Tivua Island Day Cruise from Denarau - BBQ Lunch, Reef Snorkel and Unlimited Drinks

Tivua Island is Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s exclusive private island: a tiny coral atoll in the Mamanuca group ringed by white sand beach and 500 acres of coral gardens. The day cruise is among the most genuinely all-inclusive island experiences in Fiji — once on the island, virtually everything is covered, including beer, wine, and soft drinks all day.

The vessels are a tall ship (Ra Marama) and a sailing catamaran (Fiji One), both departing from Port Denarau Marina. The island is approximately 90 minutes out by tall ship (the vessel intentionally sails at a leisurely pace), so the round trip takes roughly three hours of sailing. Factor that into your expectations for island time.

At a glance

• Departure: Port Denarau Marina, Nadi
• Sailings: 10:00am returning 5:00pm; 11:30am returning 6:30pm
• Island time: approximately 5–5.5 hours (10am sailing)
• Transfer pickup: approximately 8:00am from Nadi Airport area, 9:00am from Denarau resorts (for 10am sailing)
• Coral Coast transfers: available at additional cost (FJD ~$34 adult, ~$24 child) — payable directly to Captain Cook Cruises
• Operated by: Captain Cook Cruises Fiji
• Note: From 1 June 2025, an alternative island to Tivua may be offered — confirm the current destination when booking

What’s included

The island all-inclusive is broad and genuine:

• Return tall ship/catamaran sailing from Port Denarau
• BBQ buffet lunch: fish, chicken, and sausages on the BBQ with salad and fruit bar
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks on the island (all day)
• Morning tea and afternoon tea served aboard the vessel
• Marine biologist-guided snorkelling tours (off beach and pontoon)
• Glass-bottom boat tour
• Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
• Beach volleyball (crew vs passengers)
• Fijian cultural experiences: guided herbal medicine nature walk, coconut husking and weaving
• Traditional kava welcome ceremony
• Captain’s Kids Club (1.5 hours, ages 3–9): treasure hunt, sandcastle building, sports programme
• Fresh water showers on the island
• Transfers from most Nadi and Denarau hotels (included)

What’s not included

• Scuba diving (optional, operated by Viti Water Sports on the island — beginner through advanced, including a wreck dive for advanced divers)
• Beach massages from the Senakai Day Spa on the island (optional extra)
• Coral Coast transfer surcharge (if applicable)
• Premium drinks (wines/spirits beyond the standard included package)
• Private beach bure hire (shaded bures on the island, optional upgrade)

The sailing

One of the most-reviewed aspects of Tivua is the vessel experience itself — the crew singing, the tall ship rigging, the transition from Denarau marina into open blue-reef water. Morning tea is served aboard. The return sail includes afternoon tea. The pace is intentionally slow; reviewers who understood this loved it, those who expected a fast catamaran were occasionally frustrated. Go knowing you’re on a tall ship cruise, not a speed transfer.

Motion sensitivity: the open ocean passages between reef channels can produce roll in certain sea states. Sit amidships and keep eyes on the horizon if prone to motion sickness; take tablets before boarding.

The island

Tivua is genuinely small — a coral atoll you can walk completely around, entirely private to Captain Cook Cruises guests. On most days only one boat’s guests share the island (roughly 60–80 people maximum), which keeps it from feeling crowded.

Snorkelling starts directly off the beach. The coral gardens are extensive and the visibility is typically clear. The marine biologist-guided snorkel tours run at scheduled times and are a genuine addition rather than a brief formality — guides explain what you’re seeing and point out marine life.

Beach bures (shaded thatched shelters) are distributed around the island. There are enough for most guests without booking a private one, though private beach bure hire is available if you want a dedicated shaded base.

Seasonal turtle nesting occurs on Tivua’s beach at certain times of year. The crew will advise on any restricted access areas.

Practical notes

Reef shoes: recommended. Some beach entry points have exposed coral.

Kids Club timing: 1.5 hours, structured. Parents can genuinely take a break; the programme is consistently praised in family reviews.

Drinks: the included package covers beer, wine, and soft drinks. Premium spirits and premium wines are available at additional cost on the island.

Reef protection: bring reef-safe sunscreen. Tivua’s reef system is the primary natural asset of the tour and the operator actively promotes reef conservation.

FAQs

What vessel will I be on?

Either the tall ship Ra Marama or the sailing catamaran Fiji One — both operated by Captain Cook Cruises Fiji. The assignment depends on the day and capacity. Both are well-regarded.

Is the 11:30am sailing worth it?

The 11:30am to 6:30pm sailing gives roughly the same island time as the 10am departure but with a later start — useful if you want a relaxed morning. Both are equally good island experiences; the 10am sailing is slightly more popular.

What is the alternative island from June 2025?

Captain Cook Cruises announced a change from June 2025. Confirm the current destination (likely Kadavu Lailai / their Island Day Sail product) at time of booking.

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Operated by Captain Cook Cruises Fiji. Departs Port Denarau Marina. Hotel transfers from Nadi and Denarau included; Coral Coast transfers at additional cost. Contact Captain Cook Cruises to confirm current island and vessel assignment.

By: Sarika Nand