Your home of tropical serenity and unforgettable ocean adventures in the Yasawa Islands awaits. Nestled on the beautiful island of Nanuya Balavu in Fiji’s pristine Yasawa group, our resort offers the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and genuine Fijian warmth.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and a cared-for marine environment that has been protected for many years. Whether you come to dive, snorkel, unwind in a beachfront villa, or share laughter and stories in our relaxed communal spaces, you’ll find everything you need to feel both special and at ease. Our dedicated team, fresh island-grown flavours, and commitment to sustainability ensure every stay is memorable and meaningful.
Getting to Mantaray Island Resort is part of the experience. Whether you choose to arrive by high-speed catamaran, seaplane, or helicopter, each option offers stunning views of Fiji’s islands and sets the tone for your tropical getaway.
The natural environment and pristine waters of the Yasawa Islands are at the heart of what makes our region so special. These untouched surroundings are the key reason people visit, and we believe we have a moral responsibility to protect this fragile ecosystem for future generations of both visitors and locals.
Long ago, before the world was as we know it today, there lived a great warrior named Buli Balavu. He was the guardian of the island of Naviti.
Fiji has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years. The Fiji Islands consist of around 320 islands and 522 islets, with approximately 105 of these islands inhabited.
How romantic! We’d be absolutely delighted to help you plan the perfect proposal and make the moment truly unforgettable.
Get in touch with us to arrange all the details, and consider booking our Romantic Dinner for Two — the ideal setting for such a special occasion.
Absolutely! Each dorm bed comes with two flat sheets, a pillow, and a pillowcase, all serviced daily to keep your stay fresh and comfortable.
If you need a towel, they are available to hire from reception for FJD $5 per day, with a maximum charge of FJD $15, along with a refundable security deposit of FJD $15.
We strongly recommend travel insurance for all guests. While basic first aid is available on the island, please keep in mind that the nearest medical facilities are located in Nadi, approximately two hours away.
In the unlikely event of illness or injury requiring evacuation, travel insurance will give you peace of mind and ensure you’re covered for any unexpected costs.
Absolutely! We know how important it is to stay connected, and the resort offers Wi-Fi for our guests. Simply ask our team when you check in, and we’ll get you connected in no time.
Mantaray Island Resort is a cashless resort, so all payments on the island can be made by Visa, Mastercard, American Express or UnionPay. Please note that a 3.5% credit card surcharge applies to card payments.
While the resort itself is cashless, we recommend bringing a small amount of cash if you plan to join our Village Visit experience. A FJD $4 landing fee is paid directly to the village guide, and the village women often set up a small handicraft market where you may like to purchase something special to take home.
As there are no ATMs nearby, having a little extra cash on hand can be helpful for these local experiences.
We’d love to help make your dream island wedding a reality. Mantaray Island Resort has hosted some truly magical weddings, and our team would be delighted to create a celebration that’s uniquely yours.
Get in touch with us to discuss your vision, and we’ll work with you to make your special day unforgettable.
Payment Policy
No deposit is required to secure your booking.
Full Payment
Due 30 days prior to arrival.
Payment Link
31 days before your stay, you’ll receive an email from info@mantarayisland.com with a secure payment link.
Credit Card Fee
A 3.5% surcharge applies to all credit card payments.
Direct Deposit
Available on request, with a $25 FJD wiring fee added to the total.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be sent to Mantaray Island Resort in writing.
Free Cancellation
31 days or more before arrival.
100% Cancellation Fee
30 days or less before arrival.
100% Cancellation Fee
No-shows or cancellations after check-in.
Important to Know
Refunds are not provided for any unused accommodation should you decide to leave the island earlier than your confirmed departure date.
Getting to Mantaray Island Resort is part of the experience. Whether you choose to arrive by high-speed catamaran, seaplane, or helicopter, each option offers stunning views of Fiji’s islands and sets the tone for your tropical getaway.
Transfers to Mantaray Island Resort in the Yasawa Islands are available by high-speed catamaran or helicopter.
The Yasawa Flyer, operated daily by Awesome Adventures (also known as South Sea Cruises), offers a scenic cruise past many beautiful islands on its way to the top of the Yasawa group.
Standard fares are FJD 209 per adult and FJD 136 per child (ages 2–15) one way.
Upgrade to the Captain’s Lounge for FJD 254 per adult and FJD 165 per child (ages 2–15) one way. The Captain’s Lounge includes complimentary tea and coffee, snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and free Wi-Fi.
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice.
We are happy to arrange these transfers for you. Please email info@mantarayisland.com to book or for further information.
A scenic flight from Nadi to Mantaray Island Resort takes just 30 minutes.
The natural environment and pristine waters of the Yasawa Islands are at the heart of what makes our region so special. These untouched surroundings are the key reason people visit, and we believe we have a moral responsibility to protect this fragile ecosystem for future generations of both visitors and locals.
