The resort caters to budget flashpackers in air-conditioned dorms while offering secluded, upscale Beachfront Villas for couples and its reef allows you to step off the sand directly into world-class snorkeling.
Situated along the world-famous marine passage where wild manta rays feed from May through October, Mantaray Island Resort remains one of the highest-rated properties in Fiji for marine life enthusiasts, divers, and social travelers.
+ Location: Nanuya Balavu Island, Yasawa Group (3-hour ferry ride from Port Denarau)|
+ Best For: Marine life lovers, scuba divers, solo travelers, active couples
+ Price Range: $35–$50 USD dorm beds to $280–$450+ USD Beachfront Villas
+ Standout Feature: Direct proximity to the Manta Ray Channel & vibrant house reef
| What We Loved (Pros) | Things to Keep in Mind (Cons) |
|---|---|
| Prime Manta Ray Spot: Minutes by boat from the feeding passage where wild mantas swim between May and October. | Compulsory Meal Plan: Like most Yasawa resorts, a mandatory daily meal package is charged upon arrival. |
| House Reef Quality: Exceptional coral drop-off just meters off the main beach, perfect for low-cost snorkeling. | Steps & Elevation: Several bures and communal areas sit on a steep hillside, requiring stairs. |
| Social Atmosphere: Nightly sunset tube cruises, pub quizzes, and kava ceremonies make meeting people effortless. | Ferry Logistics: Reached via the Yasawa Flyer ferry (approx. 3 hours) or a 30-minute seaplane flight. |
Mantaray Island vs. Nearby Yasawa Resorts
The central Yasawa Islands offer three main mid-range choices that cater to similar travelers which are Mantaray Island Resort, Barefoot Manta and Octopus Resort.
| Feature | Mantaray Island | Barefoot Manta | Octopus Resort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Nanuya Balavu Island | Drawaqa Island | Waya Island |
| Distance from Denarau | ~3 hours (Ferry) | ~3 hours (Ferry) | ~2 hours (Ferry) |
| Mantaray Access | Direct (5min boat) | Direct (5min boat) | Day trip required |
| Overall Vibe | Lively and Social | Eco-Focused / Chill | Relaxed Family |
Mantaray Island Resort vs. Barefoot Manta Island Resort
Both properties share access to the exact same Manta Ray Channel. Barefoot Manta has a stronger focus on eco-conservation and offers three separate beaches (Sunrise, Sunset, and Manta Beach). Mantaray Island Resort features a slightly livelier evening atmosphere, a higher-end bar/restaurant deck, and better-appointed Beachfront Villas. For those backpacking in the Yasawara islands, read more on Barefoot Manta.
Mantaray Island Resort vs. Octopus Resort
Octopus Resort sits further south on Waya Island and boasts a much wider sandy beach with a large central swimming pool. However, if your main objective is swimming with wild manta rays without taking long day trips, Mantaray Island Resort puts you much closer to the action.
Dining & On-Site Activities
+ The Compulsory Meal Package: Expect a daily meal rate covering a buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch, and a 3-course dinner. The kitchen caters well to vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
+ Manta Ray Snorkeling: When the drums beat across the island, mantas have been spotted in the channel. Guides take you out by boat for a guided swim.
+ Scuba Diving & Kayaking: On-site SSI dive shop offers access to over 40 dive sites, including reef walls and caverns.
How to Get to Mantaray Island Resort
Book a discounted ticket into Nadi International Airport from major cities around Asia-Pacific and America.
Take a pre-booked shuttle coach, taxi, or airport transfer to Port Denarau Marina (approx. 20–30 minutes). Tip: South Sea Cruises/Awesome Adventures Fiji offers coach transfers connecting directly with ferry departures. A ferry called the Awesome Adventures Fiji (the Yasawa Flyer high-speed catamaran) departs daily in the morning from Port Denarau Marina. Check-in is required at least 30 minutes before departure. After 3 hours the ferry stops offshore near Nanuya Balavu Island, where smaller resort tender boats transfer you directly to the resort’s beach.
Alternatively take a 15-minute taxi drive from Nadi Airport to the Wailoaloa Beach seaplane base to board Turtle Airways and arrive 30min later dropping you directly on the shore. This is recommended for couples on a honeymoon.
Should You Book Mantaray Island Resort?
If you like direct access to swim with manta rays, a vibrant house reef right off the beach, and a social, welcoming island atmosphere then book.
If you dislike stairs/hills, want a large swimming pool, or prefer big mainland resorts with full cooking facilities then skip.
Mantaray Island Resort Contact Details
You can reach Mantaray Island Resort by phone at +679 772 5675 or via email at info@mantarayisland.com. Their physical location is on Nanuya Balavu Island in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji.
