One of the primary draws of visiting Fiji — as with many Pacific islands — is the Pacific Ocean itself. Many visitors to the country, spread across over 300 islands (roughly a third of which are inhabited), will find themselves taking to the waters at least once during their stay.
Travel advisors looking for excursions for clients staying on Viti Levu, the largest and most populated island, will find numerous options. And travelers staying in the many resorts of the Denarau Island area, just minutes from Nadi International Airport, will be able to take advantage of the convenience of the island’s own Port Denarau Marina.
Here are a few top options worth recommending.
South Sea Sailing
The Sabre catamaran, operated by South Sea Sailing, offers daily departures from Port Denarau. The all-day itinerary, which varies with the wind and sea conditions, visits the nearby Mamanuca Islands group. There are breaks along the reef for snorkeling and a stop at an intimate sandbar where guests can wade ashore and crack open a cold beer from the cooler floated there by the crew.
The surf-stable catamaran comes equipped with booth seating, daybeds, beanbag loungers and trampoline netting over the water. There are also restrooms, freshwater showers, stairs and a waterslide into the sea. A morning tea service and a full lunch are included. Beer and wine are complimentary with lunch; there’s also a full bar available onboard. Snorkel gear and transfers at Port Denarau are also included.
Seventh Heaven
Also departing from Port Denarau are trips to Seventh Heaven, a day lounge, restaurant and bar situated over the waters of the Mamanuca Islands.
Seventh Heaven can be accessed via a 45-minute water transfer from Port Denarau, and the fare includes a food-and-beverage credit to be used during the visit. Clients will spend about six hours at Seventh Heaven swimming, snorkeling, enjoying drinks and meals from the bar and relaxing at the shaded lounge space (adventurous clients can take the “leap of faith” into the ocean from the second level). Travelers staying at resorts in the Mamanucas can also visit Seventh Heaven — travel advisors can typically arrange these day trips through the resorts.
Nanuku Private Island
Luxury clients seeking a truly exclusive experience can book their stay at Nanuku Resort, along the coast of Viti Levu near Pacific Harbour. Agents can arrange excursions to Nanuku’s nearby private island through the resort’s concierge team.
Nanuku Resort offers excursions to Nanuku Island, a private island available for picnics, beach bonfires and more.
Credit: 2022 Scott Laird
Half- or full-day sailings are available, and full-day trips include a bottle of Champagne and a picnic lunch. Nanuku Island — the resort’s namesake — is about 45 minutes across an ocean channel from the resort, with wide, sandy beaches and a rainforest canopy for exploration and shade.
Overnight excursions are also available — guests will enjoy cocktails and a barbecue dinner on the beach, and stay up into the evening next to a beach bonfire to stargaze. Travelers can bed down in a safari tent or sleep under the stars, with the staff anchored on the boat just offshore (and merely a call away) for privacy. The boat casts off from Nanuku Island early the next morning, returning guests to the resort just in time for breakfast.
