The Top Activities and Attractions in the Mamanuca Islands
Have you ever seen those postcard-perfect scenes of pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and swaying coconut palms? Well, chances are they were snapped in the stunning Mamanuca Islands of Fiji.
This archipelago of around 20 islands is a sailor’s paradise, scattered with resorts and private islands that welcome visitors, making navigation of these waters and their attractions incredibly easy.
Once you drop anchor, you’ll be spoiled for choice with water activities, land adventures and cultural experiences. This list of things to do in the Mamanucas will give you a taste of what awaits!
For more about this sailor’s paradise, including what to do, where to moor, and the best spots to come ashore for dinner, check out The Complete Sailing Guide to the Mamanuca Islands.
Table of Contents
1. Scuba Dive Among Stunning Coral Reefs
If you know anything about Fiji, then this first thing to do in the Mamanucas probably won’t come as a shock to you. With more than 30 coral reef dive sites to explore, the Mamanucas is a great place to scuba dive.
Beginners can dive among the vibrant and sheltered coral reefs of the Mamanucas, while experienced divers have the exciting opportunity to head to the ocean-side reefs, sharing the waters with manta rays, dolphins and large pelagic fish!
Almost all the resorts in the Mamanucas have access to PADI-affiliated dive centres if they don’t have their own, like the 20 Best Dive Resorts in Fiji, where you’ll be in the safe hands of local diving experts.
Otherwise, Subsurface Fiji is a dive operator used by many resorts in the area and may even be able to arrange pick-up straight from your yacht.
Learn more about scuba operators in the Mamanuca Islands in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Fiji, as well as the top dive sites in the 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Fiji.
Location: Almost all resorts in the Mamanuca Islands work closely with local dive operators or have their own dive shop. See the links above for recommendations and their locations.
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Indulge in One of the Mamanucas’ Island Spas
Let’s be honest; everyone deserves some R&R time in Fiji. The spas at the Mamanuca’s many resorts are some of the best places to get some time out.
For a bit of spa inspiration, try the Tadrai Island Resort‘s spa on Mana Island, where you get to choose the setting on this 60-acre (25 ha) island for your spa treatment. Or how about a couples’ massage accompanied by natural Fijian spa products at the Tropica Island Resort on Malolo?
Even on the yacht-friendly floating platform of Seventh Heaven, there are massage rooms beckoning to soothe you (but we’ll get to that later).
Take a look at all your spa options in our 10 Best Spas in the Mamanuca Islands.
Location: See the link above for recommendations and their locations.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Relax, Drink, Snorkel and Dine at the Floating Bars
Two of the most iconic and unique bars in Fiji, Cloud 9 and Seventh Heaven, are floating bars in the Mamanuca Islands – both of which offer safe anchorage for yachties!
Made for keen sun-seekers and cocktail-sippers, these floating paradises serve up wood-fired pizzas at Cloud 9, or an à la carte menu at Seventh Heaven, as well as drinks from all over the world.
Both venues offer similar experiences, allowing you to hire snorkelling gear to explore the coral below or kick back on one of the two levels with day beds.
Location: Cloud 9 – (-17.795845646888864, 177.1377645450688) Malolo Barrier Reef (Roro Reef), Malolo Island.
Seventh Heaven – (-17.795898390955806, 177.1898568225313), Malolo Inner Reef, Malolo Island.
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Relax with Fijian Entertainment
One of the major highlights of any resort visit in the Mamanuca Islands is the captivating Fijian nights!
Many resorts treat guests and day visitors to complimentary Fijian entertainment, whether it’s a kava ceremony or a captivating “meke” dance performance, which usually takes place once or twice a week.
Find out more about these activities and more in our 10 Best Ways to Experience the Fijian Culture.
Location: All of the 25 Best Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands!
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Get Competitive with Beach Volleyball, Golf, Tennis and More
All resorts in the Mamanucas offer complimentary use of sports equipment and courts to guests and day visitors, so you can get competitive when you have a spare couple of hours.
For example, check out the tennis courts on Castaway Island or Mana Island. VOMO Island and Plantation Island Resort even have their own 9-hole golf course meandering through the coconut groves!
All of the resorts listed above are the most yacht-friendly, providing easy access to yachties with anchorages nearby.
Location: Castaway Island – Qailto Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands.
