Mamanuca islands transfer
Ferry from Port Denarau to Malolo Island
Check the departures for your travel date, then continue to the ticket for the sailing that fits your island schedule
- About 1 hour 35 minutes on the lagoon run, 55 minutes on the fastest sailing
- Three departures a day in each direction with South Sea Cruises, the first at 09:30
- Check-in at the South Sea Cruises desk at Port Denarau Terminal 30 minutes before departure
Table of Contents
The crossing at a glance
Denarau - Malolo Island is a scheduled South Sea Cruises catamaran service to the largest island of the Mamanuca group, three times a day in each direction, taking about 1 hour 35 minutes on the lagoon run and 55 minutes on the fastest sailing. The first departure leaves Port Denarau at 09:30, the last at 15:15. Guests of Likuliku Lagoon Resort book the separate Likuliku connection instead.
Port Denarau terminal and check-in
All departures leave from Port Denarau Terminal at the Denarau marina near Nadi, about 20 minutes by road from the airport. Check-in is at the South Sea Cruises desk, 30 minutes before the vessel departs. The 09:30 boat carries the same-day connections from the overnight flights into Nadi; if you land that morning, book the operator's airport coach together with the ferry. The operator's coach from Nadi Airport and from most Nadi, Wailoaloa and Denarau hotels must be booked at least 24 hours ahead together with the ferry.
On board and luggage
The crossing is short and the boats are working catamarans: air-conditioned indoor seating, open deck, a kiosk with snacks and drinks, and space for island luggage. The operator's allowance is one carry-on bag of up to 7 kg plus one checked bag of up to 25 kg per person; surfboards and paddle boards carry an extra charge, payable at check-in. Keep your booking confirmation to hand; it names the departure and any connecting coach.
Arrival at Malolo Island
Malolo is the largest island of the outer Mamanuca group, about 14 nautical miles from Denarau and neighbour to Castaway Island (Qalito). Most Mamanuca resorts have no jetty for the catamaran: the ferry holds position offshore and a smaller boat takes passengers and bags the last stretch, which the operator says can mean wet feet. Confirm the arrival arrangement with your resort, wear shoes you can slip off and keep electronics in a day pack.
Tickets and changes
A current from-price is shown on this page. A mandatory fuel surcharge is in effect and included in the booking total. Rebooking and cancellation follow the conditions of the ticket you buy - check them before you pay, and take the return departure into account when you plan the last day of your island stay.
Denarau - Malolo Island
To Malolo, the largest of the Mamanucas
Denarau - Malolo Island is a scheduled South Sea Cruises transfer to the largest island of the Mamanuca group, three times a day in each direction from Port Denarau.
The crossing takes about 1 hour 35 minutes on the lagoon run and 55 minutes on the fastest sailing. Malolo carries more than one resort stop in the booking feed - Likuliku Lagoon Resort is booked as its own connection - so choose the stop that matches your resort.
- Crossing
- about 1 h 35 min
- Operator
- South Sea Cruises
- Frequency
- 3× daily each way
- From price
- €50
Next departures
FAQ Denarau - Malolo Island
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Denarau - Malolo Island crossing.
How long does the ferry from Denarau to Malolo Island take? +
About 1 hour 35 minutes on the lagoon run; the fastest sailing takes 55 minutes. The binding times for your date are in the timetable.
When do I have to check in? +
Check in at the South Sea Cruises desk at Port Denarau Terminal 30 minutes before departure. If you add a hotel or airport coach pickup, book it at least 24 hours ahead - the coach is timed to the boat.
How do I get ashore at Malolo Island? +
Plan for a tender: most Mamanuca resorts have no jetty for the catamaran, so the ferry is met offshore and a smaller boat brings passengers and luggage ashore, sometimes with wet feet. Your resort confirms its own arrival arrangement.
Can I book the return from Malolo Island too? +
Yes - the service runs in both directions with the same rhythm, three times a day. Book the return like the outward leg and recheck the departure in the timetable a day before you travel back, especially if you have a flight to catch in Nadi.
What does the crossing cost? +
The fare depends on date and passengers and is shown live on this page and in the price overview. Note that the operator currently applies a mandatory fuel surcharge, which the booking total includes.