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Dive sites and marine life in Bora Bora

Manta rays, blacktip sharks and leopard rays, all year round.

From the lagoon to the outer reef

From the lagoon to the outer reef, here are the sites we dive, how deep they are, the level they require and what you can expect to see. Manta rays, blacktip sharks and leopard rays can be seen all year round.

Branching coral on the lagoon sand

Anau

Lagoon · 5 minutes by boat · 6 meters for beginners, 20-21 meters for certified divers · the manta ray site, and plenty of fish.

Tapu

30 minutes by boat · 20-21 meters · from Scuba Diver (12 m), then Open Water · blacktip sharks and fish.

Toopua / Eagle Ray

30 minutes by boat · 20-21 meters · from Scuba Diver (12 m), then Open Water · leopard rays and fish.

Haapiti

40 minutes by boat · 20-21 meters · Open Water and above · canyon, crater and fish.

Muri Muri

45 minutes to 1 hour by boat · 20-21 meters · Open Water and above · schools of barracuda, dogtooth tuna · private trips only.

Apo'o

45 minutes by boat · 20-21 meters · Open Water and above · canyon, crater and fish · private trips only.

Tupitipiti

40 minutes by boat · 20-21 meters · Open Water and above · wall and drop-off · private trips only.

Marine life, every day

Manta rays at Anau, blacktip sharks at Tapu, leopard rays at Toopua: there is no particular season, we see them every day, in larger or smaller numbers. They are wild animals, so nothing is ever guaranteed; your instructors tell you on the morning of the dive what has been seen over the previous days.

Manta ray seen from below, backlit
Blacktip shark above the reef
Lemon shark above the coral
Leopard ray seen from below
Shark in the blue, seen from below
Moray eel peeking out of the reef
Red soldierfish with its big eye
School of convict surgeonfish
Giant clams in the lagoon coral

Water and weather

Water between 27 and 31 °C all year. The weather can change quickly in Bora Bora: the dive center decides each day whether the boat goes out.

Frequently asked questions

Which dive sites do you visit in Bora Bora?

Seven sites: Anau, Tapu, Toopua (Eagle Ray), Haapiti, and three sites reserved for private trips, Muri Muri, Apo'o and Tupitipiti.

Where can we see manta rays?

At Anau, in the lagoon, 5 minutes by boat from the hotel. Beginners dive it at 6 meters and certified divers at 20-21 meters.

Is there a season for manta rays and sharks?

No, there is no specific season: manta rays, blacktip sharks and leopard rays are seen all year round, in larger or smaller numbers depending on the day.

Are encounters guaranteed?

No. They are wild animals, free to move as they please. Your instructors tell you on the morning of the dive what has been seen over the previous days.

What is the water temperature?

Between 27 and 31 °C (81 to 88 °F). A 2 to 4 mm wetsuit is enough; we have all sizes, including for children.

Which sites can I dive with my level?

Beginners: Anau, at 6 meters. Scuba Diver (12 meters): Anau, Tapu and Toopua. Open Water and above: all seven sites, at 20 to 21 meters.

How long is the boat ride to the dive sites?

From 5 minutes for Anau to 45 minutes or 1 hour for Muri Muri. Tapu and Toopua are 30 minutes away, Haapiti and Tupitipiti 40 minutes, Apo'o 45 minutes.

Dive these sites

Tell us which sites you dream of and your level.

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