A great Fiji holiday looks different for everyone. Some guests are here to relax by the pool with a book and barely move. Others are itching to get out on the water, explore the islands, and come back with a few good stories to tell.
If you’re in the second camp, or even if you just want a couple of adventures sprinkled between the lazy days, Plantation Island Resort is one of the best places in Fiji to base yourself. From morning fishing charters to afternoon trips out to Cloud 9, Fiji’s floating bar, there’s a long list of Fiji day trips you can pick from without ever needing to plan your own logistics. This guide walks you through what’s on offer, who each one would be suitable for, and how to fit a few into your stay.
Why Plantation Island Resort Is the Perfect Base for Fiji Adventures
Plantation Island Resort sits right in the heart of the Mamanuca Islands, which is one of the most accessible places to explore Fiji. The majority of day trips depart from our Arrivals Jetty, so you can roll straight from breakfast onto the boat.
A few reasons our location works so well:
- We’re close to the main reef systems for diving, snorkelling and fishing
- Cloud 9, the Mamanuca’s famous floating bar, is only a 15 minute boat ride away
- Other islands for exploring are just a short boat ride away
- The famous Cloudbreak and Restaurants surf breaks are nearby
- Our 9-hole golf course is on-site, so easy to slot into any day
The booking office and activity desk can handle everything for you. No driving to a different operator, no chasing down transfers, no trying to figure out which boat to be on. Just pick what you want to do and the team will take care of the rest.
Half-Day Day Trips from Plantation Island
If you’ve got a morning or afternoon spare, there’s plenty you can do without committing to a full day out. Half-day trips are great when you’ve got other resort activities planned, or when you’ve got kids in the Coconut Kids Club for a few hours.
Cloud 9 Floating Bar
Cloud 9 is Fiji’s first two-level floating platform, sitting in turquoise water at Ro Ro Reef about 15 minutes from the resort. It’s a fully stocked bar with Italian wood-fired pizza, day beds, hanging chairs and direct access to swim and snorkel straight off the deck, with weekend DJs and weekday playlists setting the tone. Boats depart from the Arrivals Jetty at 2pm and return at 5pm,. Note that Cloud 9 is a licensed venue and only welcomes children aged 10 and over.
Dolphin Reef Safari
The Dolphin Reef Safari is a half-day morning trip that combines two highlights of the Mamanucas into one outing. The boat cruises towards Namotu and Tavarua Islands to look for the local dolphin family, then heads to the Barrier Reef for some of the best snorkelling in the area. It runs from 9.30am to 12pm daily, costs $79 per adult and $34.50 per child under 12, and requires a minimum of 6 adults to operate.
Shell Village Cultural Tour
The Shell Village Cultural Tour takes you across to Solevu Village on neighbouring Malolo Island for a real taste of Fijian village life. A local guide walks you through the heart of the village, sharing the stories, customs and everyday rhythms of Fijian life. You’ll visit the school, meet the people who call Solevu home, and have the chance to browse handmade souvenirs along the way. Tours run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at high tide. $50 per adult, $25 per child under 12. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
Scuba Diving Half-Day Trip
Our partners at Subsurface Fiji run morning two-tank trips and afternoon single-tank trips from the resort. Beginners can try a Discover Scuba Diving session with no certification required, and certified divers have 44 dive sites to choose from across the Mamanuca Islands.
9 Holes of Golf
The Plantation Island Resort Golf Course is a 9-hole tropical layout set across 20 acres of landscaped gardens. A full round takes about an hour and 20 minutes, making it an easy half-day activity.
Spa Treatments
If you’d rather wind down than head out, the resort’s on-site Senibua Spa offers massages and treatments that can be stacked together for a half-day pampering session. It’s a great way to unwind after a few big days out on the water.
Full-Day Day Trips Worth Every Minute
Some of the best things you can do from Plantation Island Resort are full-day adventures that take you well beyond the resort.
Full Day Island Hop
The Island Hop tour runs from 10am to 4pm daily, taking you across the Mamanuca Islands to discover hidden beaches, snorkel in clear water and experience local culture along the way. Lunch and cocktails aren’t included in the price, so bring some spending money. The trip costs $120 per adult and $60 per child under 12, and requires a minimum of 10 adults to operate.
Full-Day Fishing Charter
A full day on the water gives you the best shot at landing something big. Charters head out further into deeper water in search of marlin, sailfish and yellowfin tuna. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and plenty of water.
Surfing Day Trips
The Mamanuca Islands are home to some of the most famous waves on the planet, including Cloudbreak and Restaurants. Surfing trips head out from the resort to the breaks, with options for both serious surfers chasing world-class waves and intermediate surfers looking for calmer breaks. Boards are also available to hire.
Tips for Planning Your Fiji Day Trips
A bit of planning goes a long way when you’re adding activities into your stay. Here are the things worth knowing before you arrive.
What to Pack for a Day Trip in Fiji
What you pack depends on the trip, but most day trips will call for some combination of the following:
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat (the sun is strong, even on overcast days)
- Sunglasses, ideally polarised for time on the water
- Light, breathable clothing and swimwear
- A towel and a change of clothes
- Reusable water bottle
- A credit card for food, drinks and souvenirs (Cloud 9 doesn’t accept cash)
- Phone or camera in a waterproof pouch
- Your own snorkelling gear if you have it (gear is also available to borrow from the activities bure)
How to Book Your Fiji Adventures
Booking is easy. Just head to the Booking Office or Watersports Bure at the resort and the team will sort everything for you. You can also book some trips online before you arrive, including Cloud 9 and the Island Hop tour. The team will let you know about pickup times, what to bring and any tide or weather considerations on the day.
Start Planning Your Fiji Adventure Today
A great Fiji holiday is built around the kind of traveller you are. Whether that’s a few big days out on the water or a quieter trip with one or two adventures mixed in, Plantation Island Resort gives you the flexibility to plan it your way.
If you’ve already got a stay booked, the Booking Office is the easiest place to start. If you’re still planning, get in touch with our reservations team and we’ll help you put your whole trip together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do Day Trips Depart From and Return To?
The majority of day trips depart from the Arrivals Jetty at Plantation Island Resort. Cloud 9, Island Hop tours, the Shell Village Cultural Tour, fishing charters and scuba diving all leave from here, with check-in usually 30 minutes before departure.
Are There Minimum Numbers Required to Book a Day Trip?
Yes, some trips have minimum guest requirements. Cloud 9 requires a minimum of 6 adults to operate, and the Island Hop tour requires a minimum of 10 adults. The booking office can confirm the latest numbers for any trip you’re interested in.
Are Fiji Day Trips Affected by Tides and Weather?
Yes. All water-based day trips are weather and tide dependent for safety reasons. If a trip is rescheduled or cancelled, the team will work with you to find an alternative time or activity that suits.
Do I Need Experience for Scuba Diving or Surfing Trips?
No experience is required for scuba diving. The Discover Scuba Diving programme is designed for complete beginners, with a qualified PADI instructor guiding you the whole way. Surfing trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced skill levels
How Far in Advance Should I Book Day Trips?
We recommend booking as soon as you arrive at Plantation Island Resort, especially for popular trips like Cloud 9, Island Hop tours and fishing charters. Some water sports at Cloud 9, including jet skis and parasailing, need to be booked at least two days in advance.
Can I Combine Multiple Activities in One Day?
Yes. Half-day trips pair well together. A morning fishing charter and an afternoon at Cloud 9 is a classic combination, as is 9 holes of golf in the morning and a scuba dive in the afternoon. The Booking Office can help you plan a day that suits.
