Denarau Mantaray Island Day Trip With Lunch: A Real Review

So, you’re thinking about booking the “From Denarau: Mantaray Island Day Trip with Lunch,” are you? That is understandable. After all, Fiji sounds like the perfect place for something that feels really special. It is only sensible to want to check it out first, so to get to know whether it is seriously the real deal. Well, I spent a day doing just that, and I’m here to share what I learned. I will try to share some thoughts on how my day was to give you a solid idea of whether it is something that will fit what you need for your break. I did this last summer and really want to share this experience with others as a quick and simple breakdown that everyone can follow.

What is the Mantaray Island Day Trip All About?

Basically, the Mantaray Island day trip is that escape to, arguably, one of Fiji’s stunners. Think about a relaxing cruise from Denarau Marina to Mantaray Island Resort. It gives you an occasion to swim, arguably, near to mantarays, go snorkelling in waters that look super clear, and soak up the sun. A lunch is included, making sure you, arguably, do not get peckish in the thick of everything. You know, like your tummy thinks that is really fun too. Now, I know a lot of the operators show pretty much the same product. However, my breakdown here comes from doing the South Sea Cruises option. I really like it since I used them before on a day trip to the outer islands which I, sort of, thought had better-organised timings. That is what I really loved to see on offer, so you understand where I am, kind of, coming from.

Setting off From Denarau

The cruise begins at Denarau Marina. That place can be so alive with travellers from everywhere. Well, I got there early because, to be honest, I am a bit scared of missing boats and plans! I even allowed a whole heap of, actually, buffer time since my airport transport had issues coming to my hotel the week before. What I am trying to get at, at the end of the day, is the checking-in process with South Sea Cruises seemed so smooth. Basically, grab your boarding pass, locate a spot on the catamaran, and that is about it! So, get excited as the adventure is only just starting and this is pretty good at putting you in holiday mode.

The Cruise over to Mantaray Island

That boat ride can be pretty sweet; three hours or so travelling to Mantaray Island allows you to see the landscape. Look around at the islands that are starting to fade away when you go further up North. This catamaran had air con inside but most people would prefer to, definitely, spend time outside on the deck to feel the ocean air. I spent a fair bit of time, actually, getting to see some islands that I had previously visited to get some really awesome shots of the different rock formations and beaches that, arguably, I was getting closer to. Just grab that sun cream so that you do not feel completely grilled during this stint; it is worth it if you enjoy photography, or just getting lost in some relaxing thoughts before getting to Mantaray.

Snorkeling and Swimming with Mantarays

Here’s the real deal: Mantaray season normally sits around May through October. What I mean by this, and just so that you do not have strange looks, is that they love hanging around in the channel between the islands to basically get a nice feed. Sadly, since the ocean basically does not sit pretty for you, I never caught the chance to, literally, see these creatures at all. Apparently, seeing these gentle giants can be so great for others, since their size really will create some great memories. Anyway, instead, I used that snorkel gear that was rented, grabbed my fins, and found an alright spot to basically just have a relaxing swim for that allocation slot. The crew were nice and really direct about that area which was allocated so I did feel secure getting to do something that I am really comfortable with.

Lunchtime on Mantaray Island

You may get an appetite when you use so much energy and there can be that chance to eat up at the resort for some buffet chow! Expect, usually, salads, different meats, and heaps of different Fijian meals. I had some fish with potatoes but, to be honest, the salads did look incredible. This is all on offer to basically get you filled up for the rest of that allocated island stay. Also, they sold drinks and other bits so you could buy them. At the end of the day, this part can be something that may vary; still, having grub and an opportunity to eat should not ever be looked down on. That is so very fair when you compare others that are less blessed.

Things to do on the Island

What makes this day tour is just heaps more than basically only that quick snorkel bit; there are heaps of other things you could find during the allocation of resort time. So, here are a handful for people that cannot really handle being damp:

• Get a Lounger – Get a spot under some trees and chill. Listen to your playlist and relax while waiting to go.
• Check the Sands – Take a stroll up to a different side of that beach spot and watch others have their moment to remember.
• Order Cocktails – Some drinks exist at the bar, and if you just want to, pretty much, have something fun, this may be your option.

Headed Back to Denarau

That catamaran cruise lasts three hours again, so make sure you did what you had to do! Get those washrooms dealt with, get some bits at the bar, and grab a place inside the boat, or at the deck so that the sun feels the least painful when you travel back. Because you can see the sunset during some stretches, this part could still be amazing for photo fans. Anyway, at this stage, most punters felt sleepy so they slept as soon as they basically grabbed a seat! But that’s how these things usually end for lots of full day sessions; getting super worn out while feeling pleased when looking back to those highlights!

My Opinion of the Mantaray Island Day Trip

So, would I do it all over again? Even not really catching those mantarays, I am sort of pleased with what I saw at the time and did not feel like it failed what I had hoped. The staff had great control when explaining what we were doing so I feel that you will get some help if you are finding yourself a bit nervous doing this break, especially alone. Also, South Sea Cruises always felt like they were ready to lend a hand whenever the customers requested which created some really assuring situations with those tourists I had spoken to. But still, there are, in some respects, factors you should keep in mind, to assist that call:

• Is seeing mantarays the primary purpose to visit this spot? Sadly, I am suggesting that Mother Nature basically decides this part and it has those potentials to come off as disappointing. See if your organiser can show potential sighting averages to make that call yourself, very, very.
• Just see what the conditions of the water feel when coming into Mantaray to ensure if you have that snorkel or scuba allocation. What I am meaning is that if the currents look insane and super questionable, then be safe rather than feel pushed.

Basically, by having these ideas considered you must have some fun while chilling across Fiji; hopefully it helps with your Fiji plan if you need anything else too.

Other Options to Consider

Right then, the Mantaray day trip might, arguably, be grand, however Fiji has plenty more day trip choices from Denarau, really. Just to get those brains running for your planning, consider these ones when thinking about where else to dip your feet:

• South Sea Island Day Trip. This really small island could, potentially, be perfect if you needed to enjoy all kinds of water spots, plus sunbathing for those photo ops that fill folks with envy. They have cruises that last the full day that also may feed you.
• Tivua Island Day Cruise. This comes as one that may sit perfect when looking for romantic vibes, seeing some nice marine spots when grabbing that glass-bottom boat plus the usual grub feed like others in that product range.

Each spot sounds just fun when you enjoy some peace; suss some video posts to get those feels when figuring all your arrangements before heading in! At the end of the day these kinds of choices may swing the holiday vibe completely!

So, that is what I have for now; take what I have and remember that you may want to sus out the mantarays since they decide to swing on by if it fancies their whim. Enjoy those travels and, as I was saying, hopefully what I share in this break has assisted!