South Sea Island Full-Day Cruise - BBQ Lunch, Unlimited Drinks and Snorkel Gear

South Sea Island is Fiji’s most visited day trip island for a straightforward reason: it’s 30 minutes from Port Denarau by catamaran and makes a genuinely complete day. Coral reef snorkelling, a saltwater pool, semi-submersible coral viewing, kayaking and paddleboarding, a BBQ lunch with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and a lunchtime Meke performance from local performers. Everything is included; nothing requires additional planning.

Operated by South Sea Cruises on a high-speed, air-conditioned catamaran with free WiFi.

At a glance

• Departs: Port Denarau at 9:00am (Nadi/Denarau area) or 10:00am (Coral Coast area)
• Returns: approximately 6:00pm (Nadi/Denarau area) or 5:00pm (Coral Coast area)
• Total day: ~7–8 hours plus coach transfers
• Island transfer: ~30 minutes on high-speed catamaran each way
• Lunch: BBQ buffet, included
• Drinks: unlimited beer (Fiji Bitter, Fiji Gold), wine, filtered water, and soft drinks while ashore, included
• Meke performance: lunchtime, Monday–Saturday (not Sundays)
• Coach transfers: from Nadi, Denarau, Vuda, and Wailoaloa hotels complimentary; Coral Coast, Natadola, Sonaisali, and Momi Bay also covered on the full-day format

Getting there

The high-speed catamaran departs Port Denarau on a fixed schedule. Your vessel departure time is not your coach pickup time — South Sea Cruises makes this explicit on all bookings. Your hotel pickup by coach will be earlier. Contact South Sea Cruises at least 24 hours before travel to arrange your specific pickup time, and be in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

At South Sea Island, guests disembark via a short tender boat ride from the main vessel to the island — a small additional detail that reviewers often mention as adding to the island-arrival feeling.

On the island

Snorkelling: the island sits in a marine sanctuary, and the fish life is both dense and accessible from the beach. Snorkel gear is included. The reef immediately surrounding the island has variable coral health (Cyclone Winston in 2016 caused widespread damage and recovery continues), but fish activity is strong and the water is clear. The crew periodically feeds fish from the shore, bringing schools in close. Introductory scuba diving is available at additional cost for first-time divers — the island’s shallow reef formations and abundant fish make it one of Fiji’s better locations for a first pool-to-reef dive experience. There is also a purposefully sunk shipwreck for certified divers.

Semi-submersible coral viewer: the Subsea Adventure vessel takes guests beneath the surface for a windowed view of the reef and marine life without entering the water. A strong option for guests who prefer not to snorkel. Note: the semi-sub is subject to occasional maintenance. If it’s your primary reason for visiting, confirm it’s operating when arranging your transfers.

Saltwater pool: a good option for swimmers who want a more contained water experience, and for young children who aren’t ready for the ocean.

Non-motorised watersports: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and sailing are all included.

Kids Club: complimentary, supervised.

Lunchtime Meke performance: a traditional Fijian dance and song performance runs at the open-air restaurant during lunch, Monday through Saturday. Sunday visitors don’t see the Meke performance — worth knowing if you’re specifically interested in the cultural element.

Craft market: runs alongside the Meke performance, Monday–Saturday, with local vendors selling handicrafts and souvenirs. Cash and cards accepted (vary by vendor; bring FJD cash to be safe).

BBQ lunch and drinks

Lunch is a proper BBQ buffet: mixed meats, tropical salads, fresh fruit, and sides. Unlimited beer (Fiji Bitter, Fiji Gold), house wine, filtered water, and soft drinks are included while ashore. This is a meaningful inclusion — you’re on a tropical island for the best part of a day, and thirst is not a concern.

Additional premium bar items are available for purchase.

What’s included

• Return high-speed catamaran transfers (Port Denarau ↔ South Sea Island) with air-conditioned lounge, open-air outer decks, free WiFi
• Return coach transfers from Nadi, Denarau, Vuda, Wailoaloa, Natadola, Sonaisali, Momi Bay, and Coral Coast hotels
• BBQ buffet lunch
• Unlimited beer, wine, filtered water, and soft drinks while ashore
• Semi-submersible coral viewing (Subsea Adventure)
• Snorkel gear
• Complimentary non-motorised watersports (kayaks, SUPs, sailing)
• Saltwater pool access
• Complimentary kids club
• Lunchtime Meke performance (Monday–Saturday)
• Craft market access (Monday–Saturday)
• English-speaking host

What’s not included

• Towels (bring your own — this is explicitly listed in the exclusions)
• Diving and massages (additional cost)
• Premium bar items beyond the included drinks
• Motorised watersports

Practical notes

Towels: not included. Bring your own. This one catches people out more than almost any other logistical detail on this trip.

Reef shoes: the beach has coral sand in places. Reef shoes or water shoes make moving around the water’s edge more comfortable, particularly for children.

Note on vessel departure times: your booking confirmation shows the vessel’s departure time from Port Denarau. Your hotel coach pickup will be earlier. Contact South Sea Cruises at least 24 hours before travel to confirm your pickup time and arrange the transfer.

Weather: in adverse conditions, South Sea Cruises may cancel all water-based activities including snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and the semi-submersible. A different date or full refund is offered if this occurs.

FAQs

Is this good for beginner snorkellers?

Yes — the beach snorkelling is shallow, calm, and accessible. The marine sanctuary fish density makes it rewarding even in variable conditions. For completely new snorkellers, the semi-sub first (to understand what you’re looking for), then a beach snorkel, is a good sequence.

Is the introductory dive worth it?

South Sea Island’s reef is specifically considered one of the better locations in Fiji for an introductory dive, due to the fish abundance and manageable conditions. If diving has ever been on your radar, this is a practical and well-supported environment in which to try it.

What’s the difference between the full-day and the Finding Nemo half-day?

The full-day format adds: BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks, the lunchtime Meke performance, access to the craft market, significantly more island time, and the full activities programme. The Finding Nemo half-day is shorter (back by noon), does not include lunch or the Meke, and is specifically designed for families who need a morning-only format.

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Operated by South Sea Cruises. Departs Port Denarau at 9:00am (Nadi/Denarau) or 10:00am (Coral Coast area). Contact South Sea Cruises at least 24 hours before travel to arrange coach transfers.

By: Sarika Nand