Qalito Island

Qalito Island combines nature experiences on the water with a special conservation project on land. During their stay, guests can take part in a hands-on coral planting activity and kayak around the island. The waters around Qalito Island are also home to a Sculptural Coral Gene Bank. If you value nature and activities when choosing an island destination, you’ll find several options here to help plan your trip.

Coral Planting and Marine Life

The Sculptural Coral Gene Bank in the waters around Qalito Island was established by Castaway Island, Fiji, together with the non-profit organisation Counting Coral. There is also an opportunity to take part in a hands-on coral planting activity on Qalito Island during your stay. The planting activity is a practical way to get involved; the coral bank is a separate conservation project in the surrounding waters. If you’d like to shape your stay around nature, you can combine a hands-on activity with an interest in corals.

Island Circuit and Conservation on Land

You can kayak around the entire island. This straightforward route option can be included as a separate activity in your day’s plans; no details about distance or duration are provided. In 2025, fifteen endangered Fijian crested iguanas were translocated to Qalito Island. This followed years of habitat restoration and invasive species management. The translocation gives conservation on land a specific and time-bound dimension. The coral project, kayaking circuit and iguanas cater to different interests, without implying that they form a shared trail or a particular order of visits.

Castaway Island, Fiji: Island Setting and Resort

Castaway Island, Fiji is a private island resort on the 174-acre private island of Castaway Island in the Mamanuca Islands. The landscape described there includes lush rainforests, white sandy shores, colourful coral reefs and azure waters. The resort first opened on 6 July 1966. For trip planning, this offers two distinct highlights: the scenery of the private island resort and the coral and kayaking experiences on Qalito Island.

Diving, Surfing and Activities for Children

Castaway Diving offers PADI courses ranging from beginner programmes to Divemaster certification. In the waters surrounding and adjoining the island, Castaway Diving takes you to walls, reefs and pinnacles featuring hard and soft corals, moray eels, sharks and tropical fish. If you’re more interested in waves than dives, you can consider the two surf tours offered by Castaway Island, Fiji to Cloudbreak Fiji and other well-known surf spots in Fiji. Families also have a practical option in the complimentary Castaway Kids Club: it offers supervised adventures and educational games every day, running through the day and into the evening.

Getting to Castaway Island

South Sea Cruises operates a daily air-conditioned catamaran service between Port Denarau Marina and Castaway Island. If you’re planning a stay on Castaway Island, this connection is a relevant part of your travel arrangements. It describes the connection to Castaway Island; no journey time or other transport options are specified.

More island destinations to explore: Treasure Island, Beachcomber Island and Mana Island.

For the broader travel overview: Mamanuca Islands.