Fiji is a strikingly beautiful country, consisting of more than 300 pint-sized Pacific islands. Encircling each island is a warm, turquoise lagoon busy with vibrant coral and fish life, while onshore swaying coconut trees line white sandy beaches. But what makes Fiji so special are the people who call it home; they welcome visitors with genuine warmth, generous smiles, and a laidback nature.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, adventure, or simply basking in the sun on a secluded beach – every island we visit offers something unique for visitors. There’s no doubt you’ll find your own slice of paradise in Fiji by getting off the mainland and exploring the islands that have made the country famous with South Sea Cruises.
For each of our Fiji island Day Trips, our knowledgeable crew will share the features and highlights that make each location special in its own right.
Islands we visit
Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands
Fiji’s picturesque Mamanuca Islands are dotted throughout the sparkling waters just off the coast from Denarau. They are generally tiny in size, but outstanding in beauty and are true treasures of the South Pacific.
The Mamanuca Islands are world-renowned, not just for their beauty, but also for their huge array of activities on offer including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing… the list goes on! Most of the islands have resorts on them, adding cocktails, delicious dining, sun loungers, hammocks, and alluring swimming pools into the mix.
These islands are a ticket to paradise and can be experienced on one of our Fiji Island Day Trips or via our Resort Transfers.
Fiji’s Yasawa Islands
Continue cruising north from the Mamanuca’s and you’ll come face-to-face with the majestic, awe-inspiring Yasawa’s– arguably some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, consisting of a chain of 20 ancient islands. Their volcanic rocky peaks give them a demanding presence, softened by the unspoiled golden sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons.
The remoteness of these islands means they’re far from the beaten track, but South Sea Cruises operate daily in the region with the Yasawa Flyer, delivering both Resort Transfer guests and in some cases day trippers to these ancient beauties with our Yasawa Island Day Trips
Fiji’s People and History
The Fiji Islands are rich in history and legend. The ancestors of the Fijian people arrived in these islands over 3,000 years ago and Fijians today continue to celebrate their colourful culture and history. Many of the islands we visit are home to traditional Fijian villages. Our day trip visitors are welcomed into the villages and culture with genuine warmth and hospitality. On many of the day trips, guests are invited to participate in traditional rituals, such as the meke and kava ceremonies.
The Meke
You’ll see this on many of the islands. In fact, most of the islands we visit welcome all visitors as they step ashore with a meke performance. Music is an integral part of the rich culture of the Fiji Islands and the ‘Meke’ performance embraces traditional song and dance to conjure up the legends, love stories, spirits, and history of Fiji through symbolic movements. The melody of Fijian songs is simply mesmerizing and moving!
A bilo of Yaqona (kava)
Yaqona, also known around the Pacific as ‘kava’, is Fiji’s national drink. Made from the pulverized root of a kava plant, it has long been known to have medicinal qualities. The drinking of kava is a formal ceremony that can be experienced during day cruises to many of the islands.
