Thrilling Fiji Excursions: Visits from Nadi to Isles, Beaches, and Gardens
Escape the stress of everyday life in the tropical paradise that is Fiji, even when based in Nadi. With a laid-back, island-wide "Fiji-time" attitude, a smile as common as a coconut, and powdery, sugar-white sands lapping cyan waters, relaxation is just a stone's throw away.
But don't let the price tag deter you; day trips will let you experience the best islands on a budget. From sailing on catamarans to scuba adventures and mud-heavy thermal pools, Nadi's day trips offer variety in all its glory.
No need to splurge on luxurious islands when these fantastic day trips have got you covered. Here's a rundown of the day trips I took on my trip:
Castaway Island
Pristine sands and luxurious island resorts await on Castaway Island – and while you might need to dish out the dough to claim your slice of paradise, day visitors are welcome too. A limited number allow you to snorkel along coral reefs, stroll through lush forests, lounge by the pool, or enjoy a cocktail in the bar – all without breaking your budget!
Just remember to book your day trip to Castaway Island in advance to ensure a spot, and avoid any accidental incursions onto Modrik Island, where the actual film was shot. Stay clear of those local fishermen, or you might find yourself in deep water, as I did.
Robinson Crusoe Island
Affectionately known as Robinson Crusoe Island, this palm-fringed paradise offers superb value accommodation and plenty of island life charm. While dorm rooms are no longer available, private rooms are still budget-friendly. If you're not staying overnight, the island can be an excellent late afternoon escape from Nadi.
On the popular sunset sailing trip, you'll glide through jungle-shrouded waters to the island, where a serenade of dancers and musicians awaits. You'll have time to enjoy the island, take a dip, and witness a traditional Kava welcoming ceremony, fire performances, and a vast buffet cooked in an underground Lovo, all included in the low price.
Cloud Nine Bar
Step into paradise at Cloud Nine Bar, a floating bar sitting amidst cerulean-hued waters and surrounded by the captivating Mamanuca Islands. Here, you can sip on cocktails, listen to tunes spun by a DJ, grab a pizza, and take a dip before whizzing off the bar like a human torpedo – well, a more civilized one, at least.
You might stumble across Cloud Nine with a few local fishermen, as I did – though be aware that most people book their day trip from Denarau Island to guarantee access. For those who don't want to dedicate an entire day to Cloud Nine Bar, drop by for a quick bite or drink, but be prepared to pay the entry fee. If you're on a budget, check out the Seventh Heaven Floating Bar and Restaurant, where day trips can be slightly cheaper.
Savala Island
Tucked away in the Mamanuca Islands, Savala Island is a peaceful retreat that invites the sun-kissed beachgoer in full force. Unlimited drinks, all-inclusive meals, water sports, and sea kayaks are available, making this island paradise a must-visit while on your Nadi day trip. There may not be much shade, so don't forget the sunscreen!
Book a day trip to Savala Island with OoLaLa for a rejuvenating and unforgettable experience – just remember to wear your flip-flops (other footwear is seaweed).
Bounty Island
Once the set for a celebrity Love Island season, Bounty Island is a tropical escape perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach-lovers of all ages. The surf-and-turf resort ensures families have plenty to do, with entertainment and water sports aplenty.
Take a short 30-minute boat ride from Nadi to experience the soft white sands, blue seas, and marine life of Bounty Island. Opt for a shorter day trip or a longer day excursion from Nadi that sails between several islands, including lunch and water sports.
Do it yourself!
Bond with local fishermen for an authentic, low-cost day trip. By offering a fair price to join them on their fishing trips, you can see the archipelago from a whole new perspective, taking in remote sandbars, hidden islands, and meeting friendly faces along the way. This unforgettable experience is an excellent alternative to organized tours.
Nadi's Markets and Temples
Stroll through bustling markets and browse handmade crafts, then immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple. For a quick and cheap Fiji day out, hop into a local taxi and explore the vibrant sights and sounds of Nadi Town.
Experience the simple pleasures of life and soak up the essence of Fiji without spending a fortune. Whether you explore on your own or opt for day trips from Nadi, you're guaranteed a tropical adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
- In Fiji, escape the routine life with a budget-friendly day trip, even while being based in Nadi.
- Day trips offer a variety of experiences, from sailing on catamarans to scuba adventures and thermal pool visits in Nadi.
- Castaway Island offers pristine sands and luxury resorts, allowing day visitors as well for a reasonable price.
- Book in advance for a spot at Castaway Island to enjoy snorkeling, forest walks, pool relaxation, and bar visits without exceeding your budget.
- Stay clear of Modrik Island while visiting Castaway Island to avoid encounters with local fishermen, as happened to me.
- Robinson Crusoe Island provides budget-friendly accommodation and island life charm, even without dorm rooms.
- Sunset sailing trips to Robinson Crusoe Island offer dances, music, Kava ceremonies, fire performances, buffet meals, and a unique experience at an affordable price.
- Cloud Nine Bar, a floating bar in the Mamanuca Islands, offers cocktails, DJ tunes, pizza, human torpedo-like rides, and a memorable experience.
- For access to Cloud Nine Bar, book a day trip from Denarau Island, or drop by for a quick bite or drink but be prepared to pay the entry fee.
- Seventh Heaven Floating Bar and Restaurant, an alternative to Cloud Nine Bar, offers day trips at slightly lower prices.
- Savala Island in the Mamanuca Islands is a peaceful retreat with all-inclusive meals, water sports, and sea kayaks, perfect for a day trip from Nadi.
- Book a day trip to Savala Island with OoLaLa for an unforgettable experience; wear flip-flops (other footwear may get covered in seaweed).
- Bounty Island, once a celebrity Love Island set, offers snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach activities for families of all ages.
- Take a short boat ride from Nadi to experience soft white sands, blue seas, and marine life on Bounty Island.
- For an authentic, low-cost day trip in Fiji, join local fishermen on their fishing trips by offering a fair price.
- Nadi's bustling markets offer handmade crafts, while the Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple lets you immerse in local culture for a budget-friendly day out.
- Fiji's simple pleasures and essence can be soaked up without spending a fortune, whether you explore solo or opt for day trips from Nadi.
- Daily life in Fiji, with its laid-back "Fiji-time" attitude, smiles as common as coconuts, and beautiful landscapes, other than being a tropical paradise, serves as an ideal escape from the stresses of everyday life.
- The world of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, books, shopping, social-media, movies-and-tv, entertainment, celebrities, music, pop-culture, sci-fi-and-fantasy, sports, and sports-betting continues even on a budget-friendly day trip in Fiji.
- The European leagues, basketball, NCAAs, MLB, NHL, racing, American football, golf, tennis, and sports analysis are just some areas where you can engage on social media, even while unwinding on a Nadi day trip.
