The Best Boat Rentals in Fiji

For most trip planners, small private speedboats with a captain in Fiji start around $100–$250 per hour, with half-day private charters typically running $400–$1,200 depending on boat size and inclusions. Full-day outings on larger motor cruisers or sailing catamarans commonly range from about $900 to $3,500, while premium yachts for bigger groups or special events can exceed $4,000 per day. Many charters include a licensed captain and crew, fuel for standard routes, safety gear, an esky/cooler with ice, bottled water, and snorkel equipment; full-day trips often add lunch and soft drinks, and fishing charters usually supply tackle and bait. Always check the listing for what’s included and any add-ons like hotel transfers, reef fees, or premium beverages.

In Fiji you’ll find fast center-console boats for quick island hops and snorkel stops, sportfishing boats geared for trolling and offshore action, sailing catamarans with shaded decks and stable rides for families, classic monohull sailboats for leisurely cruising, and motor yachts that add more indoor space and comfort. Couples often choose smaller speedboats or a compact sailing cat; families appreciate the stability and shade of a catamaran; and larger groups or celebrations tend to prefer motor yachts or roomy cats with plenty of seating.

Most visitors book captained charters in Fiji, which require no license—your professional skipper handles navigation, safety, and itinerary. If you’re seeking a self-operated (bareboat) sail or power rental, expect the operator to require proof of competence such as an International Certificate of Competence or similar qualifications (for example RYA/ASA) plus a detailed resume of recent experience on comparable vessels. If your experience doesn’t meet the bar, many companies can provide a skipper for part or all of your trip so you can still enjoy the same itinerary.

The busiest gateway is Port Denarau Marina near Nadi, with easy access to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands and convenient shops and restaurants right by the docks. Other common departure points include Vuda Marina between Nadi and Lautoka, the Royal Suva Yacht Club for trips in the capital area, and the Copra Shed Marina in Savusavu for sailing and cruising on Fiji’s northern side. Your captain can advise the best pickup based on sea conditions and your planned route.

Expect palm-fringed islands, sand cays, turquoise lagoons, and thriving coral reefs. Popular sights include the Mamanuca Islands’ shallow reef gardens and the uninhabited islets made famous by film shoots, plus the Yasawa chain with towering limestone formations and sea caves. On many trips you can spot sea turtles and dolphins year-round; manta rays are commonly seen near channels in the Yasawas during the cool, clear months, and sunsets over Nadi Bay are spectacular on the return leg.

Yes—kids are welcome on most private charters, and operators provide life jackets sized for adults and children along with a pre-departure safety briefing. Tell the captain your group’s ages and any non-swimmers so they can set aside correctly sized jackets and adjust the itinerary to calmer, kid-friendly reef sites. Many family boats have shaded seating, a freshwater rinse, and easy swim ladders; you’ll want to pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and snacks your crew enjoys.

Most private charters in Fiji are BYO-friendly for snacks and beverages, and many include coolers with ice. Full-day and fishing trips often provide lunch and soft drinks, and some boats can arrange onboard barbecues or catered platters with advance notice. For everyone’s safety, glass is sometimes restricted; if you’re planning bubbly or specialty items, confirm packaging and any corkage or service fees with the captain when you book.

Pet policies vary by vessel. Because Fiji has strict biosecurity rules and many charters stop at beaches or marine parks, some operators do not allow pets. A few private boats may approve small, well-behaved dogs on a case-by-case basis. If pets are permitted, plan to bring a leash, a pet life jacket, and a towel, and let the captain know your plans before you confirm so they can advise on suitable stops.

Fiji’s dry season runs roughly May through October with cooler, clearer conditions, while November through April is wetter and also considered cyclone season. Captains monitor wind, swell, and visibility closely and will adjust routes for comfort—mornings are usually calmer. If the captain deems conditions unsafe, trips are generally rescheduled or refunded per the operator’s policy. To keep your plans flexible, consider building a backup day into your itinerary during the wet season.

Peak boating season is May to October for dry weather and great underwater visibility; July to September is especially clear and is prime time for manta ray encounters in select channels. The U.S. holidays of Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day fall within this window and can increase demand from American travelers, so book early if your trip overlaps those dates. A standout local event is Fiji Regatta Week at Musket Cove in mid-September, which brings extra buzz to the islands. Weekdays are typically less busy at popular snorkel spots and floating venues, and morning departures tend to be smoother and clearer than late afternoons.

For most groups, a captained charter is the easiest, most relaxing way to see Fiji. Skippers know the reef passes, tide timings, and the day’s best lee shores for calm snorkeling. Experienced sailors who want maximum independence can request bareboat options, but you’ll need to show recent, relevant experience and may still opt for a skipper on day one to fast-track local knowledge. If you’re celebrating or hosting a mixed-ability group, captained trips keep everyone focused on the fun while the crew handles the details.

Absolutely. Many boats in Fiji are set up for special occasions with shaded deck space, Bluetooth sound, coolers, and flexible island-hop routes for swimming, snorkeling, and sandbar photo stops. Tell the captain your headcount, must-play music, and any decoration or catering needs when you inquire. For popular weekends in the dry season, reserve a few weeks in advance so you can lock the right boat size and the ideal departure time.

From Port Denarau or Vuda Marina, classic half-day trips focus on nearby Mamanuca reef sites and beach stops, while full days reach farther islets with multiple snorkel sessions and a leisurely lunch at anchor. Suva-based outings often explore sheltered bays and south-coast reefs, and Savusavu departures offer calm cruising inside the bay with options to sail along Vanua Levu’s lush coastline. Plan on four hours for a relaxed half day and six to eight hours for an island-hopping full day; your captain will fine-tune the plan to the day’s wind and tide.

If your dates align with the cooler months, ask about manta ray snorkeling in channels known for seasonal sightings, typically May through October. Adventurous travelers can also plan an extended day to the limestone sea caves in the northern Yasawas or add a stop at a mid-ocean floating platform near the Mamanucas for pizza, swims, and sun. These experiences are weather-dependent and can book out in peak months, so inquire early and keep a flexible window.