Nanuya Balavu Island

Travel Guide

Yasawa Islands featuring coral and marine life
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 RM386 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
RM386
RM1,014 total
1 Nov - 2 Nov
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! (231 reviews)
"Manta Ray island is such a magical place. There’s so many things that I can complement on: how convenient (& beautiful) it is to get to, the delicious food offered, how stunning the views are, and more importantly how amazing the staff is—the staff are definitely the heartbeat of the resort. A special ..."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Mantaray Island Resort
Barefoot Kuata Island Resort Fiji

Barefoot Kuata Island Resort Fiji

3 out of 5
Yasawa Islands, Kuata Island
The price is RM659 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
RM659
RM741 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach property in Kuata Island. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a private beach, and onsite spa services.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"Very helpful reception staff and dive team. I was there for only one night and they made it possible for me to do everything I wanted to do."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Barefoot Kuata Island Resort Fiji
Paradise Cove Resort

Paradise Cove Resort

4.5 out of 5
Naukacuvu Island, Naukacuvu Island
The price is RM341 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
RM341
RM1,420 total
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (48 reviews)
"Our stay was amazing from start to finish. We had lovely accommodation with great amenities and especially enjoyed the double-headed outdoor shower – such a treat. The beachfront was absolutely beautiful, with crystal-clear water just like you’d imagine on a paradise-like island in Fiji. We celebrated ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 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! (898 reviews)
"Great location easy access to the marina and golf course"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (526 reviews)
"Staff is really kind and mindfull, neighbourhood has limited dining options and it is a but desert during night time."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Ratsun Nadi Airport Apartment Hotel
Bulabard Villas

Bulabard Villas

3.5 out of 5
Seaview Drive, Sigatoka, Western Division
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly villa in Sigatoka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Kula WILD Adventure Park ...
5/10 (2 reviews)
"Very friendly staff"

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025

Bulabard Villas
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.