To buy Cloud 9 Fiji tickets, you must book online through their official website or authorized travel agents well in advance. Tickets typically cost around FJD $229 per person, which includes return boat transfers from Port Denarau and a FJD $60 credit toward food and beverages. Instant confirmation is essential as capacity is strictly limited.
For New Zealand travellers dreaming of turquoise waters and wood-fired pizzas in the middle of the ocean, Cloud 9 is the ultimate bucket-list destination. Located on the Ro Ro Reef in the Mamanuca Islands, this two-level floating platform offers an experience unlike any other. However, securing your spot on this popular attraction requires planning. Due to its global fame and limited capacity, showing up at Port Denarau without a reservation is a recipe for disappointment.
This comprehensive guide details exactly how to buy Cloud 9 Fiji tickets, what to expect regarding costs, and how to choose the right transfer option for your itinerary. Whether you are staying at a resort on Denarau Island or island-hopping through the Mamanucas, we cover every logistical detail to ensure your day out is seamless.
How to Buy Cloud 9 Fiji Tickets: The Booking Process
When you look to buy Cloud 9 Fiji tickets, you are purchasing a full-day package. Unlike a standard restaurant reservation, this is a ticketed event that includes maritime transport. The most reliable method for New Zealanders is to book directly via the Cloud 9 website or through a reputable aggregator like Viator or TripAdvisor if you prefer holding your bookings in one app.
The standard ticket generally includes:
- Return Boat Transfers: Transport from Port Denarau to the floating platform and back.
- Bar Tab Credit: Usually, FJD $60 per person is included in the ticket price (check current terms as this can fluctuate) to spend on food and drinks on board.
- Entry Fees: Access to the sundecks, day beds, and snorkeling gear (deposit required).
Understanding the Pricing Tiers
Prices are generally quoted in Fijian Dollars (FJD). For Kiwi travellers, it is important to check the current exchange rate. As of typical market rates, a ticket costing FJD $229 is approximately NZD $165-$175. While this might seem steep for a day trip, the inclusion of the $60 bar tab significantly offsets the cost, effectively making the transport and entry fee much lower.
Why Booking in Advance is Essential
A common mistake many NZ tourists make is waiting until they arrive at their Nadi or Denarau resort to book their excursions. For Cloud 9, this strategy is risky. The platform has a strict legal capacity limit to ensure safety and comfort. Once the daily allotment of tickets is sold, no further guests can be accommodated, regardless of demand.
Peak Season Availability
Fiji is a perennial favourite for New Zealanders, particularly during the winter school holidays (July and September) and the Christmas break. During these peak windows, Cloud 9 tickets can sell out weeks, sometimes months, in advance. Even during shoulder seasons, weekend slots are highly coveted. If your itinerary is tight, we strongly recommend securing your tickets as soon as your flights are booked.
Transfer Options from Denarau & Islands
Your ticket purchase is heavily tied to your location. Most travellers buy the package that departs from Port Denarau, the main marina hub near Nadi. However, if you are already staying in the Mamanuca Islands, your logistics will differ.
Departing from Port Denarau
The majority of guests will board the official Cloud 9 vessel, usually the “Excitor” or a similar high-speed catamaran, from Port Denarau. The journey takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on sea conditions. The boat ride itself is scenic, passing by various islands including Malolo and Castaway Island.
- Departure Time: Usually 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM (check your specific ticket).
- Check-in: Arrive at the booth at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Departing from Mamanuca Island Resorts
If you are staying at resorts such as Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort, or Musket Cove, you are much closer to the action. Cloud 9 is situated roughly 10-15 minutes by speedboat from these locations.
You can often buy a “Local Transfer” ticket which is cheaper than the Denarau package because it excludes the long-haul fuel costs. You will need to arrange a short water taxi transfer from your resort to the platform. Mamanuca Express and other local operators run these routes frequently. Always confirm with your resort concierge if they have a direct partnership or scheduled shuttle to Cloud 9.
What’s on the Menu? Food and Drink Prices
Once onboard, the atmosphere shifts from travel to pure relaxation. Cloud 9 is famous for its wood-fired pizzas, cooked fresh on the floating deck. Understanding the menu prices helps you budget, especially regarding how far your included bar tab will stretch.
