How to Visit the Mamanuca Islands on a Budget
A common misconception about Fiji is that staying in an island resort backed by lush tropical forest just moments away from pristine sandy beaches is something only the super-rich can afford. Jump on a ferry to the Mamanuca Islands, just a 30-minute to 1-hour trip from Denarau or Wailoaloa near Nadi, and you could be sipping cocktails by the pool in an island paradise. What’s more, those cocktails could be only marginally less expensive than your accommodation! This guide to the Mamanuca Islands on a budget will show you just how you can plan an affordable trip for yourself in Fiji.
The Mamanuca Islands are more than 20 islands just off the northwest coast of Nadi, Viti Levu. Their close proximity to the mainland makes them some of the cheapest islands to access in Fiji. What’s more, the islands have a wide range of accommodation styles, including island resorts with backpacker dorms, tent sites, affordable family bures and private rooms. As for spending your time on the Mamanuca Islands, you are spoiled for choice with coral reefs to snorkel in, the use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, and cultural entertainment, and those are just free or inexpensive activities! This guide will go through all the activities, accommodation and travel tips for visiting the Mamanuca Islands on a Budget.
Before we begin this guide to the Mamanuca Islands on a budget, don’t forget to bookmark The Complete Budget & Backpacking Guide to Fiji. Trust us; there are a lot of useful tips!
Table of Contents
10 Tips to Save Money in the Mamanuca Islands
Whether you’re a backpacker, family or a honeymooning couple on a budget, you’ll find tips that apply to you in this list of ways to stay in the Mamanucas on a budget!
1. Get Supplies Before Going to the Islands
If you’re lucky enough to be staying on an island with a convenience store in the resort or on the island, supplies are going to be much more expensive than what’s available on the mainland. Stock up on things like sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks (check if your accommodation has a fridge) and anything else you might think you’ll need.
2. Stock Up on Water or Take a Lifestraw Bottle
Only the higher-end resorts will offer their guests complimentary bottled water. Even if the tap water is “safe” to drink, it won’t agree with everyone. Bring a few bottles of water to drink with you. Better yet, pack a Lifestraw Bottle to filter the water so it is safe to drink. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying way too much for bottled water. Check out Can You Drink the Water in Fiji? for more tips.
3. Take Advantage of the Cheap Accommodation
Stay in the cheapest type of accommodation the resorts offer, like a bure (wood or straw hut) or backpacker dorm. However, we recommend picking a bure that is sheltered from the trade winds that blow from the southeast for a more comfortable sleep.
4. Load Up on the Free Activities
Be choosy with activities. Non-motorised water activities (basically anything that doesn’t require a boat) are some of the most affordable activities to do on the island, such as snorkelling or hiring a kayak. But remember, some of the best things to do are be free, like swimming, relaxing on the beach, and talking to the locals working at the resort. Some resorts offer free snorkelling trips! We go through more activities in this guide, as well as in the 12 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands.
5. Eat Strategically!
The food portions in Fiji resorts are pretty darn huge! Most of the time, an entree will be all you need. (Power tip! Have a late lunch/early dinner so that you can order off the lunch menu for almost half the price of dinner!)
6. Start Your Stay Mid-Week
Play around with your dates when booking your resort. The more flexible you can be with your nights of stay, the more you’ll save. Often, we find that it’s cheaper to start your stay mid-week, for instance, Tuesday or Wednesday, compared to Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
7. Plan Your Trip in the Low Season
Summer never ends in Fiji, so there is never really a bad time to visit! Sure, there’s the wet season, but the Mamanuca Islands experience a drier climate than what’s experienced on the mainland. Anyhow, try to travel in the low season to see cheaper rates on flights and rooms. The low season in Fiji is October-November and January-May. Check out 10 Reasons to Travel in the Low Season in Fiji.
8. Use “Kids Stay and Play for Free” Resorts
If travelling with kids, consider family-friendly resorts like Plantation Island Resort andNakelo Treasure Island Resort, which often offer “kids eat free” or “kids stay and play for free” deals. The deal often is that children under 12 years old can stay for free if the existing bedding in a room is used, as well as have free access to the kids’ clubs.
9. Take a Resort Boat Transfer
Getting to your desired island is quite a big expense. Usually, one of your cheapest options is to use the boat transfers offered by your resort. Some of the budget resorts, in particular, organise their own boat transfer to their island. For instance, there’s the Mana Flyer from Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi, which takes guests to Mana, Beachcomber, Treasure, and Bounty Islands. Ratu Kini Cruises also transfers to their resort on Mana Island. Beachcomber Cruises connects Port Denarau and the Anchorage Beach Resort at Vuda Point to Beachcomber Island. Take a look at 5 Ways to Get to the Mamanuca Islands.
