Nanuya Balavu Island

Travel Guide

Yasawa Islands which includes marine life and coral
Photo by Botak Jon
Secluded bays, superb snorkeling, 40 dive sites, excellent fishing and gigantic manta rays make this tiny island the jewel in the Yasawa crown.

Nanuya Balavu is one of the smallest islands in the Yasawa chain. The island features only one resort, the Mantaray Island Resort, leaving the rest of the land deserted and free to explore. Stay at the resort or, for a great day trip, take a charter boat here from any of the nearby islands.

The biggest attractions on the island are the manta rays that rest in the island’s lagoons between May and October. The channel between Nanuya Balavu and Drawaqa island is rich in nutrients and plankton, which provides a banquet for the rays. These sea creatures can stretch up to 22-feet (seven-metres) wide, but they are gentle and harmless to humans. Take a chance to swim freely with these graceful creatures as they glide through the water. Diving is not allowed around the rays, however snorkeling is accepted and encouraged. 

If you don’t get a chance to visit when the rays are around, Nanuya Balavu still offers plenty of other attractions. Snorkeling and diving trips leave regularly from the resort and take you to local hot spots. Kayak around the island or across the channel and relax on the many deserted beaches. The waters surrounding the island are protected by reefs and are perfect for a casual paddle. 

Jump on a charter and head out beyond the reefs to cast a rod. You might haul in marlin, tuna or giant trevally. Your resort will cook up your catch — there’s no better feeling than being presented with a barbecued fish that you reeled in only hours ago. For those keen to explore deeper below the surface, Mantaray Island Resort has a team of qualified instructors ready to share their secret spots with first timers and experienced divers.

The Mantaray Island Resort has dorm-style accommodation and a small number of private, single-room villas. Other accommodation can be found throughout the Yasawa Islands. Nanuya Balavu is about a three-hour boat ride away from Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island.

Mantaray Island Resort
Mantaray Island Resort
3 out of 5
Yasawa Island, Naviti Group, Nanuya Balavu Island
The price is S$155 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
S$155
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Nanuya Balavu Island. Enjoy a beach locale, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Popular attractions Manta Ray Beach and Sunrise ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (223 reviews)
Great for snorkeling, laid back vibe
"Great coral and fish in front of the hotel, mantas are close by and amazing, resort is nice- more on the rustic side vs fancy, but we liked that. Overall a nice experience!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun, 2025

Mantaray Island Resort
Waya Lailai Eco Haven
Waya Lailai Eco Haven
2 out of 5
14, Wayasewa Island, Western Division
The price is S$72 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
S$72
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Wayasewa Island. Enjoy a full-service spa, a private beach, and daily housekeeping.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Don’t book via Hotels.com
"DO NOT BOOK YOUR STAY ON HOTELS.COM. They will not have your reservation when you show up. Luckily the host is very accommodating and found room for me (I had to stay one night at the next door resort though). Overall, this is a very social, friendly, active resort. If you’re looking for a fancy ..."

Reviewed on 23 May, 2025

Waya Lailai Eco Haven
Paradise Cove Resort
Paradise Cove Resort
4.5 out of 5
Naukacuvu Island, Naukacuvu Island
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Naukacuvu Island. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Naukacuvu Beach and Manta Ray ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"We had a lovely time at Paradise Cove! The staff were so kind! The snorkeling was wonderful! Our room was large and cozy!"

Reviewed on 2 May, 2025

Paradise Cove Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Terraces Apartments Resort
The Terraces Apartments Resort
3.5 out of 5
Denarau Island, Nadi
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Nadi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (865 reviews)
"Great Stay! Will be back again.."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

The Terraces Apartments Resort
Ratsun Nadi Airport Apartment Hotel
Ratsun Nadi Airport Apartment Hotel
4 out of 5
1 Queens Rd, Namaka, Nadi
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Nadi. Enjoy free parking, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (500 reviews)
"The front desk staff are lovely and very helpful. The room was specious and clean. However could improve with adding some water bottles to the fridge for newly arrived guests. There are not many food options around other than the supermarket on the grand floor so have dinner to bring take away food ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2025

Ratsun Nadi Airport Apartment Hotel
Garden Apartment
Garden Apartment
3 out of 5
Lot 8, Mahesh Dutt Road, Namaka, Nadi, Western Division
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Nadi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Port Denarau Marina and Port Denarau are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
"No Reception/ No contact numbers / no security personnel for check in. It was my luck that few guests arrived and provided me with the contact number. No water provided in the room. No instruction in the room. TV did not work. No food options"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Garden Apartment
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.