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:
- Tivua Island Day Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Mud Pool Tour with Valentine Tours Fiji (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Coral Coast Sightseeing Tour with Epic Transfers and Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Mt Koroyanitu Heritage Tour with Highlander Twinny Tours Fiji (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
- Lautoka Sightseeing Tour with Valentine Tours Fiji (on Viator and Tripadvisor).
© Tourism FijiMamanuca 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.
© Chris McLennan - Tourism FijiNadi
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.
© UnsplashCoral 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.
© Highlander Twinny Tours FijiKoroyanitu 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
© Valentine Tours FijiLautoka
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.
More Day Trips from Denarau
- 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Fiji
- Denarau Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Denarau Island
- The Best Car Rentals in Nadi
That’s it for the best day trips from Denarau. Plan more of your trip in Fiji with the following itinerary compilations: The Best Fiji Itineraries for 2 Weeks, The Best Fiji Itineraries for 1 Week, The Best Fiji Itineraries for 5 Days and The Best Fiji Itineraries for a Weekend.
