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Nadi and Mamanuca Islands Itinerary
Transiting through Fiji on a long-haul flight or enroute to another Pacific Island? Break up your journey with a short layover in Fiji. Here’s how to make the most of a 48-hour stopover in Nadi hitting all the must-see spots along the way!
Visas & Regulations
If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you won’t need to apply for a transit visa to leave the Nadi International Airport and can stay up to 72Hrs in Fiji. Find out more about transit regulations here.
Where to Stay in Nadi
Stay at a resort/hotel in Nadi, Martintar, Denarau, or Wailoaloa for easy access to activities. That way, you can drop off your bags and dive straight into the fun while waiting for your room (most resorts don’t check in guests until after midday).
Day 1: Mamanuca Islands
| Party | If your idea of a holiday involves sipping cocktails in between snorkelling and sunbathing, you’ll love the floating pontoon bars at Cloud 9 or Seventh Heaven. A few islands over, Malamala Beach Club serves up delicious Asian-Pacific dishes, beer buckets and plenty of hang out spots by the infinity pool and beach. |
| Relax | For a more laid-back vibe, take your pick of island day trips and cruises. Snorkel, kayak or sunbathe at Tivua Island, South Sea Island or Whale’s Tail, sail to a sandbank with Sabre Fiji, snorkel over coral reefs with Coral Cats or visit Monuriki island with Crusin Fiji. With lunch, drinks, and free non-motorized sports included it’s the perfect escape for both families and solo-travellers. |
| Explore | Ride the regions famous waves with local surf transfers, chase water sport thrills (jetskis, SUPs, parasails) with Hydrosports Fiji or Kaiwai Watersports Fiji or charter a boat for your group to hop between fishing, snorkelling and picnic spots. Check out this article for more epic day trip ideas from Nadi |
Dinner or a Show
After a day of water adventures, slow things down with a fun night out. For lively bars and great eats, check out Martintar, Wailoaloa, or Port Denarau.
Want something more special? Hop on Captain Cook’s sunset dinner cruise around Nadi Bay—think sunset toasts, live music, a buffet dinner, and a cultural show. Or, if you’re here on a Thursday or Sunday, drop by the Vou Hub near Denarau for a quick dinner and fantastic live theatre performance filled with Fijian dance, music, and storytelling.
Day 2: Nadi & Surrounds
| Relax |
For a laid-back day of food, culture and shopping, head to Nadi Town. A short drive from town, the Fiji Culture Village’s morning show offers a fun intro into Fijian traditions with dance, kava, crafts and lovo. |
| Explore | At Sabeto, just outside Nadi, you can visit thermal mud pools, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, ziplines, and a hidden waterfall or Rise Beyond the Reef’s ‘Shed Shop’ for a spot of shopping. The best way to explore it all? Book a tailored tour with a local company. Craving more adventure? Hop on a quad bike or e-bike tour to explore Nadi’s scenic backroads and mountains. |
Helpful Tips to Save Time & Relax
Sort Your Airport Transfers Early
If you’ve got a night flight, check out early and ask your hotel to stash your bags until you’re ready to go. Don’t forget to ask about a free airport shuttle or sort out your transfers ahead of time.
Check-in Early for Flights
If you’re flying with Fiji Airways you’ll have an option to check-in for our flight early with online check-in or resort-check-in at resorts like Sofitel, Hilton, or Sheraton on Denarau Island. Check-in for your Fiji Airways flight right at the resort and skip the airport queues, leaving you more time to relax by the pool or at the spa.
Airport Lounge
At the airport, you can keep the Fiji vibes going at the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge. It’s a spacious, comfortable spot with a quiet zone, a full bar, tasty food options, shower facilities and even a kids’ area with a nanny. For something extra-special, try the lounge’s Chef’s Table experience, a four-course fine dining degustation menu inspired by Fijian ingredients and cuisine. Access is free for business class and Tabua Club members, but you can also buy entry at check-in if there's space available.
Happy travels!