© FijiPocketGuide.com
© FijiPocketGuide.com

The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Ferry Transport in Fiji

Fiji is an archipelago nation of 333 islands, so chances are, you want to see a few of those islands. One of the most cost-effective ways to do so is by taking a ferry in Fiji. Fast catamaran ferries whiz between the mainland and the islands of the Mamanucas and Yasawas daily, while affordable passenger and car ferries voyage across to Fiji’s more far-flung islands on daily to weekly schedules. So what is it like to travel Fiji by ferry? Find out in this complete guide to using the ferries in Fiji.

Quick Tips for Taking the Ferry in Fiji

  • The ferry experience between the Mamanuca/Yasawa ferries and the other outer islands ferries are wildly different in terms of quality, speed and price (more information on that below)
  • While most ferry tickets are for one-way journeys, check out the hop-on hop-off passes for the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands
  • Ferry tickets often also include bus transfers
  • Ferries stick to a “loose” schedule, so it’s a good idea to arrive early but be prepared for late departures too.

For more tips, check out the 10 Tips for Taking the Ferry in Fiji.

The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry© FijiPocketGuide.com

What are the Ferries Like in Fiji?

There are varying ferry experiences in Fiji between the fast modern catamarans to the slow cargo-style ships. Here’s a quick rundown of what it’s like to take the ferry in Fiji.

Malolo Cat, South Sea Cruises and Awesome Adventures Ferries

The Malolo Cat (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), South Sea Cruises (on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Awesome Adventures (on Viator and Tripadvisor) ferries service the Mamanucas and the Yasawas from Port Denarau. Their passenger ferries are high-speed catamarans with seating inside and on the outside decks. South Sea Cruises and the Yasawa Flyer (Awesome Adventures) also have a travel desk, licensed bar and cafe onboard.

Interlink, Goundar Shipping, Fiji Searoad Service and Amazing Grace Ferries

A mix of car and passenger ferries and cargo ships, the ferries to the less-visited islands of Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Lomaiviti Islands, Kadavu and the Lau Islands are a little basic compared to the Mamanuca/Yasawa catamarans. The ships have seating – usually plastic chairs and some share cargo with fuel, fresh produce, animals, building supplies and more. Some of the ships also have passenger cabins for an additional fee with bunk beds.

The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry© Phile Whitehouse on Flickr

Ferry Routes and Durations in Fiji

Where can you travel to in Fiji by ferry? Island-hopping ferries service the resorts between Port Denarau on Viti Levu and the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Daily services also operate on longer journeys between Suva or Natovi in Viti Levu, Buresala in the Lomaiviti Islands, and Nabouwalu in Vanua Levu. There is also a small ferry, the Amazing Grace/Taveuni Princess, going between the islands of Taveuni and Vanua Levu, while only weekly cargo ferries make their way between Suva and Kadavu and Suva and Koro (Lau Islands).

Ferry Routes in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands

Malolo Cat (Viator/Tripadvisor) and South Sea Cruises (Viator/Tripadvisor) service the Mamanuca Islands, while South Sea Cruises/Awesome Adventures Fiji (Viator/Tripadvisor) services the Mamanuca and the Yasawa Islands.

  • Malolo Cat: Port Denarau – Malolo Lailai Island (1 hour)
  • 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 – Barefoot Kuata Resort/Wayalailai – Naqalia Lodge – Octopus Resort – Paradise Cove/Mantaray Island Resort/Barfoot Manta Resort – Botaira Beach Resort – Korovou Eco-Tour Resort/White Sandy Beach Resort – Long Beach Resort – Waitui Basecamp/Boathouse Nanuya/Coconut Beach Resort/Nanuya Beach Resort/Gold Coast Resort – Nabua Lodge – Blue Lagoon Beach Resort/Oarsman’s Bay Lodge.

Ferry Travel Durations in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands

While there are more than 30 ferry stops in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, the below durations are only for some popular trips to give you a rough indication of journey times.

  • Port Denarau – Malolo Lailai Island: 40 minutes to 1 hour
  • Port Denarau – Beachcomber/Treasure Islands: 45 minutes
  • Port Denarau – Barefoot Kuata Island/Wailailai: 2 hours
  • Port Denarau – Paradise Cove/Mantaray Island Resorts: 3 hours
  • Port Denarau – Blue Lagoon Beach Resort/Oarsman’s Bay Lodge: 4h30mins

Ferries to Lomaiviti, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu and Lau Islands

While not an all-inclusive list, here are some popular routes and durations for Fiji’s less-visited islands. Note that some journeys also include bus travel.

  • Interlink Shipping Line: Natovi – Nabouwalu (3 hours)
  • Fiji Sea Road: Buresala – Natovti – Nabouwalu (6 hours)
  • Goundar Shipping: Suva – Savusavu (12 hours) Savusavu – Taveuni (2-3 hours)
  • Goundar Shipping: Suva – Kadavu (4-8 hours)
  • Amazing Grace/Taveuni Princess: Buca Bay – Naqara (1h30mins-2 hours).

Learn more about taking the ferries to Fiji’s less-visited islands in the following guides:

The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry© FijiPocketGuide.com

The Price of Ferries in Fiji

Compared to flying, ferries provide a cheaper way to get between the islands of Fiji. However, travelling by ferry in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands is much more expensive than travelling by ferry elsewhere in Fiji.

Approximate Ferry Prices

All prices are approximate and for a one-way journey.

  • Port Denarau – Mamanuca Islands: Adult FJ$90-FJ$180 / Child FJ$50-$90
  • Port Denarau – Yasawa Islands: Adult FJ$120-FJ$140 / Child FJ$60-$90
  • Suva – Savusavu (Vanua Levu): Adult FJ$60 / Child FJ$40
  • Savusavu – Taveuni: FJ$25
  • Suva – Taveuni: Adult FJ$70 / Child FJ$40
  • Suva – Kadavu: Adult FJ$50 / Child FJ$20
  • Suva – Levuka (Lomaivitis): Adult FJ$30 / Child FJ$20

See How Much Do Water Taxis & Ferries Cost in Fiji? for a complete price list.

More About Travelling in Fiji by Ferry

That’s it from the guide to travelling in Fiji by ferry. Check out more transport options around the islands in our Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji.

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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