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Volunteer and Adventure

What to do on Denarau Island

GVI

Posted: January 23, 2023

Are you planning a trip to Fiji and wondering what to do on Denarau Island? Look no further, I’ve got you covered!

How to get there

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Denarau Island is to take a bus or a taxi from Suva (Fiji’s capital city) to the Port Denarau Marina. From there, you can hop on a short ferry ride to the island. The ferry ride takes around 20 minutes and operates regularly throughout the day. The cost of the ferry ride is around $5 per person.

Another option is to fly into the Nadi International Airport and then take a shuttle bus or taxi to Port Denarau Marina. The journey takes around 30 minutes and the cost of the shuttle bus is around $20 per person.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can also opt for a seaplane or helicopter transfer, but be prepared to pay a premium price for that.

Best time to visit

Any time of the year is great for a trip to Denarau Island. The island has a tropical climate with an average temperature of around 27°C. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and score some deals on accommodation, visiting during the shoulder season (April to June or October to December) is your best bet.

During these months, the weather is still great and the island is less crowded, which means you can enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed vacation. Also, you can take advantage of the lower prices on flights and accommodation.

If you’re into festivals and events, you can also plan your trip around the annual Denarau Island Food and Wine Festival or the Denarau Island Cultural Festival, both taking place in June.

Where to stay

Denarau Island has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels, you’ll find something that fits your style and wallet. And the best part? All the options are located near the island’s main activities and attractions.

If you’re looking for a luxurious and all-inclusive experience, you can opt for one of the island’s five-star resorts like the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa or the Sheraton Fiji Resort. These resorts offer a wide range of amenities such as swimming pools, spas, and restaurants.

If you’re on a budget, you can also find some great deals on budget-friendly hotels and resorts like the Mercure Hotel or the Novotel Hotel. These hotels offer comfortable and clean accommodations at more affordable prices.

Another option is to rent a private villa or apartment. This option is perfect for families or groups of friends who want more privacy and space. You can find some great deals on vacation rental websites like Airbnb or Booking.com.

Budget

The cost of a trip to Denarau Island can vary widely depending on your accommodation, activities, and transportation choices. However, you can expect to spend around $150-200 per day for a budget-friendly trip and $300-500 per day for a more luxurious trip.

To save money, you can opt for budget-friendly accommodation options, cook some of your own meals, and avoid expensive activities like seaplane or helicopter transfers.

To stretch your budget further, you can also consider visiting during the shoulder season when prices on flights and accommodation are lower.

What to do on Denarau Island

Denarau Island is packed with things to do. Whether you’re into water sports, adventure activities, cultural experiences, or just lounging on the beach, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re into water sports, you can go snorkelling, scuba diving, or take a catamaran cruise to explore the beautiful Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. You can also try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking, or windsurfing.

If you’re into adventure activities, you can go zip-lining, bungee jumping, or take a quad bike tour through the island’s rugged terrain. You can also take a guided hike through the island’s lush tropical forests and discover the local flora and fauna.

For a more cultural experience, you can visit the local markets and craft villages, where you can find a wide range of handcrafted souvenirs and traditional Fijian handicrafts. You can also take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Fijian dishes like lovo or kokoda.

If you just want to relax, you can spend your days lounging on the island’s beautiful beaches or getting a massage or spa treatment at one of the island’s many spas.

Suggested itineraries

For the adventure seekers: Start your day with a snorkelling trip to the Mamanuca Islands, followed by a visit to the local markets in the afternoon and finish with a sunset catamaran cruise.
For the relaxers: Spend the morning lounging on the beach, have a spa treatment in the afternoon and finish the day with a nice dinner at one of the island’s restaurants.
For the culture enthusiasts: Take a guided tour of the island’s craft villages and markets in the morning, followed by a cooking class in the afternoon and finish the day with a traditional Fijian cultural performance.

While you’re exploring Fiji, why not consider volunteering with GVI? It’s an amazing opportunity to get an in-depth experience of the country while helping out the local communities.

So what are you waiting for? Denarau Island is calling your name! Pack your bags, book your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable experience in paradise.

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