Fiji: South Sea Sailing Experience with Lunch & Drinks
Imagine cruising across turquoise waters, surrounded by lush islands and coral reefs, all while sipping a cold drink and enjoying a delicious buffet. For $116 per person, this full-day sailing tour offers an authentic taste of Fiji’s stunning maritime scenery. Starting in central Fiji, you’ll spend about seven hours aboard a custom-built sailing catamaran, exploring the Mamanuca Islands.
What makes this trip stand out? First, the gourmet buffet lunch, thoughtfully prepared by an executive chef, is a highlight—plenty of food, served with complimentary beer and wine during lunch hours. Second, the variety of activities—snorkeling at tropical reefs, relaxing under shaded canopies, and even trying the water slide—ensures there’s something for all.
One potential consideration? The tour is only suitable for those aged 8 and above, and children under 4 are not permitted, so families with very young kids might need to look elsewhere.
This trip suits travelers looking for a relaxed, well-organized day on the water, combining adventure, good food, and cultural friendliness. Whether you’re a snorkeler, a lounging enthusiast, or a social butterfly, you’ll find this tour offers a genuine and engaging glimpse of Fiji’s natural beauty.
Key Points
- Beautiful Destinations: Stops at reefs and a deserted sand cay provide excellent snorkeling and relaxing spots.
- All-Inclusive Comfort: Soft drinks, bottled water, beer, and wine are included, making it easy to unwind.
- Varied Seating & Amenities: Lounging options include booths, day beds, bean bags, and shaded canopies—perfect for relaxing in style.
- Active & Fun: Water slide, paddleboards, and easy ocean access ensure plenty of fun in the sun.
- Expert Crew: Multiple reviews praise the staff’s attentiveness, friendliness, and safety guidance.
- Great Value: At $116 for a full day, with transfers, food, drinks, and activities included, this tour offers excellent bang for your buck.
Discovering the Mamanuca Islands on a Custom Sailing Catamaran
We loved the way this experience combines luxury, adventure, and authentic island charm. The custom-built sailing catamaran is spacious, stable, and well-equipped, with large shaded canopies that shield you from the tropical sun—perfect for relaxing under the breeze after a swim.
Starting with morning tea served onboard, you immediately feel welcomed into the friendly Fiji vibe. The crew, which local reviews rave about, creates a warm, playful atmosphere that makes everyone feel at ease. As you set sail, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the lush islands and atolls, a picture-perfect backdrop for photos and daydreams alike.
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Itinerary Breakdown: From Departure to Return
Departure & Transfers:
Most tours include return pre-booked coach transfers from popular hotels and resorts, including Nadi, Denarau, and Wailoaloa. You’re advised to be ready at least 15 minutes before pickup—though some reviews mention early pickups or departures, so staying flexible is helpful. The transport ensures you start the day hassle-free, without the stress of arranging your own way to the harbor.
Sailing & Relaxing:
Once aboard, you’re free to settle into your preferred spot—be it a cozy booth, a sun lounger, or a bean bag. The large shaded canopies are a thoughtful touch, providing relief from the sun, and the gentle rocking of the boat makes for a soothing journey.
Stop at the Reef & Sand Cay:
The boat anchors at a vibrant tropical reef for snorkeling, with gear included, giving you a chance to see colorful fish, corals, and maybe a curious turtle or two. The deserted sand cay offers an ideal spot for swimming, relaxing, or taking that iconic Fiji photo. The drop-down steps and the water slide are appreciated extras, making ocean entry easy and fun.
Lunch & Beverages:
Midday, a gourmet buffet lunch is served on board. Based on reviews, the food is plentiful, tasty, and thoughtfully prepared, satisfying even big appetites. During lunch, complimentary beer and wine are available for two hours, complemented by soft drinks and bottled water available all day. The fully licensed bar offers other beverages at additional cost, but most guests find the included drinks more than enough for a laid-back day.
