Nanuya Balavu Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Yasawa Islands showing marine life and coral
Photo by Botak Jon
Visit this tiny island in the Yasawa Island chain to swim withmanta rays, relax on quiet beaches and explore awe-inspiring reefs with yoursnorkel or dive gear.

Nanuya Balavu is an idylliclittle island in the Yasawa Island chain. With only one resort, the MantarayIsland Resort, most of Nanuya Balavu remains free for travellers to roam andexplore. Enjoy a holiday at the resort or visit Nanuya Balavu for the dayduring a charter boat tour from nearby islands.

The island is known for themagnificent manta rays that settle in the local lagoons between May andOctober. The graceful rays return annually to the channel between Nanuya Malavuand Drawaqa Island for a feast of plankton and can be seenstretching a wingspan of up to 7 metres (22 feet) in the island’s waters. Jointhese stunning and harmless sea creatures for a swim with your snorkel.

While you can’t scuba dive aroundthe rays, you can explore nearby reefs and beautiful dive spots year-round. Snorkeland diving trips for beginners and experienced divers depart from the resortand qualified instructors will guide you through the island’s brightly-colouredreefs. Tour around the island’s sheltered waters with a kayak or paddle acrossthe channel to find beautifully secluded beaches.

Join a charter boat trip toexplore beyond the island’s reefs, where excellent fishing opportunities await.Marlin, tuna and giant trevally are among the types of fish you might reel in.The resort will prepare and cook your catch for you. Relax and enjoy thedelicious, freshly-barbequed fish that you caught just hours earlier.

The Mantaray Island Resort has alimited number of private, single-room villas as well as dorm-styleaccommodation. Find other lodgings at other islands in the Yasawa Island chain.Reach Nanuya Balavu in 3 hours by boat 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 AU$352 per night from 1 May to 2 May
AU$352
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (219 reviews)
"The resort is fantastic if you are looking for a quiet on the beach stay. If you want luxurious accommodations this is not the place but it is very nice and comfortable for us. Walked out the front door to the ocean and reef snorkeling right there. Awesome."

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2025

Mantaray Island Resort
Paradise Cove Resort
Paradise Cove Resort
4.5 out of 5
Naukacuvu Island, Naukacuvu Island
The price is AU$498 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$498
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
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! (44 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on 27 Feb. 2025

Paradise Cove Resort
Barefoot Kuata Island Resort Fiji
Barefoot Kuata Island Resort Fiji
3 out of 5
Yasawa Islands, Kuata Island
The price is AU$425 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
AU$425
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
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! (52 reviews)
"Everything was great - the only thing i would say is the information was not alway clear"

Reviewed on 29 Dec. 2024

Barefoot Kuata Island Resort Fiji
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.
Snorkeling with sharks (homestay)
Snorkeling with sharks (homestay)
Yasawa
Stay at this vacation home in Wayasewa Island.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (41 reviews)
Must go for a real traditional Fijian experience
"Bill and his family were great hosts. We had a few hiccups with a broken water line but it was fixed quickly. We had the Honor of attending the 1yr passing celebration of their chief. The food and hospitality was fantastic. The weather wasn't on our side most of the trip"

Reviewed on 7 Jan. 2025

Snorkeling with sharks (homestay)
Fijian family community stay in paradise.
Fijian family community stay in paradise.
Yasawa Islands
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Wayasewa Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park.
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Summer Vacation
"Facilities needed improvement"

Reviewed on 22 Jan. 2025

Fijian family community stay in paradise.
Ocean view garden homestay
Ocean view garden homestay
Wayasewa
Stay at this vacation home in Ba. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service.
6/10 (3 reviews)
"The homstay is great. There are delicious foods, amazing activities , fantastic beaches and friendly owners .Thanks again"

Reviewed on 15 May 2023

Ocean view garden homestay
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.

Cities near Nanuya Balavu Island