Fiji Mamanuca Islands: Full Day Sailing & Snorkel Trip

Summary

Sail Fiji’s Mamanuca islands with snorkeling stops gourmet lunch and sand cays

You’ll sail Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands on a spacious catamaran, stopping to snorkel untouched reefs and relax on deserted sand cays. Enjoy a chef-prepared buffet lunch with drinks included from midday. With music playing and friendly crew guiding you along, you’ll feel both welcomed and free to soak up every moment—sunny skies or not.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft thump of bare feet on the deck — everyone sort of padding around, finding their spot. The Mamanuca Islands were already glowing off in the distance, all blues and greens that almost looked fake. Our guide, Tomasi, grinned as he handed out snorkel gear and told us to watch for flying fish — I thought he was joking until one zipped right past my ankle. There’s something about being on a catamaran like SABRE that makes you slow down; you just lean back into those bean bags and let the sea do its thing.

We drifted past tiny atolls while the crew played old Fijian songs (I still hum one sometimes). Lunch came out around noon — not just sandwiches or whatever, but this proper buffet with grilled fish and salads that tasted like they’d just been picked. Beer and wine started flowing after that. I tried paddle boarding for about five minutes before giving up and just floating near the sand cay. The water was so clear you could see every ripple over the coral below. And yeah, I probably got a little sunburned even though I swore I put sunscreen on twice.

Tomasi showed us how to spot different reef fish when we snorkeled — he laughed when I kept calling everything “Nemo.” There was this moment where everyone went quiet underwater except for our own breathing bubbles and it felt kind of magic, honestly. On the way back, people sprawled out wherever they wanted; some napped under the canopy while others swapped stories with the crew. I kept thinking how easy it was to just be there — no rush, no schedule really, just moving with the wind. That feeling stuck with me longer than any souvenir.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day sailing and snorkeling trip

• Board the 78-foot catamaran SABRE
• Sail through Mamanuca Islands
• Snorkel at tropical reefs
• Swim at deserted sand cays
• Use water slide and front steps
• Enjoy gourmet buffet lunch
• Drink complimentary soft drinks and water
• Drink beer and wine from lunch
• Use fully licensed bar (charged)

Top questions

Is snorkeling gear provided on this Fiji sailing day trip?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for all guests during the trip.

Does this Mamanuca Islands sailing tour include lunch?

Yes, a gourmet buffet lunch prepared by an executive chef is served onboard.

Are drinks included on the South Sea Sailing full day trip?

Soft drinks and bottled water are available all day; beer and wine are served from lunchtime onwards for two hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this Fiji day trip?

Return coach transfers are included from Nadi, Denarau, Vuda & Wailoaloa areas to Port Denarau.

Can children join this Mamanuca Islands sailing tour?

This tour is only for guests aged 5 years and above; children under 8 are not permitted for safety reasons.

What should I bring on this Fiji sailing & snorkeling tour?

You should bring swimwear, towel, sun protection (hat & sunscreen), light jacket (cooler months), money/credit card for optional purchases, camera & sense of fun!

How long does the South Sea Sailing day trip last?

This is a full-day experience; exact times depend on conditions but expect most of your daylight hours onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes return hotel pickup by coach from Nadi or Denarau areas to Port Denarau where you’ll board SABRE for a full-day sailing adventure through Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands. You’ll have use of snorkel gear and paddle boards at untouched reefs and sand cays. Morning tea and a chef-designed buffet lunch are served onboard along with complimentary soft drinks all day plus beer and wine from lunchtime onwards before returning in the evening.