Dive Site: Bora Bora - Anau

About Bora Bora - Anau

Anau, nestled in Bora Bora's lagoon near Le Méridien, is celebrated as a prime manta ray cleaning station, often referred to as the Manta Ray Spot or Anau Manta Wall. This site features two distinct coral reefs separated by a sandy channel, creating an ideal environment where reef manta rays gracefully glide in for cleaning by various wrasses residing in the coral formations. Visibility typically ranges from 50 to 100 feet. This biodiverse spot also hosts lemon sharks, blacktip sharks, eagle rays, Napoleon wrasse, and schools of snapper, making for a rich visual experience. Beyond the famed manta rays, the site bursts with a vibrant array of smaller marine life. Divers can encounter colorful species like Picasso, titan, and yellow margin triggerfish; teardrop, threadfin, and red-fin butterflyfish; and various trevally. The area is also home to common and spotfin lionfish, large schools of black surgeonfish, pennant and long-fin bannerfish, and swarms of fire dartfish that remain close to the ocean floor. Occasional turtle sightings further enhance the dive experience. Entry to the Anau site is exclusively by boat, typically via a giant stride from the stern, with a ladder for reboarding. While the current is generally mild, good buoyancy control is essential, especially when observing mantas at cleaning stations. Divers should maintain a calm demeanor and avoid chasing the rays to ensure a respectful encounter. The site is suitable for certified divers, with depths ranging from 20 to 65 feet.

Dive site facts: Bora Bora - Anau

Depth

6–20 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

27–28 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water / Level 1

Dive type

Wall, cleaning station

Region / port

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Coordinates

-16.5333, -151.7167

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Anau are typically mild, making it an accessible site for a broad range of divers. However, conditions near the channel edge can change swiftly, necessitating attentive dive planning and awareness. Divers should maintain good buoyancy control, particularly when observing mantas at the cleaning station, to avoid disturbing the ecosystem. Entry is typically via boat, with giant strides off the stern and re-boarding using a ladder. Visibility generally ranges from 15 to 30 meters, contributing to relaxed and clear observations.

Marine life & sighting chances

Reef Manta Ray

Year-round · common

Eagle Ray

occasional

Reef Shark

occasional

Napoleon Wrasse

occasional

Snapper

common

Butterflyfish

common

Moray Eel

occasional

Green Sea Turtle

occasional

Blacktip Reef Shark

common

Lemon Shark

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Triggerfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Anau typically begin with a boat entry, often a giant stride, directly over or near the shallow coral garden. Divers descend to approximately 6 meters, where the vibrant reef begins, suitable for initial exploration. The main attraction, the manta ray cleaning station, is situated along a coral-encrusted wall that slopes down to about 19 meters. Divers position themselves calmly and low to the reef to observe the mantas as they glide through to be cleaned by wrasses. The route generally involves slowly traversing along this wall, observing the mantas and other reef life. Turnaround is often dictated by air consumption and bottom time, or when the manta activity subsides. Safety stops are conducted in the shallower coral garden, providing an additional opportunity to enjoy the rich marine life before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Anau offers superb opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially with the frequent manta ray sightings. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the full wing span of the mantas and the expansive coral wall. Given the excellent visibility and often abundant natural light, external strobes can enhance colors and reduce backscatter, though they are not strictly necessary on brighter days. Maintaining good buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the cleaning station and to position yourself for optimal shots without stressing the marine life. Patience is key; wait for the mantas to approach rather than chasing them, and always use reef-safe practices.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Bora Bora - Tapu

  Another popular Bora Bora site known for shark encounters.

• Bora Bora - Tupitipiti

  A more advanced site featuring caves, overhangs, and a vibrant wall.

• Bora Bora - White Valley

  A challenging site with deeper depths and potential strong currents, offering encounters with larger pelagics.

• The Aquarium

  A shallow, protected lagoon site perfect for snorkelers and beginner divers, rich in colorful reef fish.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Bora Bora is typically via a nine-hour flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT), followed by a one-hour inter-island flight with Air Tahiti to Bora Bora (BOB). Divers should present their C-card to Air Tahiti to potentially receive an allowance for additional luggage weight for dive gear. Most dive tours to Anau depart from resorts or Vaitape and are usually part of half-day or full-day excursions. It is not uncommon for Anau to be combined with other local Bora Bora dive sites in a multi-dive package. While there are no direct site fees, the cost is incorporated into dive tour prices. A 10-dive package in the region can be substantial, so booking multi-dive packages or group dives might offer cost savings.

Safety & environment

While Anau is generally a mild-current dive, conditions near channel edges can change, requiring divers to be attentive to their surroundings and current direction. Good buoyancy control is essential, particularly around the cleaning station, to avoid contact with corals and to ensure the mantas are not disturbed. Always follow your dive guide's instructions and maintain a respectful distance from marine life. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Tahiti, necessitating robust dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Divers should always carry a surface marker buoy. There are no specific depth or time limits imposed other than standard recreational diving guidelines.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Bora Bora - Anau FAQ

Liveaboards diving Bora Bora - Anau

These liveaboards may visit Bora Bora - Anau on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Aqua Tiki II

French Polynesia

8 guests

$578/day

Aqua Tiki III

French Polynesia

10 guests20 m

$504/day