Lautoka Day Trips: Islands and Highlands

Know Where the Boats Leave From

The Mamanuca day cruises most visitors want do not leave from Lautoka. Captain Cook Cruises (Tivua), South Sea Cruises, the Malamala Beach Club boats and the Yasawa Flyer all depart from Port Denarau, near Nadi. Plan on 30 to 45 minutes to reach Denarau from Lautoka and start early. Prices are in Fijian dollars (FJ$) unless the operator quotes another currency. A 5 percent Tourism Services Tax applies to larger tourism operators from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027, so check whether a quoted price includes it.

Tivua Island

Tivua is a small coral cay in the Mamanucas that takes about 15 minutes to walk around. The Captain Cook day cruise leaves Port Denarau at 10:00 and returns at 17:00, with about an hour of sailing each way. The operator lists the trip from A$189. Lunch, drinks on the island, snorkel gear, kayaks and a glass-bottom boat are included. Lautoka resort pick-ups cost extra (Captain Cook Cruises ).

Malamala Beach Club

A full-day pass costs FJ$215 from Denarau, Nadi, Vuda or Wailoaloa, with the boat leaving Port Denarau at 09:30 for a trip of 25 to 30 minutes. Half-day passes start at 12:00 for FJ$185. Coach pick-ups cover Vuda but not Lautoka. Food and drink are extra and go on a card settled before you leave (Malamala prices ).

South Sea Island

South Sea Cruises sells day trips to South Sea Island from FJ$245, and a morning cruise aimed at families from FJ$149 (South Sea Cruises ).

This is a long day, with 2 to 3 hours each way. Ba Market and the Rarawai Sugar Mill, which opened in 1886 and still operates, lie on the way.

Koroyanitu

The park is 15 km and about 30 minutes from Lautoka, so it works as a half-day or full-day hike. Waterfall walks take about 3 hours return.

Belo Vula Island

Belo Vula Island Resort on Bekana Island is about a 10-minute boat ride from Lautoka wharf. Day visitors pay about FJ$15 return, and the resort serves pizza beside the beach. Confirm with the resort before you go.

Tips for Choosing

  • Boat trips depend on weather, and cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April, so book flexible dates in that window.
  • Rip currents occur near reefs and river mouths, so use licensed operators and swim where lifeguards are on duty.
  • Tivua and Malamala both need an early start from Lautoka, while Koroyanitu, Belo Vula and the Sabeto valley are closer.
  • Bring cash, because Koroyanitu entry and the Sabeto mud pools are paid in cash at the gate.

Read more: multi-day trips from Lautoka if you want to stay overnight in the Yasawas or the highlands.

Compare Mamanuca options on Viator .