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$252 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
AU$252
29 Aug - 30 Aug
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 12 Aug. 2025

Mantaray Island Resort
Naqalia Lodge

Naqalia Lodge

2.5 out of 5
Naqalia Point, Wayasewa Island
The price is AU$71 per night from 19 Sept to 20 Sept
AU$71
19 Sept - 20 Sept
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 10 Aug. 2025

Naqalia Lodge
Waya Island Resort - Adults Only

Waya Island Resort - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Waya Island, Waya Island
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Waya Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and onsite spa services.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"A beautiful property and such a wonderful stay. Api, Jerry, Ratu and the whole reception and dining team were so warm and kind. They made a real effort to learn and remember everyone’s names, greeting you personally at meals and whenever you passed by. We’d highly recommend the free nature walk – ..."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2025

Waya Island Resort - Adults Only
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 2 Aug. 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 17 Jun. 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 16 Jul. 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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