10. Be Prepared; Read Fiji Pocket Guide
There are many more ways to save money when travelling in Fiji that we share with you throughout our online travel guide to Fiji! Keep on browsing Fiji Pocket Guide for more tips that will save you money in Fiji!
And more tips continue in the 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji! But, for now, let’s take a look at advice specifically for saving your money in the Mamanuca Islands…
© FijiPocketGuide.comCheap Ways to Get to the Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands are some of the easiest islands to get to from the Fiji mainland of Viti Levu, where most visitors arrive in Fiji – see How to Get to Fiji. For this reason, they are also some of the cheapest islands to get to, with multiple transport operators offering transfers to the islands.
Ferries and Water Taxies from Port Denarau
A popular location for island transfers is from Port Denarau, a tourist hub just 15 km (9 mi) from Nadi Airport. From there, the most affordable way to get to the Mamanuca Islands is via ferry services. These ferry services depart according to a schedule three to five times a day. Alternatively, water taxis operate from Port Denarau allowing you and your group to get to your chosen destination at the time you choose. However, you will have to pay for this privilege. Find out more about the ferry services, schedules and more in How to Take the Ferry to the Mamanuca Islands.
Boat Transfers from Wailoaloa
Wailoaloa, 6 km (3.7 mi) from Nadi Airport, is another popular hotel and resort destination with operators doing daily boat transfers to selected islands in the Mamanuca Group. Check them out in the Mamanuca Islands Transport Guide.
Transport-Included Day Trips
Your final budget option for getting to the Mamanuca Islands is via day trips, otherwise known as island excursions. These can be a great option if you are on limited time in Fiji and still want to get that “island experience” into your itinerary. Day trips to the Mamanuca Islands are well worth considering if you are on a budget, as transport, food and access to a few fun and free activities are included in the price, such as snorkelling (complimentary snorkel gear is usually provided), swimming at the beach or at resort pools, and sometimes cultural performances. There will also be the option to add activities to your trip at an extra cost. Check out your options in the 5 Best Mamanuca Day Trips From Mamanuca Resorts & Denarau and 10 Best Day Cruises in Fiji.
See our Mamanuca Transport Guide for more ways to get to the Mamanuca Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.comFree Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands…
… Once you pay to get to your chosen Mamanuca island or resort, that is. What makes the Mamanuca Islands so great for budget travellers is the array of free activities. Check in or take a day trip tour to a resort, and you will have access to either free (or very cheap) snorkelling gear to check out the nearby coral reefs. Alternatively, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are usually available for you to spend more time out on the water. Or if you are looking for more of a relaxing experience, then you won’t want to miss lazying next to the resort pools or trying some local cuisine (the fresh seafood on the Mamanucas is amazing). Check out our complete list of the 12 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands for more inspiration! Otherwise, some of the highlights include:
Snorkelling
The Mamanuca Islands are surrounded by coral reefs rich with tropical fish, so snorkelling is an absolute must when visiting the islands! Many of the resorts offer free use of snorkelling gear, such as Beachcomber Island Resort, which also runs two snorkelling trips per day. Gear is also complimentary with day trips to Malamala Beach Club, South Sea Island or any of the 10 Best Day Cruises in Fiji. For multiple days in the Mamanuca Islands, combine your visit with some affordable dorms, private rooms, and bures to stay in; check out our 10 Budget Accommodations in the Mamanuca Islands for more information.
Resort and Beach Club Pools
The best thing about resort hopping is trying out all the different outdoor pools! Many of the Mamanuca Islands are open to day-trippers, such as Castaway Island, Mana Island and the Malamala Beach Club, which also means visitors who are not guests can also use the pool.
Resort Evening Entertainment
Staying the night on one of the Mamanuca Islands? Then, it’s likely that you’ll catch some of the free evening entertainment that resorts organise for guests. Be captivated by a traditional Fijian cultural performance, take part in a kava ceremony where you’ll taste a mouth-numbing traditional drink, see fire-walking and more! Take a look at the resort’s daily entertainment itinerary, usually available from reception, to see what’s on.
Island Hikes
Hike to magnificent viewpoints or discover secluded beaches just by taking a walk from your resort. Ask resort staff if there are any good places for walking nearby. There may even be free guided walks! For example, the Funky Fish Resort on Malolo Island offers free guided walks to a Second World War hill fort, and the Ratu Kini Dive Resort is a mere 20-minute walk away from Sunset Beach, often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Fiji. For more ideas, check out the 5 Best Walks & Hikes in the Mamanuca Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.comCheap Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands
From budget-friendly beach hopping to free snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, the Mamanuca Islands offer plenty of affordable activities for travellers looking to experience paradise without breaking the bank (we promise you’ll love every minute of it!).
