Under $100: Beachcomber Island, The Mamanucas

With 20 islands to choose from, this volcanic archipelago just west of Nadi has been a popular destination for high-end jetsetters and backpackers alike. While there are plenty of spots to choose from, Beachcomber Island has a younger crowd and makes for a great daytrip from Fiji. Here’s how to put your 215 FJD wisely.

© Jodie Wilson | Flickr

The resort is situated on a small but intimate barefoot island popular with backpackers. If you’re not looking to stay the night, there are full-day and half-day tours available for 149 and 129 FJD respectively; a great deal that includes ferry transfers, food and various beach activities.

No trip to Fiji is complete without spending some time in the water. The Beachcomber Island Resort offers two complimentary snorkeling trips a day with free equipment rental, but if you want to do something more adventurous, you can try your hand at scuba diving. Certified divers can go ahead and explore shipwrecks and shark encounters, but if you’re a beginner there’s a 5* PADI training facility where an introductory course will get you dive ready in a few hours.

© Luke Durkin | Flickr

For those who prefer to stay out of the water, Beachcomber is great for game fishing. The waters contain several prized species, including wahoo, marlin, barracuda, mahi mahi and more. Fishing and diving will cost you extra for equipment, but the resort offers free coral viewing on their glass-bottom boats.

Visitors get a complimentary buffet lunch and afternoon tea, in addition to more beach activities than you can fit in a day. If you don’t want to relax at the beach, feel free to join a game of volleyball, mini-golf or even try your hand at cricket or rugby. Inside, there are cocktail mixing lessons and games, in addition to limbo and dance competitions alongside Fijian dance performers.