A tiny little private island in the heart of Fiji, Denarau is situated on the far west end of Viti Levu, connected by the mainland via a short causeway.
A few kilometers from the prominent town of Nadi and the Nadi International Airport, Denarau Fiji is where you can indulge in pure bliss and a once-in-a-lifetime luxurious vacation.
A perfect place whether you are traveling solo, with a partner, or with a group, the island of Denarau has tons of attractions that you can enjoy and be spellbound for the years to come.
This little piece of Fiji is known for its luxury hotels and oceanside resorts that fringe the island’s coastline. Shopping arcades, restaurants, bakeries, salons and even an 18-hole golf course – you name it and Denarau Fiji has it.
To applaud your brilliant choice of picking Denarau as your next holiday destination, here are 11 epic day trips from the island that you can look forward to during your stay at Denarau Fiji:
Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Fiji (Travel Guide)
11 Epic Day Trips from Denarau, Fiji
Table of Contents
1. A True Fijian Day Cruise
An authentic Fijian experience, the 8-hour Day Cruise begins at Port Denarau from where you will be taken to the Mana Sand Island for a morning full of snorkeling and swimming in the pure turquoise Fijian waters followed by a visit to the gorgeous Monu Island’s deep-sea cove.
For an authentic Fijian Lovo lunch, your cruise will take you to Modriki Island, where you can swim, snorkel, and relax some more.
Your hotel transfers, activities, and lunch would all be included in the package, so you can just sit back and unwind yourself.
Book a day cruise around the islands near Denarau
2. Fiji Sunset, Dinner, and Cultural Show Cruise
One of the most loved day trip options for couples, a Fiji Sunset, Dinner, and Cultural Show cruise gives you and your partner the best of everything that Denarau Fiji has to offer.
After spending the day swimming and diving, it’s time to hop aboard a cruise that takes you on a 3-hour journey around the waters with a stunning Fijian sunset for a backdrop.
Savor a welcome cocktail and fill your soul with the humming tunes of the islander ballads as your chef for the night prepares for your grand 3-course BBQ dinner.
Upgrade to a freshly-caught char-grilled lobster if you must and as you eat, enjoy the beauty of the vast Pacific that surrounds you.
3. Full-Day at Cloud 9 Fiji
The only two-story pizzeria and bar in the middle of the Fijian ocean, Cloud 9 Fiji is a must-visit on your Denarau Fiji Holiday.
To save yourself the trouble of making arrangements, book a full-day visit to Club 9 Fiji and appreciate the finest luxuries of life right here in the heart of the sea. The tour will start at Port Denarau from where your high-speed boat will take you directly to Cloud 9.
Once here, spend your day sipping cocktails, catching some rays or jump right into the ocean and explore the lagoon’s Ro-Ro Reef while a master Fijian chef onboard works on your signature wood-fired Pizza.
After your lavish lunch, relax some more or dance the day away to the latest sounds played by one of Cloud 9’s top DJs.
It is best to book your Cloud 9 experience in advance since it is a popular tour, dates and times tend to be sold out without booking in advice.
4. Day Cruise to Yasawa Island with Snorkeling and Lunch
If you’re traveling with family, especially children, all of you will love this day trip. Not only will this day cruise from Denarau Fiji give you so much to do and enjoy together but will also definitely make for a lot of fun memories.
The Yasawa Islands in Fiji is one of those untouched destinations that are filled with natural beauty. Hop on your high-speed catamaran that leaves Port Denarau and enjoy the views as it takes you around the striking landscapes of the Yasawa Islands.
You get to choose between two island resorts when you book such a trip. Depending upon what you pick, set yourself to the “island time” and prepare to either cherish your time on the spectacular white beach at the Octopus Resort on Waya Island or wander around the secluded yet splendid beach at the Botaira Beach Resort on Naviti Island.
Swim, snorkel, and scuba dive among the intriguing coral reefs before sitting down for a mouthwatering seafood lunch.
Read more Ultimate Yasawa Islands Fiji Guide
5. Snorkeling with the Sharks at Kuata Island
A must-experience attraction for adrenaline junkies, the Kuata Island Day Tour is unlike anything that you may have ever seen before. Every bit of this tour is packed with thrill, adventure, and awe-inspiring moments.
Board your boat from Port Denarau and cruise past the famous Mamanuca islands to make your way to the remote islands of Kuata.
Characterized by its postcard beauty, amazing location, extremely pleasant staff, and snorkeling with reef sharks, Kuata Island Day Tour is one that you have to experience. Get up close and personal with the ‘predators’ roaming around in their natural habitat.
After you have had your fair share of an adrenaline rush, find a spot at the Barefoot Kuata Resort and replenish yourself with a hearty meal (included in the package along with morning and afternoon tea).
This adventure books up way in advance! We tried book ours 30 days before heading to Fiji and we had to go on a waiting list. Spots did open up, however, dates did not work out with our travel plans.
Book your Kuata Island Day Tour
6. Flightseeing over the Fiji Islands
If you need a break from all that time in the Fijian waters, the Flightseeing Day trip from Denarau Fiji is the best way to do something alternative and yet see the best of Fiji in under a half-hour.
Select your flight plan – you can choose to fly over the Mamanuca Islands and enjoy a birds-eye view of the surrounding coral reefs, or you can decide to wander into the interiors around the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.
If you pick the former, your fully-loaded helicopter will take you over the South Sea Island and the famous heart-shaped Tavarua Island.
For the latter, you fly over the city of Nadi and a few local villages before you make it to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and the Mt. Evan range.
