Following a 2-½ hour journey North from Beachcomber Island we arrived at the shimmering waters that hug Mantaray Island Resort. As we debarked from the Yasawa flyer (which cruises up and down the Yasawa Islands), and boarded the speedboat to bring us closer, the sound of cheering and sight of smiles welcomed us onto Mantaray Island. Hammocks were hung from the towering palm trees; the beachside bar was open with fruity cocktails on special for resort guests to enjoy. Crowds of people were relaxing on the beach chairs, while others chose to participate in a game of beach volleyball. Some guests were relaxing in the shaded area, reading a booking, writing their travel journey or catching an afternoon slumber. The resort was alive, and I couldn’t wait to join in!
The dorm facilities for solo travellers were all fitted with a mosquito nets, and underlying luggage storage. The dorm was sectioned off into groups of four to provide for a bit of added privacy while sleeping. The treehouses, and jungle bures were fitted with private lounge chairs on the decks, and private quarters for couples, friends and families to enjoy. The views from each accommodation options will awe you when you wake up in the morning.
The meals were all served up a set of palm-shaded steps, which led up to the hilltop restaurant. Breakfast offered a buffet with a selection of different fruits, muffins, breads, croissants, and a warm section with eggs, beans and more. Lunch was a la carte where you could choose from options including delicious burgers, fish salads, nachos, fish and chips, wraps or various pasta dishes. Dinner was different every night of the week, which ranged from a selection of buffet items, to a la carte options to tantalize every taste bud. The communal tables located at the restaurant created for the perfect way to dine with your new mates you meet while on the island.
Down at the activities bure, you can choose from a variety of different activities to fill your time while on Mantaray Island. The activities on offer include: guided snorkeling trips and snorkel hire, fishing trips, scuba dive trips and packages, sunset tube cruises, paddle-boarding, kayaking and bracelet making. Whether you are on a tight budget or not; there is always something to keep you entertained while visiting Mantaray Island.
Diving on Mantaray Island is a popular activity that many travellers choose to do while staying a couple nights. You can choose between doing an introductory dive, to certified diving and if you are super keen you can get your Open Water Dive course from the Mantaray Dive Centre. If you are staying at least 3 nights at the resort, this will provide you with the perfect amount of time to complete the course and experience 6 dives in one of the most stunning locations to dive in the world. Everything from a shark dive, to a cave dive and night dive – this resort has over 40 dive sites just minutes away from the resort.
The Sunset Tube Cruise, which departs an hour before sunset, is the perfect activity to welcome you to Mantaray Island in the evening. After boarding the speedboat, which brought us around to the other side of the island, we jumped into the water and crawled into our tubes. Bring along a couple beers, and sit back and watch the sunset over the beautiful clear waters of Mantaray Island.
On top of all the exceptional activities, meals and accommodation options available on Mantaray Island – what stands out the most on this island is the staff that works here. From the friendly, welcoming hellos as you step off the boat, to the amazing restaurant and activity staff, to the joyful reception team – you will feel at home straight away.
Mantaray Island is a fascinating place full of tropical beauty, and exotic marine life. When in season, the Mantarays bring in a wide audience interested in capturing and experiencing their elegant beauty. It’s an experience that is unknown to many, but those who have the chance to sight these magnetic wonders, will remember this experience for the rest of their life.
While visiting Fiji, a visit to Mantaray Island in the Yasawas will be everything you could imagine and more. It will leave you with a sense of home away from home, and will have you yearning to return soon again.
Sams Wanderful Life 
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