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TravelTips24 : Oceania : Melanesia : Fiji : Mamanuca Islands

Mamanuca Islands

Mamanuca Islands are a group of tiny islands west of Viti Levu in Fiji.

Regions

Islands in the Mamanuca chain, not all of which are inhabited, include:

  • Amunuca
  • Castaway
  • Malololailai
  • Malolo
  • Mana
  • Matamanoa
  • Modriki
  • Monu
  • South Sea
  • Tokoriki
  • Treasure
  • Yanuya
  • Beachcomber

Cities

Other destinations

Culture and History

Talk

Travel to Mamanuca Islands & Visa Requirements

From Nadi International Airport

  • Flights on a helicopter (Island Hoppers) or float plane offer the fastest, and most expensive, way to reach the islands.

From Denarau Marina - 20 minutes drive from Nadi Airport. One can generally catch a free bus from any of the major resorts near Nadi or from the airport to Denarau Marina. If you aren't sure, ask the front desk, they can probably call the bus for pick up. Port Denerau is also the location of some of the largest and most expensive resorts on the main island, including the Sheraton, Hilton, Westin, and Radisson hotels.

  • Large, luxury catamarans (South Sea Cruises, Cougar) with seating for approximately 150 people take several hours to reach your destination, depending on which island is your destination. They are often air-conditioned lounge with food abd drinks available for purchase.
  • Water Taxis (Seafiji) also service the islands in aluminium catamarans. They are the most affordable transportation, especially for groups going to the same destination.

Tours & Getting around Mamanuca Islands

Mamanuca Islands attractions and sightseeing

Itineraries

Mamanuca Islands city tours

Port Denarau is the jumping off point to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. A common excursion is the day-trip to Beachcomber island for lunch, beach and watersports. Snorkeling and scuba around Beachcomber island is a treat not to be missed. The coral is surprisingly healthy and there is an abundance of fish species considering its proximity to busy resort and the many people visiting the small island. Blacktip reef sharks are in the area, but are not considered dangerous. Most only grow to around a metre in length. There is a dive shop on Beachcomber island.

Snorkeling off the North and the South beach of Mana island is excellent too. For divers one of the best spots is The Supermarket, very close to Mana, where you are guaranteed to see many sharks.

Mamanuca Islands Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

It won't surprise anybody that Fiji's cuisine features a lot of seafood. However, it may surprise those not familiar with Fiji's history that it also includes numerous Indian dishes introduced by Indian laborers brought over in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Kokoda is a Fijian delicacy similar to ceviche [1] or Hawaiian poke [2]. It consists of pieces of raw fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk, often accompanied by pepper, onion and tomato.

Rourou soup is a smooth and creamy soup made from blended taro leaves and coconut milk.

Fresh tropical fruit is also popular on the islands, including plantains, papaya, mango and pawpaw.

Mamanuca Islands nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Mamanuca Islands cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

  • Beachcomber Island [3] is a popular backpackers resort catering to travellers who are looking for a place to relax and have a good time. Beachcomber is known as the "party island" due to its popularity with college-age travellers, and exciting entertainment every night, including Beachcomber's own "Bula Dance".
  • Matamanoa Island [4] is a small resort for adults looking for a tranquil and tropical destination. It does not allow children under the age of 12. Guests may stay in beachfront bures or hotel rooms and spend their days laying on the beach or by the pool, snorkeling on the reefs ringing the island, scuba diving, kayaking or hiking to the top of the island.

Stay safe

The Mamanuca Islands are small and secluded, isolating them from much of the theft or other crimes committed in Fiji. The most prevalent dangers come from the environment. Wear plenty of sunblock, do not walk on or touch the coral reef or sea creatures inhabiting it, and be cautious of when and where you swim as large waves or undertows are possible.

Get out

This page was last edited at 19:37, on 18 August 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by David, Stacy Hall and Todd VerBeek and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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