Nanuya Balavu Island

Travel Guide

Yasawa Islands featuring 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-meters) 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 ¥20,010 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
¥20,010
¥22,511 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
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! (225 reviews)
"We had such a fantastic stay at Mantaray Island Resort – we’d go back in a heartbeat. Our beachfront accommodation was perfect, the food was tasty, and the excursions and activities were amazing. We celebrated a birthday while we were there and really appreciated the extra touches – the decorated ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Mantaray Island Resort
Naqalia Lodge

Naqalia Lodge

2.5 out of 5
Naqalia Point, Wayasewa Island
The price is ¥3,038 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
¥3,038
¥7,332 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Wayasewa Island. Enjoy a beach locale, WiFi (surcharge), and a business center.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (52 reviews)
"I asked ChatGPT to suggest a non resort, run by a village in the Yasawa Islands. Top choice. I had such a special experience. Beautiful people."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Naqalia Lodge
Navutu Stars Resort

Navutu Stars Resort

4.5 out of 5
North side of the island, Yaqeta Island
The price is ¥30,799 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
¥30,799
¥34,649 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Yaqeta Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a private beach. Popular attractions Long Beach and Devil's Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (163 reviews)
"It’s a small resort, but it was still impressive that everyone on the staff knew my name within the first few hours…service was impeccable, while keeping a conversation up with all the guests…the bar area was very social…and the massage therapist had a good touch!"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Navutu Stars 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.
Snorkeling with sharks (homestay)

Snorkeling with sharks (homestay)

Yasawa
Stay at this vacation home in Wayasewa Island. Enjoy laundry facilities.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
Wonderfull stay here
"We had a wonderful time! Bill and Paula were incredibly kind and welcomed us with open arms. We ate very well, and the room was very clean. Thanks to Bill, we were able to swim with the reef sharks, and it was amazing!Thank you for everything; we miss you!"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Snorkeling with sharks (homestay)
Ocean view garden homestay

Ocean view garden homestay

Wayasewa
Stay at this vacation home in Ba. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service.
7/10 Good! (4 reviews)
"Ocean View is a must-stay homestay for anyone looking to experience true Fiji time. As a solo traveler, the room was perfect — clean, comfortable, and peaceful. Vil and Paola took amazing care of me and always made sure I was comfortable. While the food was a bit pricey, the portions were massive ..."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Ocean view garden 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! (12 reviews)
"Really nice peopl"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Fijian family community stay in paradise.
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.

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