Wood-Fired Pizzas
The culinary highlight is undoubtedly the Italian wood-fired pizza. They offer a variety of options including vegetarian, gluten-free (upon request), and meat lovers. Prices for pizzas generally range from FJD $30 to $45. Given the logistics of transporting fresh ingredients to a floating platform daily, the quality is surprisingly high.
Drinks and Cocktails
The bar is fully stocked with international spirits, local Fiji Gold and Fiji Bitter beers, and a range of signature cocktails.
- Beers: Approx. FJD $10 – $15.
- Cocktails: Approx. FJD $35 – $45.
- Non-alcoholic: Soft drinks and water are available for approx. FJD $5 – $8.
Pro Tip: Your FJD $60 credit will typically cover one pizza and perhaps two beers or one cocktail. If you plan on a “boozy lunch,” be prepared to top up your card. Cloud 9 is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard) to settle any amount exceeding your initial voucher.
Cloud 9 vs. Seventh Heaven: Which Floating Platform is Best?
Recently, a competitor named Seventh Heaven has launched, prompting many travellers to ask: which one should I book? Both offer floating pontoon experiences in the Mamanucas, but the vibes are distinct.
The Cloud 9 Vibe
Cloud 9 is the original. It has established a reputation for a livelier, party-centric atmosphere, especially in the afternoons. With resident DJs playing house and upbeat tracks, it appeals to groups of friends, couples, and younger travellers looking for a fun day out. It is a two-level platform with a focus on the music and the bar scene.
The Seventh Heaven Vibe
Seventh Heaven positions itself as a slightly more relaxed, potentially more “luxury” oriented experience. It also features a two-tier structure but often emphasizes its ample lounging space and a slightly broader food menu (including meals other than pizza). The water around Seventh Heaven is equally stunning, but families or those seeking a quieter day might lean slightly toward this option.
Comparison Summary
- Music: Cloud 9 is known for live DJ sets; Seventh Heaven is generally more chilled.
- Food: Cloud 9 specializes in Pizza; Seventh Heaven offers a wider variety of meals.
- Location: Both are in the Mamanucas with similar travel times from Denarau.
Essential Tips for NZ Travellers Visiting Cloud 9
To ensure your day trip is flawless, pack smart. The tropical sun in Fiji is significantly stronger than in New Zealand, even compared to a hot day in the Bay of Islands.
Packing List
- Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are non-negotiable. There is shade on the lower deck, but the sundeck is fully exposed.
- Credit Card: As mentioned, the facility is cashless. Do not bring cash expecting to pay for extra drinks.
- Towel and Swimwear: Wear your swimwear under your clothes to save time. Bring a quick-dry towel.
- Motion Sickness Tabs: While the platform is stable, the boat ride over can be choppy, and the platform does move slightly with the swell. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before departure.
Snorkeling and Activities
Snorkeling gear is usually available for a small deposit. The Ro Ro Reef has beautiful clear water, though the coral immediately under the platform has seen high traffic. For the best snorkeling, swim slightly away from the main drop-off zone (ensure you stay within safety boundaries set by the crew).
People Also Ask
How much is a trip to Cloud 9 Fiji?
A standard adult ticket typically costs around FJD $229 (approx. NZD $170). This price generally includes the return boat transfer from Port Denarau and a FJD $60 credit to spend on food and drink on board.
Is food included in the Cloud 9 ticket?
Specific food items are not pre-selected, but your ticket includes a monetary credit (usually FJD $60) which you can use to purchase wood-fired pizzas and drinks from the menu. If you spend more than the credit, you pay the difference.
Can children go to Cloud 9?
Yes, children are allowed on Cloud 9, but it is primarily an adult-oriented environment with a bar atmosphere. Children must be closely supervised at all times due to the open water surroundings. There are no specific kids’ clubs or child-minding services on board.
How long is the boat ride to Cloud 9?
From Port Denarau, the boat ride takes between 45 to 60 minutes via high-speed catamaran. If you are departing from nearby island resorts like Musket Cove or Lomani, the transfer is only about 10 to 15 minutes.
Is there a toilet on Cloud 9?
Yes, Cloud 9 is equipped with marine toilets (heads) on board for guests to use. They are environmentally friendly systems, so guests are asked not to flush foreign objects down the toilets.
What happens if it rains on Cloud 9?
Cloud 9 has a covered lower deck and retractable blinds to protect guests from rain and wind. However, in the event of severe weather or cyclones where safety is compromised, the operator will cancel the trip and typically offer a reschedule or refund.