Cloud 9 Fiji Day Trip - Floating Platform, Wood-Fired Pizza and FJD $60 Bar Tab

Cloud 9 is exactly what it sounds like: a two-level floating platform moored in the turquoise water of the Mamanuca Islands, with a bar, a wood-fired pizza oven, sun decks, day beds, a DJ, and the reef directly below you for snorkelling. It’s Fiji’s first and original floating platform, and the photographs that circulate online have not been exaggerated — on a clear day, the colour of the water at Ro Ro Reef is exceptional.

The trip is social and lively. This isn’t a quiet retreat. It’s designed around music, good food, drinks, jumping off the top deck, and the kind of atmosphere that works well with a group of friends or as a “we’re in Fiji, let’s do something genuinely fun” day.

At a glance

• Duration at platform: ~4 hours
• Boat transfer: approximately 60 minutes each way from Port Denarau
• Sessions: First sitting — departs 9:00am, returns 2:00pm; Second sitting — departs 1:00pm, returns 6:00pm
• Check-in: 1 hour before departure at Port Denarau
• Included bar tab: FJD $60 per person, redeemable for food and beverages on the platform (non-refundable, not redeemable for cash)
• Platform capacity: maximum 26 guests
• Age restriction: children under 7 years old are NOT permitted
• Payment on platform: credit/debit card only — Cloud 9 does not accept cash

The boat out

The transfer from Port Denarau to Cloud 9 takes approximately 60 minutes on a high-speed vessel. The route runs close to the western coast of Viti Levu before reaching Ro Ro Reef, passing views of the Mamanuca Islands along the way. Motion sickness is worth thinking about: the transfer is on open water and sea conditions vary. If you’re sensitive, take medication before boarding. Once you’re at the platform the motion is minimal.

At the platform

The platform operates on two levels. The lower level gives easy access to the water, the snorkel area, and the bar. The upper level is for sun decks, day beds, and the DJ set — and for the top-deck jump into the open ocean, which is the platform’s most-photographed activity.

Wood-fired pizza: made fresh on the platform and consistently well-reviewed. Vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available. Your FJD $60 bar tab covers food and drinks, so most guests can cover a pizza and a couple of drinks without additional spend.

Snorkelling: gear can be rented on the platform for FJD $15 plus a FJD $100 refundable deposit. If you have your own mask and mouthpiece, bring them — health protocols apply to rental gear. The reef beneath Cloud 9 has good visibility on calm days, with fish, coral, and regular turtle sightings reported by guests. Staff feed the fish from the platform, which brings marine life in close.

Extra activities (additional cost): parasailing, jet skis, motorised surfboards, and flyboarding are available to book at the platform.

FJD $60 bar tab: what it covers

The tab is pre-loaded and non-refundable. It covers food and beverages only — not merchandise. A pizza and two cocktails, or three to four local beers, will roughly exhaust it. If you’re planning a full eating-and-drinking day, budget for spending beyond the included tab. Cloud 9’s bar runs an internationally stocked range of spirits, cocktails, Fiji Gold and Fiji Bitter, mocktails, and soft drinks.

Transfer costs by hotel location

The base package includes round-trip hotel coach transfers from most Nadi, Denarau, DoubleTree, and Wailoaloa-area hotels. Guests from the following areas pay an additional fee at the check-in counter by credit card on the day:

• Coral Coast (Shangri-La to Warwick Fiji): FJD $20 per person return
• Vuda/Lautoka area: FJD $20 per person return
• Fiji Marriott Momi Bay (from 1 April 2025): FJD $20 per person return

Plan for these if they apply — they’re paid at check-in, not at booking.

What’s included

• Round-trip high-speed boat transfer (Port Denarau ↔ Cloud 9)
• Round-trip hotel coach transfers (Nadi/Denarau/Wailoaloa area)
• FJD $60 food and beverage credit (non-refundable)
• Access to all platform amenities (sun decks, day beds, premium sound system)
• Local taxes

What’s not included

• Additional food and drinks beyond the FJD $60 tab
• Towels (bring your own)
• Snorkel gear rental (FJD $15 + FJD $100 refundable deposit; bring your own for free)
• Motorised activities (parasailing, jet ski, flyboard, motorised surfboard)
• Transfer fees for Coral Coast, Vuda/Lautoka, and Momi Bay guests (FJD $20 per person at check-in)

Practical notes

No cash: Cloud 9 accepts credit and debit cards only, both at check-in and on the platform. Cash is not accepted at any point.

Morning session for families: the afternoon session moves toward a livelier party atmosphere. The 9:00am session is mellower and easier for family groups with children aged 7–16. Under-7s are not permitted.

Weather dependency: the trip operates in good weather. Cloud 9 offers a different date or full refund if conditions prevent the trip. The Mamanucas receive reliable sunshine for much of the year, but November–April brings higher variability.

FAQs

Is this suitable for non-drinkers?

Yes — the FJD $60 tab covers both food and non-alcoholic beverages. The pizza is the star of the food offering, and non-drinkers consistently report a good day using the tab on pizza, fresh juices, and mocktails.

Is the snorkelling good?

The water is clear and the fish activity is high, partly because of the platform’s regular fish feeding. Reviewers frequently mention turtles and schools of colourful fish. It’s not a dedicated reef dive experience, but it’s genuinely enjoyable snorkelling for an open-ocean floating platform.

What should I bring?

Towel, swimwear, sunscreen (intense out on the water), sunglasses, a hat, and a credit card for extras. Outside food and drinks cannot be brought onto the platform.

---

Operated by Cloud 9 Fiji. Located at Ro Ro Reef, Mamanuca Islands. First sitting departs Port Denarau at 9:00am (check-in from 8:00am). Second sitting departs at 1:00pm (check-in from 12:00pm).

By: Sarika Nand