Castaway Island is the resort name for Qalito, a 70-hectare island of rainforest and white sand just off the western tip of Malolo. There is one resort and nothing else, and it has been welcoming the same families — and then their children — for decades.
Do not confuse it with the film: “Cast Away” was shot on Monuriki, further west. What Castaway Island offers instead is the Fiji of the brochures done very well: thatched bures under the trees, a beach on two sides of a sandy point, a reef a few fin-kicks from shore and staff who remember names.
Top things to do: Castaway Island (Qalito)
Snorkel the house reef
Coral starts close to the beach and the resort runs boat trips to outer reef sites as well. Gear is available on the island; conditions are usually calmest in the morning.
Let the kids’ club take over
The children’s programme is the reason many families return year after year, and it leaves parents free for the adults’ pool, the spa or a dive.
Walk the bush track
A trail climbs through the forest to a lookout over the Mamanucas — a good half-hour leg-stretch before breakfast.
Take a boat out
Day excursions run to Monuriki, to sandbanks and to the floating bars, and the dive shop visits the reefs and pinnacles around Malolo.
How to get to Castaway Island (Qalito)
- By ferry: South Sea Cruises catamarans call at Castaway on the Mamanuca run from Port Denarau; allow up to two hours depending on the route.
- By speedboat, seaplane or helicopter: faster private transfers are easily arranged — see getting to the Mamanucas.
- For the day: the Castaway Island day cruise gives you about five hours on the island with lunch — see day cruises.
Insider tips
- School-holiday weeks sell out many months ahead.
- Bures are not air-conditioned boxes but traditional-style rooms with fans and cooling — part of the charm; check the details if you need more.
- Day visitors use set areas of the resort; bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a card for extras.
Tours that include Castaway Island (Qalito)
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see Castaway Island (Qalito):
Resort day trip from €137 Fiji: Castaway Island Resort Day Cruise with Lunch
A day visit to one of Fiji’s best-known island resorts, on Qalito Island next to Malolo. You cruise out by catamaran, spend about five hours on the beach and in the water, have lunch and cruise back. A good way to try the island before committing to a stay.
- Catamaran cruise through the islands to Castaway
- Around five hours using the resort’s beach and facilities
- Lunch at the resort
Resort day trip from €137 Fiji: Malolo Island Resort Full Day Trip with Lunch
The catamaran calls at several islands on its way to Malolo, so the ride doubles as a sightseeing cruise. On the island you have the day at Malolo Island Resort, with lunch, before the return sailing.
- Scenic cruise calling at other islands on the way
- A day at a family resort on the largest Mamanuca island
- Lunch included
