What to do in Fiji: Day Cruise with Whale's Tale

You had me at “Private Island” and FREE champagne

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This was my first solo trip out of the country and relaxing at the Westin Denarau Island was high on my list.

But as "relaxing" as relaxing may seem, somewhere around the 3rd or 4th day, I became a bit restless. My need to explore kicked in and I began feeling the strong grip of my ADHD suffocating my soul. Ok, maybe that was juuuuuust a bit dramatic. But you get the point.

Basically: Mama needed an activity and she needed it STAT!

Plus, who really goes allllllllllllll the way to Fiji only to see just the resort? Um, nobody.

Seriously, what's the point? Because I honestly, could've "relaxed" in the states for a much much much less monetary contribution.

So it was at this moment, I decided to book a day cruise to 1 of the 330 islands Fiji had to offer.

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Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Walking up to the tour desk to choose a day cruise was intimidating and honestly overwhelming. Brochures ga-lore. There were literally at least 50 to choose from.

With all of the choices, I was only interested in 2 things: What was the best tour? And what tour would deliver the most bang for my buck?

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So after much deliberation, I confidently handed the lady at the Rosie Tours desk 3 brochures of day tours I had strategically narrowed it down to. To which she glanced at, then proceeded to cast a vote for her own write-in candidate, The "Whale's Tale Day Cruise". Ummmm, "lady" that wasn't even a suggestion.

Now listen, as a resident of the 4th largest city, Houston, for almost 20 years, I stay on ready and my guard is constantly up (sad but true). And when anyone "recommends" anything to me (especially if it wasn't one of my choices), I'm (rightfully) cautious. You ain’t tricking me. Not today! My thoughts instantly go to "Why did they do that?" and "What's in it for them?"

So I thought to myself. . .

"Mel, Relax! Chill the hell out. Girl, you are on vacation, in paradise. Have a seat. Take a chance. Trust the Rosie Tours girl."

And so I did.

Lemme tell you, I'm so glad that I did!

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Here's Why I Chose the Whale's Tale Day Cruise Over the Rest

The Boat

A 100 ft Schooner with a second story sundeck on top, which would become a launchpad for an impromptu jump into the middle of the ocean. Y’all this boat is GORGEOUS!

The Private Island

This was HUGE for me!!! In my travels, I’ve been on a couple of day cruises to heavily populated “private islands”. Ugh! Everyone and their mama were there. Literally hundreds of people. #nothanks

The Whale's Tale cruise takes you to an actual private and uninhabited island in the Mamanuca Island chain. No sharing. YES!

Maximum Capacity

This was HUGE for me too!!! The Whale's Tale cruise is capped at 55 passengers max. HELL YES (2x's)!

Island Time

Expect to spend about 2.5 to 3 hours on the island. I've gone on an island tour before- Set sail for an hour or so only to spend like 30-45 mins on an island with 50 million people (that’s obviously an exaggeration but you get the point). That's just not enough time soaking up the sun, explore the island, snap a few pics (for the ‘gram) and take a dip in the beautiful turquoise ocean.

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My Fiji Day Cruise Itinerary:

Depart: 10 am

Return: 5 pm

*Complimentary transportation is available for guests staying on Denarau Island and in the Nadi area. Set sail and arrive from Port of Denarau. Pro Tip: Make sure to grab dinner and watch the gorgeous sunset over the marina when you return back to the Port of Denarau.

Total sailing time: 2 hours (1 hr going/1 hr coming back)

Time on the Island: 2.5 to 3 hours (more on the island below)

What You Need to Know About the Whale’s Tale Fiji Day Cruise

What to Bring

Sunscreen (non-negotiable), towel, flip flops, hat, swimsuit, sunglasses, camera, drone (if you have one), cash for tipping the crew, motion sickness pills, and a fun attitude.

The Crew

The crew was AMAZING. Super friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Oooooh, did I mention they sing and serenade too??!!

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The Food & Drinks

Upon departure, we were treated to a breakfast of fresh island fruits, pastries, coffee, tea annnnnnd of course, champagne. Uh "Yes, please!" And don't be shy on the pour. Please and thanks.

For lunch, we got the party started with a traditional Fijian Kava ceremony followed by a gourmet buffet spread, local Fiji beer, soda, and an acoustic guitar serenade by the crew.

Throughout the cruise, there was continuous beverage service of beer, juice, coffee, wine, and Fiji bottled water (feeling fancy) and soft drinks. Just know that thirst was never an issue.

What is Kava?

That’s a good question. Kava is a drink extracted from the roots of a particular shrub. It’s effects are similar to alcohol. To me, the effects reminded me of taking a shot of vodka or whiskey. And instead of slamming the shot glass down when you finish, you clap your hands once. Honestly, if you haven't experienced the kava ceremony, you are in for a treat. “When in Rome . . . "

Activities

With water so blue and the sand so white...

Once you reach the private island, there are a ton of activities you can indulge in for F-R-E-E: snorkeling (we snorkeled alongside baby sharks and they were harmless), glass-bottom boat tour, and volleyball. Power snorkeling and massages involved an additional fee.

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Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend Whale's Tale Day Cruise?

Absolutely, without a doubt! And without hesitation.

How to Book Your Whale’s Tale Day Cruise

Whale's Tale // www.whalestale.com.fj

Costs

$199 Fiji dollars ($91 USD at the time) if booked within 48 hours of set sail date and if space is available or $229 Fiji dollars ($105 USD at the time) if booked ahead of time

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Thank You

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading. I'm a frequent traveler and taking a day cruise in Fiji is a great way to explore local islands.

Feel free to leave comments below with any questions or share your own experience (I'd love to hear). Or just to say "hi", I don't bite (as long as I'm properly fed).

And if you found value in what I shared, share it with a friend, save it, or pin it. I greatly appreciate the love and as always, sharing is caring.

-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.

Photography: Yours Truly, Mel Drake & Calvin Piagiot

Editing by: Yours Truly, Mel Drake

Let’s Keep Those Good Vibes Going

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Helpful Resources

Looking for discounts on hotel rooms? I use Booking.com for the availability and rates.

Ready to stay at an Airbnb? Get started with Airbnb with $40 off your first stay.

Don’t forget Travel insurance (it’s not too late even if you are already traveling). I use and love World Nomads.

Using FREE wifi while traveling? Make sure to protect your personal data (passwords, email, credit cards and etc) with a VPN (Virtual Private Network). I use Nord VPN.

Disclosure: Keep in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Please know I link these companies because of their quality. I do not recommend any product or service I do not use.