Mamanuca islands transfer
Ferry from Port Denarau to South Sea Island
Check the departures for your travel date, then continue to the ticket for the sailing that fits your island schedule
- About 30 to 40 minutes - the shortest crossing in the booking feed
- Four departures a day in each direction with South Sea Cruises, the first at 08:45
- 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 - South Sea Island is the shortest of the Mamanuca transfers: a scheduled South Sea Cruises catamaran service, four times a day in each direction, taking about 30 minutes on the first boat of the day and up to about 40 minutes when the vessel calls at the islet on a longer lagoon run. The first departure leaves Port Denarau at 08:45, the last of the day at 15:15.
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. With four departures a day there is usually a same-day alternative if you land late in Nadi - but the 08:45 boat is the one the airport coach is timed to. 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 South Sea Island
South Sea Island is a small sand islet on the inner edge of the Mamanuca group, close enough to Denarau that the mainland stays in view. The catamaran cannot come alongside: it holds position off the beach and a tender takes passengers and bags the last stretch, which the operator says can mean wet feet. Wear shoes you can slip off and keep phones and documents in a day pack. The islet is also a Yasawa Flyer stop, so the daily Yasawa boat calls here in both directions.
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 - South Sea Island
The closest island to Port Denarau
Denarau - South Sea Island is the shortest connection in the booking feed: a scheduled South Sea Cruises catamaran covers the few nautical miles from Port Denarau to the small islet in about 30 to 40 minutes, four times a day in each direction.
The islet has no jetty for the catamaran, so the last stretch runs by tender onto the beach. Most passengers use the first departure of the day; the later boats call at South Sea Island on their way further out into the Mamanuca lagoon.
- Crossing
- about 30-40 min
- Operator
- South Sea Cruises
- Frequency
- 4× daily each way
- From price
- €36
Next departures
FAQ Denarau - South Sea Island
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Denarau - South Sea Island crossing.
How long does the ferry from Denarau to South Sea Island take? +
About 30 minutes on the first boat of the day and up to about 40 minutes on the later sailings, which call at the islet on a longer run through the lagoon. 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 South Sea Island? +
South Sea Island has no jetty for the catamaran. The boat holds position off the beach and a tender takes passengers and luggage ashore; the operator warns that this can involve getting your feet wet, so wear shoes you can take off easily.
Can I book the return from South Sea Island too? +
Yes - the service runs in both directions four times a day, and the return is booked like the outward leg. Recheck the last departure of the day in the timetable if you are connecting to an evening flight from 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.