Mantaray Island Resort is located on Nanuya Balavu Island in Fiji’s Yasawa Group. Here, a protected reef, seasonal encounters with manta rays and Fijian cultural activities come together. When choosing accommodation for an island stay, you can therefore be guided by different interests: the underwater world, land-based activities or cultural insights.
Reef and Manta Rays
The reef directly in front of Mantaray Island Resort has been a voluntarily protected marine park since 2003. It is described as rich in vibrant reef gardens, parrotfish, sea anemones, clownfish, moray eels and pipefish. This gives snorkelling a special connection to nature: the focus is not only on the reef gardens but also on the diverse marine life described there. The resort offers guided snorkelling trips; these are subject to provider availability.
From May to October, Pacific manta rays inhabit the waters around the resort. The season can vary due to natural conditions. Guided manta ray tours from Mantaray Island are designed to make encounters as gentle as possible and avoid disturbing the animals’ natural behaviour. This sets manta season apart from other activities in the water: the resort also offers SSI dive courses, while night dives with Manta Dive are available on request and may depend on conditions and bookings.
Island Culture and Land-Based Activities
The weekly Fiji Night includes a lovo demonstration and a meke performance featuring traditional Fijian songs and dances. On guided walks on Mantaray Island, participants learn more about the traditional uses of native plants. Craft classes teach palm weaving and how to make coconut jewellery. These activities have different focuses: Fiji Night centres on music, dance and a demonstration, while walks and crafts offer insights into plant knowledge and traditional skills.
An island story also forms part of the destination’s cultural identity: legend has it that Buli Balavu smashed a landmass into four islands, including Nanuya Balavu. The rocks of Korosamoa are still said to bear the imprints of Sulua’s tentacles. Both remain identifiable as legend or traditional attribution. Manta rays also glide through the water off the southern tip of Korosamoa.
Beaches and Views
Mantaray Island has nine white-sand beaches that can be visited while exploring the island. A viewpoint offers views of the surrounding islands and tropical reef. These two features offer a distinct perspective on time spent on land, alongside the activities in the water: the beaches are places to visit while exploring the island, while the viewpoint looks out over the islands and reef.
Planning Your Arrival and Accommodation
Transfers to Mantaray Island Resort are available by high-speed catamaran or helicopter. A scenic flight from Nadi to the resort takes 30 minutes; operation may depend on operational conditions. As schedules and prices can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling. This lets you compare arrival options based on the connections available, rather than assuming a particular departure time or price.
The village of Soso, two islands away from Nanuya Balavu, is another place to visit. Village tours take place daily and can be arranged through the resort’s activities team. Mantaray Island Day Spa offers massages and beauty treatments in a peaceful hilltop setting with ocean views. There is a specific island connection in the food, too: the resort’s menu uses locally caught fish and seasonal tropical fruit. These offerings add different interests to the choice of accommodation, without assuming that they all involve the same kind of island experience.
Discover more destinations: Naviti Island, Namaqumaqua, Matacawalevu, Viwa, Wayasewa Island, Vunaniu, Matamanoa Island, Tonge
Return to the regional travel overview: Western Division.
