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Beach and reef · Castaway, Nadroga e Navosa
Recife e lagoa de Qalito
The shallow lagoon of calm water and the coral reef that surround Qalito Island, known as Castaway, with snorkeling from the sand, kayaking and beaches almost all the way around the island.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Recife e lagoa de Qalito
Qalito, the island known to tourists as Castaway, is small and covered in forest, with white-sand beaches almost all the way around. In front of the beaches there is a shallow lagoon of calm water, protected by a coral reef, and that is the main reason people visit.
Snorkeling starts from the beach itself: at many spots the water is just over a metre deep, which makes it easy for children and beginners. Further out, on the reef edge, the water becomes deeper and it’s where green turtles often appear.
The lagoon is also good for kayaking and paddleboarding, which let you circumnavigate part of the island and stop at a quieter beach on the other side. There are glass-bottom boat trips to see the corals without getting in the water and boat outings to more distant reefs for snorkeling and diving.
Because the beaches face different directions around the island, there is almost always a part protected from the wind. In the late afternoon, when the day trips' boats return, the island becomes quieter.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day, or three to five nights for those staying on the island.
Best time
At high tide snorkeling from the beach is easier. From May to October days tend to be dry and sunny; from November to April it rains more and it’s cyclone season. In the morning the water is usually calmer.
How to get there
By boat from Port Denarau in about 1 hour, including day trips that stop at the island, or by seaplane and helicopter from Nadi.
Tip
Enter the water wearing reef shoes in sections with coral and do not step on the reef. Day visitors should check the boat's return time.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Recife e lagoa de Qalito
Can you snorkel from the beach?
Yes. At many points the lagoon is just over one metre deep, good for beginners and children.
Are there turtles?
Green turtles commonly pass along the reef edge further out, but they do not appear every time.
Can you visit without staying overnight?
Yes, on day trips that depart from Port Denarau and return in the late afternoon.
Is it the island from the movie Cast Away?
No. The film was shot on Monuriki in the northern Mamanucas.