Mana Island – Mana Island, the western region of the Mamanuca Islands.
VOMO Resort – Vomo Island, the northern region of the Mamanuca Islands.
Plantation Island Resort – Accessible from Musket Cove Marina, Malolo Island.
© FijiPocketGuide.com6. Surf Epic Reef Breaks
Surfers, you’re in for a treat. The Mamanuca Islands are famous for their epic surf breaks, such as Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Wilkes Passage and much more!
Just check out our 10 Surf Spots in the Mamanuca Islands to be inspired.
Better yet, book yourself into one of the 10 Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands to take advantage of their expertise (and their beds!)
Location: See the links above for recommendations and their locations.
© Tourism Fiji7. Snorkel with the Fishes!
Discovering the vibrant underwater world of the Mamanuca Islands is a highlight for any visitor to Fiji.
Most resorts offer easy access to stunning coral reefs teeming with tropical fish straight from the beach. For those who prefer a guided experience, hop on a snorkelling tour to explore the best spots – many Mamanuca Island resorts run their own excursions.
Otherwise, dropping anchor (while adhering to local marine guidelines to protect coral, of course) and exploring with your snorkel is another totally plausible way to spend your time on the Mamanuca waters.
Location: All over the Mamanuca Islands! Check out the 10 Best Snorkelling Resorts in Fiji for ideas.
© FijiPocketGuide.com8. Hike to an Island’s Viewpoint
Some stunning views can be captured atop the islands of the Mamanucas.
Many of the island resorts with anchorages, such as Mana Island Resort (Mana Island), Malolo Island Resort (Malolo Island) and Musket Cove Marina (Malolo Lailai Island), to name a few, have access to walking trails where you’ll be rewarded with outstanding views across the ocean and surrounding islands.
Check out the 5 Best Walks & Hikes in the Mamanuca Islands for our favourite hikes.
Location: See the link above for recommendations and their locations.
© Malolo Island Resort9. Learn How to Cook Fijian Cuisine in a Cooking Class
Learn how to cook your own island-style meals at one of the Mamanuca resorts’ cooking classes.
At the Plantation Island Resort, learn how to cook traditional Fijian dishes using tropical ingredients.
Another option is at the Six Senses Fiji in their very own dedicated cooking school within their herb and vegetable garden.
For more foodie experiences like this, take a look at our 10 Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands for Foodies.
Location: Plantation Island – Malolo Lailai Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands.
Six Senses – Malolo Island, the southwestern region of the Mamanuca Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.com10. Enjoy a Private Island Day Trip
You don’t have to stay at an island resort to enjoy the glorious experience of being on a private island.
Some of our favourite private islands to visit include South Sea Island, and the Malamala Beach Club. These idyllic spots often offer a mix of snorkelling, kayaking, cultural activities and stunning beaches to explore.
For an enhanced experience at Malamala Beach Club, we recommend pre-booking a Beachside Cabana (for 1-2 people), Grand Cabana (for 3-8 people), or Poolside Day Beds (for 1-2 people). These often sell out weeks in advance, so it’s best to secure your spot early. Keep in mind that pre-payment is required, and you can’t pay for these once on the island.
Moorings are available for yachts/boats 12 m (40 ft) or less on a first-come, first-served basis for Malamala Beach Club. Alternatively, anchor safely and radio for tender pickup on VHF channel 12. A vessel landing fee of FJ$30 per person applies. It is open to private vessels each morning from 9:30 am unless it is closed for private charter and closes at 5:30 pm.
Check out our 10 Best Island Day Trips in Fiji for inspiration on islands to visit.
Location: South Sea Island – -17.692761491544122, 177.31278061392874, Malamala Beach Club – -17.72436340296057, 177.27708335615057
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About the Mamanuca Islands for Yachties
That’s it for our things to do in the Mamanuca Islands for yachties; for more information about this beautiful island group, check out the following articles:
- Yacht Provisioning: Shops & Services in the Mamanuca Islands
- Where to Eat in the Mamanuca Islands: Guide for Yachties
- The Sailing Guide to Fiji: Tips for Yachting in Fiji
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Sailing 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:
- Tourism Fiji (General travel 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])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism 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)
- SV Soggy Paws (Sailing resource for the South Pacific)
- Ocean Posse (Mooring data for the South Pacific)
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