Mamanuca islands transfer
Ferry from Port Denarau to Matamanoa
Check the departures for your travel date, then continue to the ticket for the sailing that fits your island schedule
- About 1 hour 15 minutes to the northern Mamanucas
- One departure a day in each direction with South Sea Cruises, from Port Denarau at 12:00
- 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 - Matamanoa is a once-daily South Sea Cruises catamaran service to the northern Mamanucas: departure from Port Denarau at 12:00 and arrival at Matamanoa at about 13:15, after which the boat continues to Tokoriki. The resort's own transfer page lists the return leaving Matamanoa at 13:15 and reaching Port Denarau at 15:00. One boat a day in each direction - plan around it.
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 12:00 departure works well after a morning landing in Nadi, but there is no later boat: if the flight is late, the next chance is tomorrow. 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 Matamanoa
Matamanoa is a small island in the northern Mamanuca group, about 20 nautical miles from Denarau and the last call before Tokoriki. Most Mamanuca resorts have no jetty for the catamaran: expect the ferry to hold position offshore while a smaller boat takes you and your bags the last stretch, which the operator says can mean wet feet. The resort confirms its own arrival arrangement, so tell it which sailing you are on.
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 - Matamanoa
The midday boat to Matamanoa
Denarau - Matamanoa is served by the once-daily South Sea Cruises sailing to the northern Mamanucas: departure from Port Denarau at 12:00, arrival at Matamanoa after about 1 hour 15 minutes, before the boat continues to Tokoriki.
One sailing a day in each direction means the timing is fixed around the midday boat - convenient after a morning flight into Nadi, but with no second chance the same day if you miss it.
- Crossing
- about 1 h 15 min
- Operator
- South Sea Cruises
- Frequency
- 1× daily each way
- From price
- €63
Next departures
FAQ Denarau - Matamanoa
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Denarau - Matamanoa crossing.
How long does the ferry from Denarau to Matamanoa take? +
About 1 hour 15 minutes - the boat leaves Port Denarau at 12:00 and reaches Matamanoa at about 13:15. 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 Matamanoa? +
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. The resort confirms its own arrival arrangement.
Can I book the return from Matamanoa too? +
Yes - one southbound sailing a day, leaving Matamanoa in the early afternoon and reaching Port Denarau mid-afternoon. Book it like the outward leg and recheck the time in the timetable a day before you travel back.
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.