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(2,641)
Best swimming place, best crew. Lunch was nice and plenty. I like the way they took care of you until you’re in your taxi.
Such an amazing day we had today. We got to snorkel in the clear waters, eat delicious food prepped by the staff, ready and waiting at our last destination, and chill at our own pace. Special shout out to Tuks who held my hand through my first ever snorkeling experience. In the past I have always chickened out but today he allowed me to conquer my fear, and now I can’t wait to do it again x
The cruise itself was good and interesting. The snorkeling at the Sand Bar was probably the most diverse that we have seen in our world travels (unfortunately it was a short stop). The other locations visited were also interesting and different. Plenty of beverages, the "snacks" advertised was a piece of banana bread, and the lunch buffet, in our opinions, was fine (not "great" as some state). Our biggest issue was that we booked through Viator and arranged a pickup/drop off at our hotel. We showed at the front desk 30 minutes before our ticket time and waited 20 minutes for our ride before asking a porter if he knew when our van would show. We then found out that we had missed it by 10 minutes. In a rush, we were forced to take a taxi (at our expense) to the port. Upon arrival we were told we owed an additional $20FJD for a "fuel charge" that we had to pay on the spot. Later we found that the operator had sent a mass email with time details and the fuel charge two days earlier and it had wound up in our junk folder despite coming through Viator (so Viator takes some blame here despite never having that issue before with it). Our biggest issue was when another participant, on the ride back, stated how he missed his hotel pickup due to being hungover, and that our same driver actually called him, had the front desk call him, and then because he was so late, arranged another van to pick him up 15 minutes later...so the same caring driver apparently just left us high and dry...very disappointed.
The lunch was good, the equipment was good. The snorkeling was as good as one could expect in rough conditions. The coral and the fish were beautiful. The snacks were poor. They could have made the long boat trip more interesting if they had a sound system where they could tell stories about the Survivor Islands. Also, it could have been more fun by having the boat travel closer to the Survivor Islands so you could see better. That part of the experience was less than expected. We were glad that the waiting at the beginning was where we could pick up some breakfast (our cost). The pickup and drop off was poor. The pickup, the driver never got out of his seat, even to shut the door. The drop off was that half of the customers had to wait for the return of the same vehicle. We said forget it and took the Bula Bus back to our hotel. They could make the experience a 5 star with some attention to these poor quality items.
Wrong trip for us unfortunately, didn’t realise it was mainly all snorkelling off the boat and only 2hrs on land at end of day trip . However that was our fault , had good day watching the others jumping off boat ect. The crew were great
We absolutely loved this day tour. We had a short stay in Nadi and wanted to make the most out of our trip, and cruisin Fiji was the perfect way to do so. All the spots we visited were amazing! The snorkeling portion was great, but our favorite part was definitely lunch at one of the islands. The food was incredible and the tour guides were the most welcoming and friendly. Would definitely recommend!
I had an amazing experience! The workers are all very friendly and welcoming. Even though I am not the strongest swimmer I was still able to experience snorkeling. They have life jackets, pool noodles, guides, etc. Th water, fish and coral are all very beautiful.
It was a brilliant day out. A lovely boat, great crew, all the snorkelling equipment you could possibly want with great water guides. Lovely island stop and lunch. Thank you guys.
It was amazing we had so much fun! Definitely recommend to those who are visiting Fiji soon! And the lunch was yummy
This is a great day trip and you get lots of opportunities to snorkel and swim in gorgeous islands. The water is so clear and great snorkeling with lots of fish and super clear visibility. You get time on the sand spit from Survivor and some other islands with beautiful scenery. The crew was very attentive and the food was really good too.
