The Guide to the Ferries in the Mamanuca Islands
Staying on some blissful island paradise in Fiji is all well and good, but actually getting to a remote island is somewhat of a head-scratcher. Luckily, there are regular ferries to and from the Mamanuca Islands several times a day. We go over the ferry companies, routes, prices and how to book in this complete guide to how to take a ferry to the Mamanuca Islands.
For more information about these islands, check out The Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands and the 10 Best Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands.
Quick Tips for Taking a Ferry in the Mamanuca Islands
- Both ferries for the Mamanuca Islands depart from Port Denarau, which is around 10km (6 miles) from Nadi
- All of the Mamanucas’ ferries have courtesy transfers to Port Denarau from Nadi, which need to be booked in advance. Otherwise, make your own way there using the advice in the 5 Ways to Get to Denarau Island
- Consider cheaper options, like the Mana Flyer or Ratu Kini Cruiser departing from Wailoaloa, if you’re on a budget
- Check-in for your ferry transfer at least 30 minutes before departure
- Ferries have the same baggage allowance as most airlines – carry-on bag of up to 7kg (15lbs) and main luggage up to weighs up to 25kg (50lb).
For more tips, check out the 10 Tips for Taking the Ferry in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Mamanuca Islands Ferries
There are two catamaran ferry companies in the Mamanuca Islands with regular schedules: Malolo Cat and South Sea Cruises.
Malolo Cat
Offering high-speed catamaran ferries between Port Denarau and Malolo Lailai Island, Malolo Cat is worth considering as your island transfer if staying at the Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort or Musket Cove. They have four services a day, as well as a courtesy coach between Port Denarau and the Musket Cove Nadi Airport office and the Fiji Gateway Hotel if booked in advance. Find out more about Malolo Cat on Viator and Tripadvisor.
South Sea Cruises
South Sea Cruises offers a range of routes around the various island resorts of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands several times throughout the day. Each ferry ticket includes a courtesy coach transfer between Port Denarau and Nadi, Wailoaloa and Denarau accommodations if booked. Find out more about South Sea Cruises on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Mana Flyer and Ratu Kini Cruises
It’s also worth mentioning the Mana Flyer and Ratu Kini Cruises which also offers scheduled boat transfers between Wailoaloa and some of the Mamanuca Islands. The Mana Flyer departs Wailoaloa Beach roughly around 10-11am daily to Mana, Beachcomber, Treasure and Bounty Islands. Alternatively, the Ratu Kini Cruiser departs Fantasy Island jetty near Wailoaloa at around 9.30am to Mana Island. Both companies also offer complimentary road transfers from Nadi accommodation.
© South Sea CruisesThe Mamanuca Islands Ferry Routes and Durations
Does the ferry go to the island or resort you’re staying at? The route guide below should give you some indication.
Malolo Cat Ferry Route
Malolo Cat (Viator/Tripadvisor) has just one route between Port Denarau on the mainland and Malolo Lailai Island. The trip takes approximately one hour one way.
South Sea Cruises Ferry Routes
South Sea Cruises (Viator/Tripadvisor) has a wide range of ferry routes to most resorts around the Mamanuca Islands. Trips take between 30 minutes to one hour depending on which island you’re travelling to. Routes include the following:
- South Sea Cruises: Route 1 – Port Denarau – South Sea Island – Serenity Island – Treasure/Beachcomber Islands – Mana/Tadrai Islands – Castaway Island – Malolo Island – Port Denarau
- South Sea Cruises: Route 2 – Port Denarau – Tokoriki Island – Matamanoa Island – Treasure/Beachcomber Islands – Serenity Island – South Sea Island – Port Denarau
- South Sea Cruises: Route 3 – Port Denarau – South Sea Island – Serenity island, Treasure/Beachcomber Islands – Mana/Tadrai Islands, Castaway Island, Malolo Island, Port Denarau
- South Sea Cruises: Route 4 – Port Denarau – Malolo Island – Castaway Island – Mana/Tadrai Islands – Treasure/Beachcomber Islands – Serenity Island – South Sea Island – Port Denarau
- South Sea Cruises: Route 5 – Port Denarau – Tokoriki Island – Matamanoa Island – Malamala Beach Club – Port Denarau
- South Sea Cruises: Route 7 – Part of the Awesome Adventures Yasawa route (see below)
- South Sea Cruises: Route 8 – Port Denarau – Malamala Beach Club – South Sea Island – Port Denarau
- South Sea Cruises: Route 9 – Port Denarau – Malamala Beach Club
- South Sea Cruises: Route 10 – Port Denarau – South Sea Island – Malamala Beach Club – Port Denarau
- Awesome Adventures Yasawa Flyer: Port Denarau – South Sea Island – Beachcomber Island – Yasawa Islands – Port Denarau (see How to Take the Ferry to the Yasawa Islands for the complete route).
Check out more routes and durations for Fiji in The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry.
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Cost of the Mamanuca Ferries
The ferries in the Mamanuca Islands are certainly not known for their “affordability”, as certain companies have a monopoly on ferry transfers to most islands in the Mamanucas. Prices are determined by which island you are travelling to, usually, the more time travelled on the ferry the more expensive the ticket is.
Note that prices are approximate and are for one-way journeys only. Return fares are double the price.
Malolo Cat Price: Adult FJ$80 one way / Child FJ$40 one way
South Sea Cruises Price: Adult FJ$85-FJ$175 / Child FJ$45-$90
Mana Flyer Price: FJ$80 per person
Ratu Kini Cruiser Price: FJ$95 per person.
Check out more ferry prices around Fiji in How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji?
© FijiPocketGuide.comHow to Book the Mamanuca Ferries
Ferries in the Mamanuca Islands must be booked in advance. This can be done directly through the ferry companies via their websites, over the phone, via email or through their ticket offices. South Sea Cruises has an office at the Customs Hall of Nadi International Airport, while you can book the Malolo Cat at the Musket Cove office at the Nadi Airport. Both companies also have a ticket office/check-in desk in the passenger area of Port Denarau.
Alternatively, ferries can be booked through the travel desk or reception of most Fiji accommodations, through online booking websites like Viator and Tripadvisor, as well as through your travel agent.
More on How to Take the Ferry to the Mamanuca Islands
