Treasure Island | Mamanuca Islands

Information

Landmark: Treasure Island
City: Mamanuca Islands
Country: Fiji
Continent: Australia

Treasure Island, Mamanuca Islands, Fiji, Australia

Treasure Island, officially known as Eluvuka, is a 6-hectare coral cay located in the Mamanuca Archipelago, approximately 17 kilometers west of Viti Levu. It is a low-lying island entirely occupied by a single resort, situated within a locally managed marine protected area.

Visual Characteristics

The island is a classic sand cay with a flat interior and a continuous perimeter of white coralline sand. It is surrounded by a broad, shallow turquoise lagoon and a well-developed fringing reef. The vegetation consists of dense tropical gardens, coconut palms, and large indigenous shade trees such as the Baka (Fijian Fig). The underwater topography is characterized by shallow coral flats that drop off into deeper channels on the island's western side.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is primarily via the South Sea Cruises high-speed catamaran from Port Denarau, a transit taking approximately 45 minutes. The island operates its own private 24-hour speed boat transfer service from Vuda Point Marina, which takes 20 minutes. Helicopter transfers from Nadi International Airport land on the island’s private helipad in approximately 10 minutes. There are no roads; the entire island can be circumnavigated on foot via the beach in 15 minutes.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Treasure Island was the second resort to open in the Mamanuca group, established in 1972. Geologically, it is a sedimentary accumulation on a volcanic reef platform. Ecologically, it is a significant conservation site; it was the first resort in Fiji to establish a marine protected area (tabu) in cooperation with local landowners. It serves as a sanctuary for the rare Fiji Crested Iguana and is a primary nesting ground for Hawksbill sea turtles.

Key Highlights & Activities

Snorkeling is available directly from the shoreline into the marine reserve. The island features a dedicated turtle breeding pond where hatchlings are raised before being released. Scuba diving excursions depart daily to over 30 nearby sites, including the "Treasure Island Wall." Land activities focus on environmental education, including iguana feeding and coral planting. Motorized water sports, such as parasailing and jet skiing, are available but restricted to deep-water areas to protect the reef.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure includes a large-scale desalination plant for fresh water and a solar-diesel hybrid power station. The island features a central restaurant, multiple bars, a fresh-water swimming pool, and a boutique. A medical clinic with a resident nurse is available 24/7. 4G cell signal is stable due to the island’s proximity to the mainland. There are no public ATMs or retail centers outside of the resort facilities.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from May to October offers the best water clarity and lowest humidity. High tide is the optimal time for swimming to ensure clearance over the shallow reef flats. For photography, the mid-morning provides the best sunlight for lagoon colors, while the eastern beach offers views of the sunrise over Viti Levu's mountains.

Facts & Legends

Treasure Island is one of the few locations in Fiji with a long-term, verified Hawksbill turtle nesting record, with some turtles returning to the same beach for over 40 years. A local "secret" is the island’s "Masi" workshop, where visitors can observe the traditional process of beating mulberry bark into cloth, a craft preserved by the staff members from the nearby Nakovacake villages.