There are several options to get around Fiji. Depending on budget, you can hop on a flight, helicopter, or water taxi, in order to access some of the 100 inhabited islands (Fiji contains over 330 islands and 500 islets).
As many resorts are located on Fiji’s two largest islands, Vanua Levu and Vitu Levu (where Nadi International Airport is based), the majority of visitors to this tropical paradise usually begin their holiday here, then transfer to one or two resorts located within the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island chains.
And that’s where South Seas Cruises comes in. For decades, they’ve been in the business of offering high-speed catamaran and ferry transfers from Port Denarau to both Mamanuca and Yasawa Island resorts, as well as a range of day trips including to Monuriki Island (aka Castaway Island, made famous by the 2000 Tom Hanks movie, Cast Away).
[Monuriki Island aka Cast Away Island, made famous in Cast Away]
The company has been awarded several tourism awards over the years, and their friendly service from port to resort allows for a joyful time at sea, as you take in some of the most stunning waters in the world.
Resort transfers are booked online. Simply fill in departure/arrival points and dates, and number of passengers. The site will then bring you to a page showing the day’s schedule and pricing (in Fijian dollars).
There’s also a handy air-conditioned complimentary coach that will whisk you from most Denarau, Wailoaloa, and Nadi hotels and resorts to Port Denarau (it’s advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to ferry departure).
South Sea Cruises offers 10 daily routes. On-board, expect air-conditioned lounges, outer viewing decks, a fully-licensed bar plus snacks (the longer Yasawa Islands route includes lunch and free bottled water).
We sailed with South Sea Cruises on Route 2 from Port Denarau to Malolo Island resorts (within the Mamanuca Islands chain) and back.
Our cruise director Makereta (Fijian for Margaret) greets us all once we’re seated, shortly followed by a safety/lifejacket demonstration.
[Makereta]
A brief history of each resort is mentioned as we approach one stunning island getaway after the next.
[Transfer from South Seas to small resort boats]
Note that several resorts that are located near one another are grouped together for the same arrival/departure time. Visit South Sea Cruises Group online to view their wide range of transfers, day trips, and experiences.
We were hosted by South Seas Cruises for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain our own.
