Cruisin’ Fiji: Monuriki, Mana Sand Bar & Snorkelling Day Cruise
Description
Cruisin’ Fiji is a locally owned and family-operated day cruise, offering an authentic Fijian experience with a personal touch. We keep our guest numbers low, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you’re welcomed like part of the family. In one unforgettable day, you’ll visit three iconic locations in the Mamanuca Islands: Mana Sand Bar, Monu Cove and Monuriki Island. Swim, snorkel and explore crystal-clear waters before arriving at Monuriki, the famous filming location of Cast Away. More importantly, Monuriki is part of our family’s ancestral land, making this a truly unique and meaningful experience. Enjoy a traditional Fijian lovo lunch, coconut husking demonstration, guided island walk, optional summit hike, homemade Fijian banana bread and genuine local hospitality shared by the people who call these islands home.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Departing from Port Denarau, your first stop is Mana Sand Bar—a remote stretch of white sand surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mamanuca Islands. Enjoy a guided snorkelling experience just off the reef, where you’ll have the chance to see colourful coral and tropical fish in clear, shallow water. There’s also plenty of time to swim, relax or capture photos of one of Fiji’s most beautiful sandbars, recently featured as the opening location for Survivor US Season 50. Before departing, enjoy a light morning tea featuring homemade Fijian banana bread, freshly baked in our village for the day’s cruise.
After a scenic 20–30 minute cruise from Mana Sand Bar, you’ll arrive at Monu Cove, a sheltered bay surrounded by volcanic cliffs and crystal-clear water. Swim, snorkel or simply relax while exploring another beautiful reef in the Mamanuca Islands. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’re welcome to take part in our signature splash competition from the boat—a guest favourite on every cruise. With calm conditions and abundant marine life, Monu Cove offers another unforgettable opportunity to experience Fiji above and below the water.
After a short 10-minute cruise from Monu Cove, you’ll arrive at Monuriki Island, famous as the filming location of Cast Away starring Tom Hanks. For our family, however, Monuriki is much more than a movie location—this is our ancestral land, and we’re proud to welcome guests to a place that holds deep cultural significance. Spend over two hours exploring the island with our local guides. Visit iconic Cast Away filming locations, hear stories of the island’s history, enjoy a traditional coconut husking demonstration, or take the optional hike to the summit for panoramic views across the Mamanuca Islands. Enjoy an authentic Fijian lovo lunch beneath our handcrafted bures, cooked underground using traditional methods and served with local favourites including chicken, root vegetables, rourou, tropical fruit and our family’s famous coconut miti sauce. Before returning to Port Denarau, there’s time to relax, swim or simply enjoy the island at your own pace.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If you’re staying outside Denarau Island, return transfers can be arranged for an additional fee. Once your booking is confirmed, our team will contact you with a transport quote and your scheduled pick-up time. Please note: Our cruise departs promptly from Port Denarau Marina at 9:00 AM, so pick-up times will be scheduled accordingly. Please keep an eye on your messages after booking. If you prefer, you’re also welcome to arrange your own transport to Port Denarau Marina through your hotel or resort. Any applicable transfer fees are payable separately on the day at our Cruisin’ Fiji Booth. We accept cash or credit card.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Dress code is casual beach wear
- Free pick up and drop off from Denarau Island Resorts only. Transport fees apply from other Resorts.
- Cruisin Fiji shall not be held responsible for any property loss or damage and/or any claim resulting from personal injury or death arising whilst travelling with the company, participating in activities, or other company property. This disclaimer applies irrespective of the cause.
- Travel insurance is recommended for all bookings. Cruisin Fiji shall not be held responsible for any property loss or damage and/or any claim resulting from personal injury or death arising whilst travelling with the company. This disclaimer applies irrespective of cause.
- Cruisin Fiji cruise is subject to sea and weather conditions, particularly in the interest of passenger safety.
- There is limited medical facilities in the area that we travel and limited medical equipment on our boat so if any medical problem arises you will be returned by boat to Nadi (at your expense) or if possible returned by helicopter (at your expense). It is recommend you have valid travel insurance to cover all costs of any emergency medical event.
- A marina departure fee of FJD$3 per passenger will be charged at check in from 1 January 2025. This fee is charged by Denarau Marina
Reviews(2,602)
This is the best excursion that we have done here on our stay , take us to beautiful spots with beautiful Clearwater, the sandbar, the food, and the staff or the friendliest people I would totally do this tour again if I was to come back to Fiji I would rate this to a 10 out of 10
I cannot recommend Crusin Fiji highly enough. What an absolutely fantastic experience! Feels boring to give another 5 star review, but here we are! Their staff were friendly, inviting, funny and casual while clearly knowing their stuff. At first we were a bit worried as our hotel pickup was half an hour late, but we quickly realised we just needed to chill out and slow down - to quote my partner on the matter: "We were stressed out until we realised nothing really mattered". It doesn't matter who you are: young, old, fat, thin, adventurous, shy - you absolutely will not regret taking the day with Crusin Fiji. We enjoyed this day more than we did other larger boat outings to the likes of malamala which was good but this felt more personal, less touristy but every bit as safe. Tips for travellers: - Bring some cheap ear plugs if you're sensitive to noise for when the boats are motoring to the islands. - If you have your own snorkel mask, bring it along if you can.
Amazing all round - from staff to food to experience! An absolute must do if you are visiting fiji!!
This was a great experience, we loved that the company is owned and operated by locals. They took us to some beautiful places that weren't overrun by tourists, and the lunch spot was rustic and felt very peaceful. We liked the smaller size of the group. Thanks for a beautiful day :)
We had the best day out with Crusin' Fiji! The hosts were incredible, friendly, fun, knowledgeable. We saw the most amazing fish and coral. For 3 first time snorkelers, they made us feel so confident and now we all want to go again!!!
The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. Such a cool experience. We definitely made some core memories out on this tour!
Amazing. This was a fantastic trip. The locations were incredible and the crew could not do enough to make everything perfect.
Well organised, lovely island and snorkeling stops, warm and friendly staff, delicious lunch and lots of drinks and snacks. Very safety minded as well. Highly recommended!
We had a wonderful experience snorkeling, swimming and enjoying the beauty of the islands. The guides treated us like family and were very caring and accommodating to all. We will definitely recommend this tour to other family visiting! We loved it!
We had such a fun day today! 3 islands, 2 rounds of swimming and a delicious lunch at Castaway Island. The day was very well organised and the hosts were super lovely, encouraging and generous with their charming Fijian hospitality. Thanks for taking great care of us and I highly recommend this trip to everyone!
This review captures exactly what we hope every guest experiences. 😊 Thank you for taking the time to share it, Sarah. We’re delighted you enjoyed the snorkelling, the day on the islands, and the warm welcome from our crew. Reviews like yours mean so much to a local family business. 🌴
