BULA from Nanuya Balavu Island and MantaRay Beach Resort.

We arrived here mid afternoon off a 2hour ferry ride south from Nacula island. We were greeted on the shores of the island by all the staff singing with there Ucalele's and handed our welcome cocktails. We were taken to our private room which was basic but nice none the less, a Bure is what the Fijians called it. It had a lovely view to the beach and water which was under 20meters away. Bliss..

The remainder of the day we just lapped up the rest of the sunshine enjoying a nice bourbon on the beach. Grabbed a shower which unfortunately were cold but quite refreshing actually after the first initial chill and headed to the restaurant for our dinner. It was a buffet with some good food, not as good as Blue Lagoon but nice none the less. After dinner we were quite tired so headed back to our room to chill and watch a film.

The following day we were up relatively early, grabbed some breakfast and sat by the beach soaking up the sun. We had some lunch which was really nice, Jonny surprisingly ordering a Vegetarian option... After our food had settled we both headed out for a snorkel with it being just as if not more beautiful than Blue Lagoons coral reefs. Whilst snorkelling on shore one of the staff started to bang a Fijian style drum and shouting "MANTA!!". This was the call for anyone who wanted to snorkel with some Manta's to get ready as some had been sighted in the channel of water between the two Balavu islands. We sprint swam back to shore and signed up for the swim. We all jumped on the boat and drove the 5mintue boat ride to the start of the channel. The Manta Rays come in at High Tide and basically ride the current down the channel. As we jumped in there it was, a huge Ray just gracefully gliding along 5/6meters below the surface. A second Ray then appeared from the depth underneath the other and was just incredible to see. We got really close to them on the dive and was such an incredible feeling sharing the water with something so majestic. God i sound like sucha poof haha. But truthfully it was just so relaxing swimming along side such a beautiful animal. We had around 2/3minutes swim with them before they disappeared into the deep. It was then back on the boat and we drove up the channel to see if we could see anymore. Our luck was in as a HUGE ray was right on the surface so in we got again, i say we but Brishay opted against it with having already seen the first one and more at home on the boat. I on the other hand could have swam all day with the 'Beauty', with this Ray spending alot more time very close to the surface so giving us a great look underneath it. After pulling our guides leg he let our group do one more dive so hunted for the rays on there return and dove one more time. Really was a dream come true to swim with the Mantas. Such a beautiful, graceful animal that is such an impressive sight close up. More so doing it here in Fiji with the visibility underwater being as clear as a bottle of Gin.

After the swim it was near enough time for dinner so we hit the showers and then headed up to the restaurant. Sat with a couple of Scousers who we got on with really well, Brishay and Lauren speaking about The Kardashians or Make Up, i don't know lol Me and Joe discussing everything football. Had a few Fiji Gold Beers and chatted most of the night. They showed us there SkyDive video from there time in New Zealand with Brishay being set on doing it when we get over. I on the other hand probably wont be, but live the moment and all that haha.

The next day was our last full day and it was spent on a hammock the whole day. We both were feeling a bit dodgy, not hungover before any of you say lol. Both had funny stomachs with Brishay feeling alot worse of than me so took it easy that day and night. Had some English meals with Soup and Burgers are choice for dinner as think maybe have over done it a little on the seafood we have been trying.

Following morning we were being picked up around midday for our ferry transfer south closer to the mainland and our only stop in the Mamanuca Islands, Beachcomber Island. We are only spending the one night there as have heard its not the best but are just going to treat it as a stopover to get closer to the mainland.

MantaRay has been a good stop. Not as good as Blue Lagoon but still the same warm, happy, friendly feel from the Fijians and a great 3days spent here. Obviously the Swim with the Mantas being the highlight, did i mention we swam with Manta Rays...

Adios Yasawas Islands...

J + B