Fiji South Sea island: Day trip experience

South Sea island is one of the 300+ islands of Fiji. It is very small and not too far from Nadi. Tour companies operate half day and full day cruise to South Sea island. You can also book a room and stay overnight, but you will get bored after some time. A day trip should be just fine.

Below is the plan for South Sea Island

• Pickup from hotel: 8.30-9 AM (coordinate with your tour operator to confirm timing and location)
• Check in at Port Denaru
• Catamaran departure: 10 AM
• Drop off at South Sea island: About 11 AM
• Intro briefing
• Lunch: 11.30 yto 12.30, along with some cultural performance
• Return boat by 5.30 PM 
• 6.30-7 PM Buses will drop you back to your hotel from Port Denaru 

Activities to try in South Sea Island

• Underwater boat ride (submersible) to see corals
• Kayaking
• Spa (chargeable)
• Snorkeling & Scuba diving (security deposit required, Scuba 1 dive free near the shore)
• Swimming- in ocean and/or in indoor pool
• Relax by the beach- beds, hammock etc available 

Submarine ride to watch corals: Was a nice activity, done 3-4 times a day, you can join any one, Boat has capacity of 20 people, so max 20 per ride,first come first serve basis.

Lunch: Not much veg items- only rice, fruits, some smashed potatos. On request they made some stirred vegetables. 

Cultural Dance [Watch on Instagram]

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A post shared by Shrinidhi Hande (@enidhi)

Complementary bar: Unlimited Fanta, sprite, Fiji Gold beer, water is free. More drink options and few snacks available in paid bar counter. A self help counter that sells tea and coffee (without milk) is also free.

Should we book Fiji island tours in advance or can plan last minute?

If you book in advance you can coordinate hotel pickup. Alternatively if not sure of the plan you can take a taxi to Port Denaru and check which tour is available and suits your interest and plan on the go. They charge 3% extra for credit card payments. 

My experience at South Sea Island: 

We were picked up from a bus stop closer to our homestay in Nadi, dropped off at Port Daneru, did check in, had some 30 minutes to spare, took a walk, had tender coconut at 9 FJD, boarded the catamaran. Catamaran stopped at Mala Mala island and then proceeded to South Sea Island. We were taken to the island in a smaller boat. An intro briefing was done and we were on our own. Took a ride in submarine- could see some corals but the glass window of the boat has lots its transparency. 

Back to island it was timefor lunch. They started on time (11.30 AM) and closed it on time (12.30). Not much vegetarian options. Lunch was coupled with some local dances.

Post lunch rested by the beach, did a swim for sometime, rested on hammock, drank few cans of sprite and fanta as I don't drink alcohol and about 5.15 PM it was time to return.  Could have tried some kayaking or scuba, but felt more convenient to just rest by the beach.

Back in Port Daneru, we had to walk to bus parking area, staff would check where we're headed and guide us to the bus going to that destination. Could reach hostel by about 7.30 PM. Day well spent.