Mana Island is part of the Manamuca group of islands in Fiji. It is made up of 20 islands just off the coast of Viti Levu, the majority of which are popular tourist spots.
The islands are easily accessible by boat from Nadi either as a day trip or a longer stay in one of the resorts. They are popular with divers, snorkellers, surfers, and those who just want to soak up the rays on white sandy beaches.
You can reach Mana Island by boat, airplane, seaplane, helicopter and speed boat. Accommodation is available at the Mana Island Resort and at backpacker hostels, with three trips daily from Denarau Marina to Mana. The boat trip takes about an hour and a half, but you'll find it worthwhile when you see the resort's massive brand new villas, offering luxury all the way.
The resort offers all the regular activities, as well as some you may never have heard of - like watermelon whacking! You can also climb aboard the Seaspray, an 83 foot vessel which sails from Mana Island every day and tours the Manamuca Islands. Once aboard, guests can expect a gourmet morning or afternoon tea and a magnificent buffet lunch. Soft drink and alcohol are available and included in the fare.
The Seaspray was famous back in the 1960s when it was the star of a TV show called The Adventures of the Seaspray. The yacht trip takes you into the movie star territory of Monuriki Island, the setting for the film Castaway with Tom Hanks. The filmmakers hired the island for two years in to order to film Tom gradually becoming thinner.
Like all castaways, you'll need to learn how to make a fire, and Sunday nights on the island have been specially designated to teach you how. There's a children's club which operates every day and has plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, ranging from an ice cream eating competition, water polo and lolly hunts to baseball, bush walking and face painting. Babysitting is also available 24 hours a day for parents who want some time alone to explore the island.
The main lounge offers nightly entertainment which all the family can get involved in. There are traditional dance shows, crab racing and choir singing before the bonfire on the beach.