Additional Activities:
While anchored, you can also use paddleboards—a fantastic way to explore the calm waters—and indulge in swimming or snorkeling as often as you like.
Return & Transfer:
As the day winds down, the boat heads back to the harbor, with most tours concluding in the late afternoon or early evening. It’s worth noting some reviews mention waiting for shuttles back to hotels, so planning your transportation from the harbor accordingly helps avoid unnecessary delays.
What People Are Loving About This Tour
The reviews paint a clear picture: staff make or break the experience, and the crew’s friendliness, safety guidance, and attentiveness are consistently praised. For example, one guest highlighted the crew’s “friendly, thoughtful, respectful” attitude that made their experience memorable.
The snorkeling at Noko Reef is often described as spectacular, with lots of fish and coral, even for those new to snorkeling. Several reviewers mention being surprised at how much they enjoyed it, thanks to the crew’s helpful guidance.
The lunch is frequently described as “filling,” “delicious,” and “well catered,” with plenty of food that caters to various appetites. The inclusion of local beer and house wine during lunch gets special mention, with many feeling it added to the relaxed, holiday vibe.
Relaxation and fun go hand-in-hand here. Lounge options, water activities, and the floating bar make this trip feel like a mini vacation on the water. Whether you’re into sailing, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun, this trip ticks all those boxes.
Potential Downsides & Considerations
While the tour scores highly, a few guests noted the pickup times can vary—some experienced earlier pickups than scheduled—so double-check your hotel’s details. Also, children under 4 are not permitted, so families with very young kids will need to look for other options.
Some might find the duration of two hours for alcohol service during lunch a bit restrictive if they wish to enjoy more drinks or different beverages, but for most, it strikes a good balance.
Finally, if you’re not keen on snorkeling or water activities, this might not be the best fit, since the emphasis is on water-based fun and relaxation.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Is This Tour Best For?
Travelers seeking a relaxed, all-included day on the water will find this tour ideal. It’s perfect for couples, groups, or solo travelers who enjoy snorkeling, lounging, and good food in a friendly, scenic environment. The crew’s reputation for excellent service makes it especially appealing for those wanting a stress-free experience without sacrificing comfort or fun.
It’s also well-suited for first-time visitors to Fiji, as the tour provides a comprehensive taste of the islands’ natural beauty with minimal hassle. If you’re after adventure and social activities, the water slide and paddleboards add nice touches of fun, but it remains primarily a leisure-focused trip—a great way to unwind and soak up the island vibe.
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FAQ
Is transportation included?
Yes, most bookings include return pre-booked coach transfers from major hotels and resorts, making your start and end of the day hassle-free.
Can I snorkel at the reef?
Absolutely. Snorkeling gear is included, and guests consistently praise the underwater sights, describing the reef as colorful and lively.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and any personal items. It’s best to be prepared for a full day on the water.
Is there a limit on alcohol?
Complimentary soft drinks and bottled water are available all day, while beer and wine are served for two hours during lunch. Other beverages are at the bar and charged on consumption.
Are children allowed?
Children must be at least 8 years old to participate, and children under 4 are not permitted onboard.
How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 7 hours, with possible slight variations depending on the day and group size.
What activities are included?
Snorkeling, swimming at a reef and sand cay, paddleboarding, and relaxing under shaded canopies. A water slide adds extra fun.
Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, non-drinkers can enjoy the day with plenty of soft drinks and water. Some reviews suggest a different pricing option for those who don’t want alcohol, which could be worth exploring.
To sum it up, this South Sea Sailing Experience offers a well-balanced mix of relaxation, activity, and good food—all against the backdrop of Fiji’s stunning islands. With attentive crew, scenic stops, and inclusive beverages, it’s a value-packed day for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Fiji’s maritime charm without leaving the comforts of a well-organized tour. Whether you’re a snorkeler, a sunbather, or someone eager to taste authentic island hospitality, this trip is likely to leave you with plenty of happy memories—and maybe a few new friends.
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