Mamanuca Islands- Does paradise exist??

Can anyone please advise where to go in the Mamanuca Islands for a mid range accom and good snorkelling??

We hate 'hotels' and want a comfortable beach shack. (Budget up to US $200 per night) I am travelling with my wife and soon to be born baby (will be approx 2 mths old at the time!!). While we dont want a party island, we also don't want somewhere boring as we like activities and socialising. Would also like an island in which we can snorkel close off the beach and see quality marine life/coral.

Does such a paradise exist?? Any help much appreciated.

Cheers
Simon

That's a pretty generous budget, actually.

Of the higher-end Mamanuca resorts, I liked Castaway Island (don't confuse with Monoriki!) most - it is a bit crowded in the accommodation area though.

There are more isolated/quiet islands, but I think they'd be too expensive for you.

The best beach and snorkelling I've seen in the Mamanucas was at ununhabited Monoriki Island (of Castaway movie fame) which you can only visit on a daytrip.

Hi thanks for the tips.

Have you been to Octopus by any chance?? Any reviews on the snorkeling there and other activities??

Octopus is gorgeous and much cheaper, but it is not in the Mamanucas.
It is on Waya in the Yasawas, which I find much more beautiful for location.

Just checked out Octopus and looks great. Might be just what im after.

How was the snorkelling there??

I've always considered the snorkelling at Octopus to be good - but I now consider the snorkelling at Blue Laggon Beach Resort (further north in the Yasawas) to be even better. Plenty of other activities - village visits, boat trips, hiking, fishing and scuba diving.

I've been to lots of destinations that have good beach snorkeling. Octopus is one of the best. They also have an excellent scuba operation including training for novice through advanced divers.

Octopus is good, also check out Nanuya Resort on Nanuya Lili, a little better again I reckon.

Cheers,
Peter

Big thanks for all your replies, very helpful and now tossing up b/w Octopus and Castway. Decisions, decisions.

I would completely second the Nanuya over Octopus.. far superior in my opinion (on the blue lagoon!)

I'm dropping a vote for Waya/Octopus over Nanuya Lailai! :-)