Choose your own adventure with this scenic Fiji Islands helicopter tour. When booking your 25-minute flight, choose whether you want to head west over the Mamanuca Islands or fly to the interior of Fiji to see Nadi township and the Denarau Islands.
7. Skydive with the Only Skydive Operator in Fiji
Imagine a free-fall tandem dive at the speed of 200 kilometers per hour over the tropical islands of Fiji! Now, imagine combining it with snorkeling in the pristine blue waters that surround the Mamanuca Islands!
Skydive Fiji is the only authorized skydive operator in Fiji to offer such combination packages where you get to explore underwater life as well as experience the buzz of falling from the sky.
Book their “sun, sea, and sky package’ for a day that begins with diving amidst the brilliant reefs and ends in a tandem jump over the Malolo Islands.
8. Family Tour of the Savala Island
Another popular day trip for families holidaying at Denarau Fiji, the Savala Island Day tour begins at Port Denarau at 10:00 AM from where you and your loved ones will be caringly taken to the private islands of Savala. An exquisite piece of paradise, Savala Island is rich with marine life and tropical flora and fauna.
Spend the day listening to the birds chirping or swim in the warm turquoise waters surrounding the unexplored haven.
Try your luck at stand-up paddleboarding or teach your teenager the art of kayaking. If you have a junior creative genius in the family, sit with them while the locals teach you all the many ways of weaving coconut leaves.
Before you end your trip, relish a delectable buffet lunch and listen to the islanders sing happy tunes to make your trip a memorable one.
Book a Savala Island Day Tour
9. Half-Day Tour of Traditional Fiji Life from Denarau or Nadi
Perfect for culture lovers, the half-day tour from Denarau Fiji takes you through the picturesque Ocean Road via Sigatoka and the colorful markets (the perfect opportunity to buy some souvenirs).
Later, pay a visit to the Lawai Pottery Village and see how the local Fijians have been spending years and years mastering the local craft of pottery.
On the tour, you’ll get to experience a traditional Kava ceremony and stop to appreciate the Hare Krishna Temple before you head back to your Denarau hotel.
Book a Half-Day Village Visit
10. A Perfect Castaway Island Day Cruise
Made famous by the Tom Hanks movie, Castaway, Castaway Island is an ideal way of spending a day in the heart of Fiji. Expect exquisite white-sand, titillating flora and fauna, and plenty of watersports to keep you busy.
Board an enormously luxurious high-speed catamaran from Port Denarau to the Castaway Island where you will have at least a few hours to relax on sunbeds, float in the water, snorkel, kayak, and even try windsurfing.
Enjoy a delightful seafood lunch and a tropical drink while you take a break from the tempting Fijian waters.
Traveling with kids? No worries. Leave them with the tremendously loving and caring staff at the Kids Club where they enjoy a day full of exciting child activities while you enjoy the tropical tranquility of Castaway Island.
11. A Sailing Trip to the Tivua Island
This, undoubtedly, has to be one of the most pampering and enthralling day trips from Denarau Fiji.
Get picked up at your hotel and prepare to step aboard a 1957 brigantine that sails around the azure tropical waters and attracts dolphins that come to play around the boat.
Be rewarded with a traditional kava ceremony welcome upon arrival at the island and then decide to swim, stroll, or sunbathe. After some relaxation, jump right into the action pool and enjoy a game of beach volleyball or try your hands at reef fishing.
Dig into a grand lunch buffet and enjoy a glass of wine before you bid farewell to your tranquil Fiji experience.
Combine a cruise to Tivua Island with a wreck dive during this 7-hour tour. Sail from Denarau to Tivua Island, enjoying the crew’s hospitality on the scenic journey.
Once there, certified divers may dive the MV Raiyawa and the surrounding coral reefs, then refuel with an included barbecue lunch.
Book a Tivua Island day tour
Where Will You Find Adventure in Fiji?
When it comes to Fiji, there is more to do than just beaches. Don’t be scared to take that day trip because I can tell you it will be amazing and you will not be disappointed.
We spent our day’s snorkeling, kayaking, biking, exploring waterfalls, remote islands, river rafting and yes we spent a day or two by the pool with a drink in our hands.
We hope our 11 epic day trips from Denarau inspire you to go out and have that adventure of a lifetime during your stay in Denarau, Fiji.
Where to Stay in Denarau, Fiji
You really can’t go wrong with any of the hotels in the Denarau area. Most Fiji accommodations boast the perfect beachfront location overlooking the Mamanuca Islands that are great for your family holiday or couples getaway to Fiji.
The size of properties ranges from large luxury resorts, The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa Fiji & Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa to small private resorts such as First Landing Beach Resort & Villas.
Read reviews and check prices with our Hotel Search Engine, that gives you the best hotel deals found on the web. Our search engine pulls results from all of the major booking places, including Expedia, Hotels, Booking and more. All the options, all the deals, all in one place and just for you.
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| Wanderlands Fiji 8 Days From Nadi to Waya Island Max group size: 10 | Fiji Viti Levu Island Experience 6 Days From Nadi to Nadi Max group size: 20 | Fiji Island Hopping Adventure 9 Days From Nadi to Nadi Max group size: 20 |
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Impressive post.Pictures are stunning.Thanks for sharing this post with us.
You’re welcome! Glad to hear you like the photos and info we shared for visiting Denarau, Fiji.
Wow! Never knew Fiji offered so much! Definitely, a destination to add to my bucket list!
Fiji has soooo much to offer! This is only scratching the surface of what’s is available there. All the islands are so different. Glad to hear you’re adding to the bucket list!