not everyone has the luxury of a week-long holiday in Fiji. If you’re using Fiji as a stopover or are perhaps visiting for a long weekend, then check out this Fiji budget itinerary: 3 days.
Sure, you could spend three days in Fiji in one resort. But for the adventurous backpacker who wants to see as much as possible, this 3-day Fiji itinerary will get you to see some stunning outer islands, the Mamanuca Islands, as well as the vibrant city of Nadi. All of the activities, accommodation and transport are recommended with budget in mind.
If you’re looking for an itinerary with less travel, see What to Do for 3 Days in Fiji on a Budget.
How to Get Around Fiji in 3 Days
The Fiji itinerary below incorporates water and road travel. Here are the transport options you need to know about travelling around Fiji on a budget in three days.
Budget Transport in Nadi
For getting around Nadi on your first day, taxis are a quick and convenient option. Expect to pay around FJ$10 to get between the airport and the city centre, for example. Local buses are especially cheap, with one-way trips costing less than FJ$2 within Nadi. Purchase your bus ticket at the airport, as buses don’t accept cash. For more advice, see 6 Ways to Get to Nadi (& Get Around Nadi).
Budget Transport to the Mamanuca Islands
Our itinerary below includes a boat transfer from Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi’s closest beach lined with backpacker resorts. Wailoaloa Beach is a 10-minute drive from Nadi Airport, where resorts offer free airport transfers. From Wailoaloa, the Mana Flyer is a boat transfer service taking passengers to Mana, Beachcomber, Treasure and Bounty Island. The boat leaves from Wailoaloa Beach between 10-11am daily. For alternative transport, see 5 Ways to Get to the Mamanuca Islands.
© Chris McLannan - Tourism FijiDay 1 – Nadi and Wailoaloa Beach
Welcome to Nadi, Fiji! Even in Fiji’s arrival city, there are plenty of fun experiences to be had, so spend what’s remaining of your day after you land to explore the town, home to bustling Fijian markets and scrumptious Indo-Fijian curry houses. Alternatively, get a taxi to the Sabeto Valley with famous hot springs, mud pools and the beautiful Garden of the Sleeping Giant. End your day on the backpacker beach strip of Wailoaloa Beach to get the first taste of beaches in Fiji and to make a good base for island-hopping tomorrow. Get more information in our The Guide to Nadi on a Budget.
Things to Do in Nadi on a Budget
- Check out the local markets, such as the Nadi Handicraft Market, The New Nadi Farmers’ Market and the Namaka Market
- Soothe your skin with some mud and hot spring action at the Sabeto Mud Pools
- Walk through the lush forests of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant
- Grab a bite to eat at one of our suggested Cheap Eats in Nadi
- Check out the vibrant Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple.
Take a look at 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nadi for more suggestions.
Budget Accommodation at Wailoaloa Beach
- Bamboo Backpackers
- Bluewater Lodge
- Tropic of Capricorn
- Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel
- Wailoaloa Beach Resort
- Aquarius on the Beach
Take a look at our top picks in 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nadi.
© FijiPocketGuide.comDay 2 – Wailoaloa Beach to the Mamanuca Islands
Travel Time: 35-45-minute boat ride
This morning, catch the Mana Flyer from Wailoaloa Beach to either Mana, Beachcomber, Treasure or Bounty Islands and see what Fiji is really all about! Sink your toes in white sand beaches, snorkel in the off-shore reefs and learn how to husk a coconut at one of the Mamanuca Islands’ budget resorts. Stay the night before returning to the mainland tomorrow. Get more advice in The Guide to the Mamanuca Islands on a Budget.
Things to Do on a Budget in the Mamanuca Islands
- Snorkel to see tropical fish just off the beach
- Explore the azure waters by making use of the resort’s complimentary kayaks
- Do some stand-up paddleboarding
- Hike to the island’s viewpoint
- Immerse in the culture with Fijian meke dancing and kava ceremonies in the evenings.
For more inspiration, check out our 12 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands.
Budget Accommodation in the Mamanuca Islands
- Funky Fish Beach Resort
- Ratu Kini Dive Resort
- Beachcomber Island Resort
- Serenity Island Resort
- Mana Lagoon Backpackers
- South Sea Island
Find out more about each of these accommodations in our 5 Best Budget Accommodation on the Mamanuca Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.comDay 3 – Mamanuca Islands to Nadi Airport
Travel Time: 35-45-minute boat ride, 15 minutes by road
This is the moment when you realise you should have stayed in Fiji far longer than just three days! It’s time to head back to the mainland, hopping back on the Mana Flyer to Wailoaloa Beach.
If you stayed in one of the Wailoaloa Beach resort on your first night, inquire about a free transfer to Nadi International Airport. Otherwise, a taxi to the airport will only be FJ$10-$15. (See How Much Does a Nadi Airport Taxi Cost? for more approximate prices).
More Advice for a Fiji Budget Itinerary for 3 Days
- Fiji Itinerary: 5 Days on a Budget
- 17 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji
- What to Do for 3 Days in Fiji on a Budget
That’s it for the Fiji budget itinerary for 3 days / a weekend. Get even more trip ideas from The Best Fiji Itineraries for a Weekend. Plus, don’t forget to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget. Trust us, there’s a lot of useful tips in there!