Kayaking (Usually Free But…)
Being a guest at one of the resorts or just taking a one-day island excursion to a resort often means you get access to the resort’s “non-motorised” watersports equipment. Almost every resort has kayaks, which is a great way to get out on the water and explore the reefs and coast of the island! If hiring a kayak at your chosen resort is not free, then it’s usually very cheap (we’re talking around FJ$5 per hour).
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Another watersport equipment available to hire for free (or very cheap, usually around FJ$5 per hour) is stand-up paddleboards (SUP boards). This relaxing sport is great for working muscles without having to over-exert yourself. It’s possibly one of the most relaxing ways to exercise and discover the beautiful island surroundings. Check out the resorts with free SUP hire in The Best Places for Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Fiji.
Cheap Spa Treatments
Indulge in a bit of “Fiji Time” with one of the island resorts’ spa treatments. It’s true when you think “spa,” you think “luxury”; however, some of the budget resorts have very reasonable spa treatments for under FJ$30, such as neck and shoulder massages at Ratu Kini Spa on Mana Island.
Hair Braiding
No one will believe you have been on holiday unless you go home with a head full of braids! A fun and affordable activity for kids (and adults – we’re not judging) is getting braids. Many of the resorts have a professional braider on site, and you or your little ones will rock the braids in no time! Braiding costs between FJ$1-$3 per braid. Check out some other great activities for kids in our Family Guide to the Mamanuca Islands.
More Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands
If you do want to treat yourself to something special on the Mamanuca Islands, there are some unforgettable experiences to be had. Scuba dive among the tropical fish at famous dive sites such as the Big W and Gotham City. Surf at Fiji’s most popular surf spots! Ride the elements in windsurfing or parasailing! When you want to wind down, relax with a spa treatment or hit the floating pizza bar at Cloud 9. Check out some of the highlights of the Mamanuca Group in our list of the 20 Best Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.comDining on a Budget in the Mamanuca Islands
Let’s be honest: resort food in the Mamanuca Islands can get pretty costly, especially when ordering mains off the menu. However, with the heat of the Fijian sun, it’s important to keep your appetite in check. There are a few ways to do that in the Mamanuca Islands without breaking the bank.
For those who are not big eaters, order one or two entrees or choose something from the lunch menu instead (which is cheaper while still serving huge portion sizes) to keep you going. With that in mind, you can try some great Fijian dishes without spending too much! Check out 10 Foods You Have to Try in Fiji for things to look out for on the menu!
If you love indulging (and, hell, you’re on holiday), a better option may be to buy into your resort’s meal plan, which is a good way to enjoy two or three meals a day (depending on the option you choose) without the risk of going overboard. Check out our full guide, Is it Worth Buying a Resort Meal Plan in Fiji?, to dive deeper into the subject.
For more tips on saving money on food, check out the 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji and you might also be interested in Is it Worth Buying a Resort Meal Plan in Fiji?
© FijiPocketGuide.comWhich Island to Choose in the Mamanucas
While there are around 20 islands in the Mamanuca Group, at least all of them are beautiful. When on a budget, it’s best to choose an island with a resort that you can afford. Many of the resorts have backpacker dorms, budget private rooms and affordable family rooms or bures. Make sure to check out our 5 Best Budget Accommodations in the Mamunca Islands for your cheap and cheerful options. No matter what type of room you go for, the resort itself will be packed with great things to do and based on the edge of a stunning island by the beach. It’s the Mamanucas after all, you can’t go too wrong! However, if you are looking for something that stands out, try these:
- Mana Island – If you’re a sucker for the TV show, Survivor, then don’t miss Mana Island, where the latest Fiji instalments were filmed.
- Monuriki Island – This island is more commonly known as Cast Away Island after the movie Castaway, starring Tom Hanks, was filmed here (and not to be confused with the resort Castaway Island Resort).
- Tavarua Island – Looking for a romantic getaway? Then, this heart-shaped island is the perfect place.
- Malolo Island – The largest island in the Mamanucas has the largest selection of resorts and lots to explore on the island, and it is close to the Cloud 9 and Seventh Heaven floating bars over the Malolo Reef.
- Namotu Island – Head here for some of Fiji’s best surf breaks!
For more about each island in the Mamanuca Islands, check out the 10 Best Islands in the Mamanucas.
Budget Accommodation in the Mamanuca Islands
- Beachcomber Island Resort
- Funky Fish Beach & Surf Resort, Malolo Island
- Ratu Kini Backpackers and Dive Resort, Mana Island
- Serenity Island Resort, Bounty Island
- Mana Lagoon Backpackers, Mana Island
- South Sea Island Resort
For more cheap places to stay, see the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in the Mamanuca Islands.
More About the Mamanuca Islands on a Budget
That’s it for our guide to the Mamanuca Islands on a budget; for more information about saving money in Fiji, check out the following articles:
- 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands
- 30 Tips for Travelling in Fiji
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our 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.
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