Yasawa Islands - Mantaray vs Octopus

Hi there,

My sister and I are going to Fiji in July as a last minute break away for 7 days.

Thinking of staying at Mango Resort on mainisland for 2 nights (I know mainland is meant to suck but apparently this place is great and has rave reviews) Any thoughts on this place.

We are then planning to go to Yasawa islands and stay either at Mantaray Island resort or Octopus Resort....I have heard good things about both. We are after a social place as we are fairly young (29 and 31) and would like to hang out with some travellers plus have a decent relax on some good beaches!

Any suggestions on these places or other reccommendations would be appreciated.

Also is reasonable in 7 days to do 2 island hops to another island or is better to stay put and do some day trips if we feel like it?? Also are the mamanuca islands more picturesque than the Yasawa Islands. We are happy to take suggestions for other islands that might suit us better.

Thank you in advance
Yvette

I can definitely recommend Octopus Resort for all the things you are looking for. We stayed for 5 nights and could have stayed longer. Some people who had booked for a few nights extended their stay while we were there. But you could split your time 4nights-3 nights as travel between the islands is not that long. Octopus is very popular so you should book as soon as possible to ensure you get the dates you want.

Octopus is a great resort- very friendly, fairly family oriented with a big mix of people. Definately book in advance. I also enjoyed Manta Ray, it had a younger clientel (20- 30 average) when I was there; it was very sociable, and had more music etc in the evenings. Both have a good range of activities, which are optional, and beautiful beaches. If you dive, the company at Octopus is great (wasn't impressed with Manta Ray's), bt Manta Ray has better snorkelling off shore, nearby islands where you can kayak too and of course the mantas. Personally my preference was Octopus, but Manta Ray might suit you if you want a younger vibe whilst avoiding party islands.

We stayed at Octopus for 4 nights and I would have loved to stayed longer but it was completely booked. The other guests ranged from backpackers, couples, families and older people and everyone mixed and had a great time.
Saying that, I did hear good reviews about Manta Ray too - but I'd go back to Octopus in a flash. (Oh yes, about me - I'm early 30's and was travelling in a couple)...