At Mantaray Island Resort, we are committed to practising responsible tourism. This means more than simply caring for the marine life and landscapes around us. It also includes supporting our local village community, preserving traditional ways of life, and helping to improve quality of living through education, resources, and sustainable opportunities.
Our efforts have been recognised at a national level. In 2012, Mantaray Island Resort was proud to be a finalist in the Sustainable Tourism category of the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards. This recognition reflects our ongoing dedication to protecting both the environment and the vibrant culture that makes the Yasawas so unique.
We worked with the local Matagali to create a marine reserve, now one of Fiji’s top snorkelling locations and officially protected with trained local wardens. Sustainable practices include bi-annual reef surveys, self-composting toilets, a bio-gill water treatment system, and a desalination plant producing up to 60,000 litres of fresh water daily. Recycled water and compost are used in our gardens to grow local plants like dalo. We also promote tag-and-release fishing to help preserve marine life for future generations.
Long ago, before the world was as we know it today, there lived a great warrior named Buli Balavu. He was the guardian of the island of Naviti. At that time, what we now call the Naviti group was not a collection of islands but one large, solitary landmass.
The island was home to Buli Balavu as well as many animals and insects. Known for its beauty, Naviti was a highly prized place, and many creatures longed to claim it for themselves. Over time, disputes arose and eventually turned into war. One of the fiercest fighters was Gata the snake, who began taking control by attacking and killing the other animals and insects. Gradually, they were forced to retreat to the southern tip of the island, seeking safety from Gata’s growing power.
Seeing their suffering, Buli Balavu took pity on the creatures. To save them, he made a great sacrifice. Kneeling on the beach at Otoculu, he drew an arrow, called na i cibi, from his quiver and fired it into the ground. The mighty strike shattered his beloved island into four separate islands. These are now known as Naviti, Drawaqa, Naukacuvu, and Nanuya Balavu, the home of Mantaray Island Resort. The mark where Buli Balavu knelt can still be seen at Otoculu today.
When the land split, a colony of ants was left stranded on the same island as Gata. Unable to swim, they were trapped as Gata closed in. Hearing their cries for help, the turtles, known as Vonu, came to their aid. They ferried the ants across the water on their backs, but since turtles must dive beneath the surface, the ants were left floating and began to panic.
Vonu asked Vai, the majestic manta ray, for help. Vai agreed and joined the rescue, soon accompanied by Sulua, a wise octopus. Together, they guided the ants toward the northern tip of Mantaray Island. As they reached the rocky point of Korosamoa, it became too difficult for Vai to continue, so Sulua lifted the ants and carried them safely to shore. The marks of her tentacles can still be seen in the rocks at Korosamoa today.
Once the ants were safe, Sulua returned to the sea and spoke with Vai and Vonu.
“Great and noble Vai,” she said, “you chose to help the helpless ants. As a reward, these waters will always be a safe home for you and your kin.”
She then turned to Vonu. “You were brave and risked yourself to save the ants from Gata. Your reward is the right to use this island whenever you wish, to lay your eggs in safety and peace.”
Many millennia have passed since that time, but the legacy of Vonu and Vai lives on. Today, manta rays still glide gracefully around the southern tip of Korosamoa, Sulua’s descendants inhabit the reef near the resort, and Vonu continue to swim in the channel and nest on the beaches. There are still plenty of ants on the island, but no snakes.
When you visit Mantaray Island, take a walk to the top of Korosamoa. If you look closely, you will see the ancient imprints of Sulua’s tentacles, a lasting reminder of the day the animals were saved and the islands were forever changed.
Fiji has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years. The Fiji Islands consist of around 320 islands and 522 islets, with approximately 105 of these islands inhabited. The total land area is 18,376 km², surrounded by an ocean territory of 710,000 km². This is roughly the same size as Texas and slightly smaller than New South Wales, Australia.
Fiji was first settled by the Lapita people around 3,000 years ago. The Lapita were a distinct cultural group believed to have originated in South East Asia. They moved through the Malay Peninsula before spreading across the South Pacific, including the Eastern Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
The first European to sight Fiji was Abel Tasman in 1643 while searching for the great southern continent. Captain James Cook passed through in 1774 and visited several more times. The early 19th century saw Europeans begin to settle in the islands, many of whom were shipwrecked sailors or escaped convicts from Australia.
Missionaries began arriving in the mid-19th century, bringing significant cultural change. Christianity was soon widely adopted, and the practice of cannibalism, once present in Fiji, came to an end.
In the late 1800s, indentured labourers from India were brought to Fiji to work in the growing sugar cane industry. At the end of their contracts, workers had the choice to return to India, although many decided to remain and build their lives in Fiji. Today, people of Indian heritage make up around 44% of Fiji’s population of approximately 880,000.
