The Best Day Trips from Denarau© Unsplash
The Best Day Trips from Denarau

The Best Day Trips from Denarau

© Unsplash

The Top Places to Visit Near Denarau

Take a break from your resort’s pool and cocktails to discover the real Fiji! There are many exciting day trips from Denarau Island, whether they’re to popular towns or waterfalls in the mountains or stunning offshore islands. We go through some of the best self-drive day trips from Denarau, as well as list guided day tour alternatives, in this ultimate list of the best places to visit near Denarau.

For more trip-planning wisdom, head to The Complete Travel Guide to Denarau Island.

5 Best Day Tours from Denarau

Before we dive into the amazing self-drive day trips from Denarau, here are some guided options where all of the transport is included:

The Best Day Trips from Denarau© Tourism Fiji

Mamanuca Islands

The Best Day Trip from the Denarau Luxury Travellers

Travel time by boat: 30 mins to 2 hours one way (depending on Mamanuca Islands location)
Relevant tour: Tivua Island Day Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Admittedly, our first day trip recommendation is not a self-drive option but is a must-do nonetheless. In Denarau, you’re in one of the best places for an island-hopping day trip. Join one of the many day cruises from Port Denarau to experience the Mamanucas‘ idyllic islands with sand, snorkelling, culture and usually some yummy inclusions.

Choose the right Mamanuca day trip for you by checking out our 10 Best Day Cruises in Fiji.

The Best Day Trips from Denarau© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji

Nadi

The Best Day Trip from Denarau for Budget Travellers

Travel time by car: 15 mins
Relevant tour: Mud Pool Tour with Valentine Tours Fiji (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Fiji’s third-largest town is just moments away from Denarau yet has much to discover between the Fijian and Indo-Fijian culture and spots of natural beauty. Nadi town is a bustle of activity with highlights being the vibrant Sri Subramaniya Swami Temple and the Nadi Market. Venture out of town to the Sabeto foothills and you’ll find the beautiful Garden of the Sleeping Giant and Sabeto Mud Pools run by the local villagers.

For more inspiration to drive your day trip, see the 10 Must-Dos in Nadi.

The Best Day Trips from Denarau© Unsplash

Coral Coast

The Best Day Trip from Denarau for Families

Travel time by car: 50 mins to 2h15mins one way (depending on Coral Coast location)
Relevant tour: Coral Coast Sightseeing Tour with Epic Transfers and Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Lining the southern shores of Viti Levu, the Coral Coast not only hosts its own array of beautiful resorts but offers some of Fiji’s top sights for day-trippers. The hub of the Coral Coast is the town of Sigatoka, which sits on the banks of the Sigatoka River bustling with the Sigatoka Market, authentic eateries and shopping opportunities. Surrounding the town are top attractions, from the Kula WILD Adventure Park (on Viator and Tripadvisor) to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Heritage Park.

Discover more day trip ideas in the 10 Must-Dos on the Coral Coast.

The Best Day Trips from Denarau© Highlander Twinny Tours Fiji

Koroyanitu National Heritage Park

The Best Day Trip from Denarau for Couples

Travel time by car: 1h10mins
Relevant tour: Mt Koroyanitu Heritage Tour with Highlander Twinny Tours Fiji (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

For an active day trip from Denarau, set your sights on the natural wonders of the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park. Drive down the gravel road deep into the park where the residents of Abaca Village will meet you and set you up with either a guide or a map to enjoy one of the gorgeous walks here, including a two-hour waterfall walk and a full-day mountain hike.

See more active day trips, as well as more details about the walks in this national park in the 5 Best Walks from Denarau

The Best Day Trips from Denarau© Valentine Tours Fiji

Lautoka

The Best Day Trip from Denarau for Foodies

Travel time by car: 45 mins
Relevant tour: Lautoka Sightseeing Tour with Valentine Tours Fiji (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Head north to Fiji’s second-largest city, which many describe as a better version of Nadi. Pass through the landing place of the first Fijians at Viseisei Village and arrive in the city with historical and cultural highlights like the Lautoka Sugar Mill, Krishna Kaliya Temple and the huge Lautoka Market. The town also presents excellent shopping at the TappooCity mall, as well as authentic Fijian and Indo-Fijian eateries.

Plan more of your day trip pitstops using the 10 Best Things to Do in Lautoka.

Author

Laura 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.

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