Cidade Turismo
Fiji
Mamanuca Islands

Nadroga e Navosa · Fiji

Mamanuca Islands

About 20 islands west of Nadi, less than two hours by boat: clear lagoons, reefs for snorkeling, the Cloudbreak wave and Monuriki, the island from the film Cast Away.

Nadi, Costa dos Corais e ilhas

In the photo: Monuriki Island, Mamanuca Islands

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The Mamanuca Islands form an archipelago of about 20 islands and islets west of Nadi, spread across a lagoon protected by reefs. They are the islands closest to Fiji’s gateway: the nearest are about 30 minutes by catamaran from Denarau, and the farthest just over an hour and a half. That’s why they’re the country’s most sought-after beach destination, both for accommodation and for day trips.

The islands are small, with white sand and coconut palms, and many have a single resort occupying most of the land. Some have Fijian villages, such as Solevu on Malolo, and Yanuya, where women still make pottery by hand. The sea is usually calm inside the lagoon and clear over the reefs, good for snorkeling, diving and kayaking.

At the southern end, near Malolo Lailai and Namotu, are the reef breaks that made the Mamanucas world-famous for surfing, like Cloudbreak and Restaurants. At the northern end, Monuriki, uninhabited, is the island where scenes from the film Cast Away were shot, and it can be visited on boat trips from nearby islands.

How you explore them depends on travel time: some people choose one island and stay a few days, others do day trips from Denarau, and some combine the Mamanucas with the Yasawas further north on an island-hopping itinerary.

This destination brings together 4 cities: Malolo Lailai, Malolo, Tokoriki, Matamanoa.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Mamanuca Islands is
TokorikiMaloloMatamanoaMalolo Lailai

Limites: Pacific Data Hub / geoBoundaries (CC BY 4.0). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Mamanuca Islands

✈ Pista de Malolo Lailai (PTF) · 1 km to Malolo Lailai

✈ Aeroporto Internacional de Nadi (NAN), in Namaka · 30 km to Malolo Lailai

Check before you buy. From Nadi, the islands are reached by boat from Port Denarau Marina, or by seaplane and helicopter from the airport. Malolo Lailai, Mana and Castaway have small airstrips.

Suggested arrival point: Malolo Lailai

The local experience

Things to do in Mamanuca Islands

Cloudbreak (Recife de Cloudbreak)
Malolo Lailai · Nadroga e Navosa · Surf

Cloudbreak (Recife de Cloudbreak)

A reef break in the southern Mamanucas, known in the surfing world for its long, tubular waves that break over coral, accessible only by boat.

Ilha de Monuriki (Monuriki)
Tokoriki · Nadroga e Navosa · Island

Ilha de Monuriki (Monuriki)

Uninhabited island in the northern Mamanuca Islands, with a rocky hill, white-sand beach and clear lagoon, where the island scenes of the film Cast Away were shot.

Malolo · Nadroga e Navosa · Village

Vila de Solevu (Solevu Village)

Fijian village in Malolo, seat of the traditional chief of the Mamanuca, which receives visitors with a guide for the kava ceremony, conversations with residents and a walk around the school and the church.

Vila de Yanuya (Yanuya Village)
Matamanoa · Nadroga e Navosa · Village

Vila de Yanuya (Yanuya Village)

Fijian village on an island neighboring Matamanoa and Tokoriki, where women make handmade pottery with traditional technique and from where the people who guard Monuriki come.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From May to October, the dry season, days are usually sunny, with less humidity and seas good for crossings. It’s also the season for the big Cloudbreak waves. From November to April it’s hotter, the water is warmer and there are showers; it’s cyclone season and boat services can be suspended.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

A day trip from Denarau gives an idea of the islands. To enjoy the lagoon, snorkel and sunset, three to five nights on one island, or time on two different islands, is ideal. Those who combine with the Yasawas usually book a week or more for the islands.

Which city to stay in

Malolo Lailai and Malolo are the islands closest to Denarau and the busiest, with a marina and several accommodations. Mana has a village, multiple beaches and options across different price ranges. Castaway, Tokoriki and Matamanoa are single-resort islands, more isolated and quiet; the latter two are near Monuriki and the west-side sunset. For surfing, the reference points are the southern islands near the reefs.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Mamanuca Islands

How many islands are in the Mamanucas?

About 20 islands and islets, some with Fijian villages and others occupied by a single resort. Several are uninhabited.

Can you visit the Mamanucas on a day trip?

Yes. There are catamarans and day trips from Port Denarau Marina, with stops at one or more islands, snorkeling and lunch. To get to know the lagoon better, it’s common to stay at least three nights on an island.

What is the difference between the Mamanucas and the Yasawas?

The Mamanucas are closer to Nadi, smaller and home to more resorts. The Yasawas are further north, higher and more remote, with more villages and simple accommodations. Many people combine both.

Where is the island from the film Cast Away?

It’s Monuriki, in the northern Mamanucas. It’s uninhabited and can be visited on boat trips from Tokoriki, Matamanoa and other nearby islands, or from Denarau.

Are the Mamanucas good for surfing?

The southern reefs, like Cloudbreak, are among the world’s most famous waves and are for experienced surfers. Waves are usually bigger from May to October, and access is by boat only.

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