Many people looking for a vacation to Cast Away Island in Fiji end up booking the wrong island. It does occur frequently, and the resort staff has a practiced response to offer. Those who make it to the right place usually do so with the movie in their heads, only to realize that the real thing is smaller, busier, and more “other” than they had thought.
But that’s not a bad day out. It’s one of the good ones you can get at the Mamanucas. It simply makes for a much better walk when you know what you are getting into.
Two islands, one name,
Monuriki, also known as Modriki, is where the 2000 Tom Hanks movie was filmed. A volcanic, uninhabited island in the Mamanuca group, approximately 25 km west of Denarau, approximately 1.15 km long and 600 m wide.
Castaway Island Fiji is a resort. It is located on the other island southeast of Monuriki, called Qalito, and has rooms, restaurants, and a spa. Lovely place. Not the film location.
If you want the beach from the movie, then you’re getting a day trip to Monuriki. No one is going to be there for the night – it is not permitted.
Less time there than you’d think!
The majority of trips to Cast Away Island Fiji are not single trips. Monuriki is typically the first place on a longer cruise, followed by a sandbank, snorkel spot, and lunch. Time on the sand is frequently 45 minutes to 2 hours.
The maths changes when the departure points change. A crossing takes 30 to 45 minutes from Port Denarau. The distance from the resorts on Mamanuca, such as Tokoriki, Mana, Matamanoa or Musket Cove, is 20 to 30. Captain Cook and Blue Lagoon also call in on their multi-day Mamanuca and Yasawa cruises.
If you are going to the island, reserve a service that mentions Monuriki; it is not part of an itinerary.
There is nothing on the island. Nothing at all.
No toilets. Nothing in the shop, nothing in the bar, no drinking water, no bins, no shelter from a squall. On your boat is the toilet and that’s it.
This is due to the shade from the tree line, and the changing of the day – good patches go early. Bring water, reef-safe sun protection, hat, dry bag and waterproof shoes. Landing areas are wet; step off and wade in (deeper at low tide).
Take your rubbish back to the boat. No one is there to clean up after you.
This landing fee is not a tourist tax!
Monuriki is a Yanuya man. There is a landing fee of approximately FJ$10.00 per person charged by the operator or included in the ticket price. That money is dedicated to the development of the village and to the local primary school, which also serves the wider community.
Things are different when you arrive on your own boat. Before you can land, you contact Yanuya and offer sevusevu, a kava gift to the landowners, and receive a briefing on biosecurity.
This is a nature reserve before it is a film set.
The land where Monuriki is located is protected land. It supports a genetically unique population of the critically endangered Fiji crested iguana, the largest breeding population of wedge-tailed shearwater in the South Pacific (October to April return), and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches.
There are two implications in that. Before you step onto the land, be sure to inspect your bags for insects and ants, including stowaway insects; these are all a real threat to the island, not something to take lightly. Second, do not presume confidence in wandering. Some operators provide a brief (and guided) walk to a view, while others do not allow visitors to leave the sand under any circumstances; access varies in accordance with the landowners’ agreement. Please check beforehand if the walk is significant to you.
There is absolutely nothing left from the film on the island. The tiki hut and any coconut “HELP” sign you see were constructed by a tour crew for photos.
Costs, timing and the tide
On the whole, day trips cost FJ$120 – FJ$170 per person, plus landing fee, for lunch and soft drinks. Multi-day cruises are significantly more expensive. Prices change, so double-check when booking, not based on a number you’ve read.
The dry season is May to November, and the crossing is generally quieter. These waters are faster than what the postcards describe, and a speedboat run can get rough.
Most guides will omit one detail: shoot for mid to high tide. The low tide brings the lagoon back in, the snorkelling evaporates, and the beach loses a bit of the attraction. Boats are usually packed in the afternoon, and there’s always someone to share the experience, as this is a popular stop and US Survivor crews still work the area in the morning.
FAQ
Cast Away Island Fiji equals Castaway Island Resort?
No. The film was shot on an uninhabited island called Monuriki. Castaway Island Fiji is a resort at Qalito, an adjacent island. The most frequent travellers’ error is to book one when they meant the other.
Do you have a night’s accommodation on Monuriki?
There are no overnight stays allowed, which is a large part of the reason the island is in its current condition. Day trips only.
What is the cost of the day trip?
A day tour with lunch will cost around FJ$120 – FJ$170 per person, plus a landing fee of approximately FJ$10. Cruise packages and private charters are more expensive.
How many hours is the boat ride?
Around 30-45 minutes from Port Denarau and 20-30 minutes from Mamanuca resorts like Tokoriki, Mana, or Matamanoa.
Is it possible to climb to the top?
Not reliably. Some operators provide guided walks up to a lookout, but access to the higher ground may not be available and may be closed off. Aim to consider all walks as a privilege, not a right.
When to visit?
Dry season (May – November) and mid to high tide on the day. If you don’t want to share the beach with 3 other boats, you should book your morning departure.
Will I see the crested iguana?
Probably not. They’re not on the beach where you’ll be standing; they’re well camouflaged, and there aren’t that many. Luck is involved in sightings, and a guide helps a little.
Looking for more? Browse our full guide to Fijian Attractions for other day trips worth the boat ride.