Fiji Trip - Would Appreciate Your Advice

I've been doing a lot of research about traveling to Fiji and it seems like the ideal place to use as a base is Denarau Island and then do day trips to the Mamanucas and Yasawas through South Sea Cruises. I'm not a diver but I'm very interested in snorkeling, pristine beaches, and the natural volcanic island features that these islands seem to feature.

I guess my question is, given what my interests are, do you think staying at Denarau (probably at Sofitel) and then doing these trips is a logical plan for me?

Also, what are your top recommended destinations in the Mamanucas and Ysawas or other areas of Fiji? Thanks in advance.

The snorkeling around Denerau is not very good, why not just go to an island or two anyway.
We prefer the Mamanuca's as you can transfer by helicopter rather than by boat.
Have had a few rough and unpleasant boat transfers as well as a rough unpleasant Blue Lagoon cruise.
There are a few day trip islands close to Denerau but the further out islands would waste a lot of time getting there and back especially to the Yasawa's.

"snorkeling around Denerau is not very good" - it is non-existent as the "sand" is in fact mud

"prefer the Mamanuca's as you can transfer by helicopter rather than by boat." - it is also available to the Yasawas

Another alternative is to go to the Coral Coast - I suggest the Shangri La Fijian or maybe to Robinson Crusoe Island

I think it's really worth going up north with the Yasawa Flyer until Nacula or Tavewa islands, it takes a 4hrs ferry trip from Denarau and you may have your share of snorkeling especially nice at Tavewa (budget Coral view resort). Absolutely not a waste of time for me, this is one of the most enjoyable and sunny parts of the Fiji islands, there's Nacula beach and then the rest of the beaches in the world.
No lies : you would drink that turquoise sea once you get off the ferry. Tavewa island is just in front, their local dive center can arrange any kind of diving/snorkeling trips.