Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands are a volcanic group of about 20 islands west of Nadi, known for clear water, palm-fringed beaches and live coral reefs for swimming and snorkeling.
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The Mamanuca Islands are a volcanic archipelago in Fiji, west of Nadi and south of the Yasawa Islands. The group has about 20 islands, and roughly seven of them are covered by the sea at high tide. They belong to Nadroga-Navosa Province in Fiji's Western Division. Port Denarau is the main gateway, and day trips to the islands depart from there.
The islands are known for clear water, palm-fringed sand and live coral reefs. Visitors sail, kayak, snorkel and dive, watch coral from a semi-submersible, or swim with reef sharks. On land there is windsurfing, hiking, village visits and secluded beaches. Monuriki was the unnamed island in the 2000 film Cast Away, and the reality series Survivor has filmed here since 2016. Resorts range from high-end luxury properties to cheaper options for backpackers and budget travelers. The dry season, roughly May to October, is the usual time to visit.
Mamanuca Islands in five
- Book the boat with your roomScheduled catamarans from Port Denarau call at the main islands, and the closest are under an hour away. Many resorts sell transfers as part of the stay.
- Pick the island for what you wantSome islands are family resorts with kids' clubs, others adults-only or backpacker. Check the resort's beach and reef before booking; they vary a lot.
- Bring kava for a village visitIf you visit a village, bring a bundle of yaqona (kava root) for the sevusevu welcome, and wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
- Carry cash and reef-safe sunscreenIsland shops and small resorts may not take cards, and there are few or no ATMs. Wear a rash vest when snorkeling in the midday sun.
Need to know
- Airport
- Nadi International (NAN), then a boat from Port Denarau
- Getting there
- Catamaran, water taxi, seaplane or helicopter from Nadi
- Getting around
- Island-hopping boats and resort transfers
- Best base
- One island for the whole stay; transfers eat time
- Time needed
- 3–5 nights
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryHot, cyclones
- FebruaryWettest, cyclones
- MarchWet, cyclone risk
- AprilRain easing
- MayDrier
- JuneDry, breezy
- JulyDry, busy
- AugustDry, breezy
- SeptemberDry, clear
- OctoberWarm, dry
- NovemberHot, rains start
- DecemberHot, wet
Right now in Mamanuca Islands
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 31°
- Humidity
- 58%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 14%
Mamanuca Islands
10:01 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today26°25°14%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 26°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 14%.
- Wed26°25°10%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Thu27°24°4%Thursday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Fri26°25°23%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 26°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 23%.
- Sat26°24°20%Saturday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Sun26°24°16%Sunday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Mon26°24°13%Monday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 13%.
Updated 09:49 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 2.245 FJD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Nadiabout 20 to 30 minutes by road from Port DenarauTemples and markets in the town near the airport.Read the guide
- Sigatoka Sand Dunesabout 1 hour by road from NadiLarge sand dunes on the Viti Levu coast, with a view over the river valley.
- Yasawa Islandsseveral hours by boat from Port DenarauThe chain north of the Mamanucas, reached by boat for a longer day of reef and beach.
Before you go to Mamanuca Islands
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Plan around Mamanuca Islands
Islands, entry rules, cash and cyclone season
Read the guideNadi and Port DenarauWhere the boats leave and where to sleep first
Read the guideYasawa IslandsFurther out, quieter, one boat a day
Read the guideInsurance for FijiCover for cancelled boats and cyclone delays
Read the guideEntry rules for FijiCheck your passport before you book
Read the guideDay cruises and toursSandbar and snorkel trips from Denarau
Read the guideMamanuca Islands FAQ
Mamanucas or Yasawas?
The Mamanucas are closer to Nadi and better for short stays and families. The Yasawas are further out, quieter and more rugged, and take a longer boat ride.
Can I visit the Mamanucas on a day trip?
Yes. Day cruises from Port Denarau visit island beaches, sandbar bars and snorkel spots, and are a way to see the islands before choosing where to stay.
What is the best month for the Mamanuca Islands?
May to September is dry and less humid, with the calmest weather. December to March is hot and wet, with cyclone risk.
Which Mamanuca island is best for families?
Choose a resort with a shallow, protected beach and a kids' club, and check that the reef drop-off is not right at the shore. Adults-only and backpacker islands sit in the same group, so confirm the resort's policy before booking.
How far are the Mamanucas from Nadi?
The nearest islands are under an hour from Port Denarau by catamaran. Seaplanes and helicopters are faster but cost far more. Allow a morning for transfers on arrival day, since boats sail on fixed schedules.