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If you are looking for paradise in Fiji, look no further than Tivua Island! This private island is located a short boat ride from Nadi, one of Fiji’s main tourist hubs, making it incredibly accessible for visitors looking to escape to a tropical haven.
The white sand and clear, turquoise waters of Tivua Island make it a great place for water activities and relaxing. In this guide, we will review the day cruise to Tivua Island with Captain Cook Cruise Excursions.
Table of Contents
Where is Tivua Island?
Tivua Island is located off the western coast of Viti Levu, the main island in Fiji. It is about 25 kilometers from the mainland.
How to Get to Tivua Island
Tivua Island is only accessible via boat. It is also a private island, and you must book a tour with Captain Cook Cruise Excursions to get there.
Getting to Port Denarau
After you book your tickets online, you will need to go to the Port Denarau Marina. Port Denarau is located near Nadi, and can be easily accessed via taxi.
You can arrange for Captain Cook Excursions to pick you up and drop you off to your hotel. If you are staying in Nadi, this service is free. If you are further away, you will have to pay a small amount.
From the Marina
At the Marina, you will check into the Captain Cook Excursions reception, and wait for your boat to be ready. There are plenty of places to eat while you wait. You can also check out the other businesses nearby and see what other tours you would like to do.
If you are interested in handline fishing, check out Awesome Adventures in one of the small offices outside.
The Boat Experience
During the 90-minute boat ride, you will be treated to a small snack, and you will have the option of buying drinks at the bar. You can also walk around the boat and interact with the crew and other passengers.
But the most interesting thing for me was participating in the Kava ceremony.
What is Kava?
Kava is a plant-based drink that originated in islands in the South Pacific, such as Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. The kava plant is ground into a powder and mixed with hibiscus to create a drink that looks and tastes like muddy water.
The appeal of Kava is the relaxed feeling that the user experiences. This, combined with the lack of intoxication or confusion that can be caused by alcoholic drinks, have made Kava an important drink in the region.
Kava Ceremony
On the way to Tivua Island, the crew conduct a Kava ceremony. 3 men sit on the floor and prepare the Kava. Once it is ready to be drunk, they invite passengers to join them on the floor.
There is a certain ritual that must be followed, which includes drinking out of a coconut shell and clapping your hands 3 times after finishing.
Arrival to Tivua Island
Once you get to Tivua Island, there’s plenty of activities to choose from. Around 1 PM, there is a lunch that consists of seafood and traditional Fijian food. But besides that, you are free to explore the island for the 4-5 hours that you are there.
Snorkeling
Most people on the tour decided to go snorkeling upon reaching the island. Captain Cook Excursions provides masks, fins, and a snorkel free of charge.
The water around Tivua Island is very clear and full of marine life! As you swim along the coral reef, you will see all kinds of fish, starfish, and even sea cucumbers!
Scuba Diving
If you are Scuba certified, you will also have the option of adding this activity to your program. During my dive, I was able to see eels, sharks, and a stingray! There are also lots of small fish that hang out in the coral that will nibble on your outstretched fingers. You will also be able to check out a couple of boat wrecks at about 10 meters deep.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride
For those who do not want to get in the water, there is also the option of taking a ride in a glass bottom boat. As the name suggests, this boat has a transparent floor that allows you to see underwater. The clarity of the water and the shallow depths can give you pretty impressive views of life under the water, all while staying dry!
Activities on the island
There is also plenty to do on the island. There is a volleyball net where you can play with other travelers or the local staff. If you want to relax, you can book a massage as well. There is a turtle nesting site you can visit, and I saw some guys getting good footage of the island with their drone.
If you just want to lie by the beach, there are plenty of beach chairs and shade available as well.
Where to Stay in Nadi
The price and availability of hotels can vary dramatically depending on the time of year. Therefore, it’s best to book your hotel in advance.
For budget travelers who want their own room, I recommend checking out the Ideal Bed and Breakfast near Wailoaloa Beach. This is very close to Port Denarau which makes it very convenient for a day cruise to the islands.
I also suggest checking AirBnB because it is possible to find some inexpensive places to stay there.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
Best Time to Visit Tivua Island
There isn’t a bad time of year to visit Tivua Island. However, the rainy season runs from November to April. This is also the cyclone season, so there is a possibility of bad weather.
If you go in May or October, you will be able to enjoy the dry season without having to deal with large crowds. This is probably the best time to go.
