Lautoka Day Trip Planner: Boats, Hikes, Villages

Lautoka as a Starting Point

Lautoka is a good launch point for day trips inland and by road, though island boats leave elsewhere. All prices below are in Fijian dollars (FJ$) unless an operator quotes in another currency. Larger tourism operators add a 5 percent Tourism Services Tax from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2027, so check whether a price includes it.

Island Boats Depart From Port Denarau

Nadi’s Port Denarau is the departure point for Tivua, Malamala and South Sea Island. Denarau is joined to the mainland by a road bridge, and no ferry connects it to Viti Levu. Allow 30 to 45 minutes from Lautoka and leave early.

  • Tivua Island: The Captain Cook cruise sails at 10:00 and returns at 17:00, after about an hour on the water. The operator advertises it from A$189. Tivua is a small coral cay that takes 15 minutes to stroll around. Pick-ups at Lautoka resorts carry an extra charge (Captain Cook Cruises ).
  • Malamala Beach Club: Boat at 09:30 from Port Denarau, 25 to 30 minutes across. Full-day passes are FJ$215 from Denarau, Nadi, Vuda and Wailoaloa, and half-day passes are FJ$185. Lautoka is not on the coach pick-up list, though Vuda is (Malamala ).
  • South Sea Island: South Sea Cruises prices day trips from FJ$245, with a Finding Nemo morning cruise from FJ$149 (South Sea Cruises ).

Road and Short-Boat Options

  • Navala and Ba: A long day of 2 to 3 hours in each direction. You pass Ba Market and the Rarawai Sugar Mill, which opened in 1886 and still works.
  • Koroyanitu: About 15 km and 30 minutes from the city. Hike for a half day or a full day.
  • Belo Vula Island: Ten minutes by boat from Lautoka wharf to Bekana Island. Day visitors pay about FJ$15 return, so confirm with the resort.
  • Sabeto valley: Mud pools and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, about 40 to 45 minutes away by road.

A Sample Day at Koroyanitu

Leave Lautoka early so you reach the Abaca Visitor Centre soon after it opens at 08:00. Walk to one of the two waterfalls, which takes about 3 hours return, then eat a village lunch arranged through the centre. The drive back is about 30 minutes, which still leaves time for the Lautoka market before it closes at 17:30 on weekdays. Wear sturdy shoes, because the trails are slippery when wet.

Planning Notes

  • Cyclone season runs 1 November to 30 April, and weather can cancel boats.
  • Rip currents occur near reefs, so stick with licensed operators.
  • Cash is needed at Koroyanitu and the mud pools.

Read more: multi-day trips from Lautoka if you want to stay overnight.

Search Lautoka day trips on Viator .