Anau (Manta Ray Cleaning Station) – Bora Bora (Society Islands)

20m Max

15-30m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Anau is Bora Bora's premier manta ray cleaning station and one of the most reliable sites in French Polynesia for encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. The site consists of a shallow coral plateau situated at depths between ten and twenty metres where reef manta rays gather throughout the year to take advantage of the cleaning services provided by small wrasse and other cleaner fish species. The plateau itself is a vibrant coral ecosystem supporting a diverse community of reef fish including green turtles that graze on the algae covering the coral structures, schools of barracuda that patrol the edges of the plateau, and various species of reef shark that cruise the deeper water surrounding the cleaning station. The manta rays arrive at the station in a predictable pattern, often circling the cleaning area several times before settling onto the coral bommies where the cleaner fish attend to their needs by removing parasites and dead skin from their enormous bodies. The experience of watching a manta ray with a wingspan of three to four metres hovering motionless while tiny wrasse perform their cleaning duties is one of the most extraordinary encounters available in the underwater world. The site's relatively shallow depth means that extended observation periods are possible, allowing divers to fully appreciate the intelligence and grace of these gentle giants as they perform their elegant ballet above the coral plateau.

Dive Briefing

"Begin your dive by descending from the boat to the edge of the coral plateau where your guide will position the group at a respectful distance from the cleaning station. The manta rays typically approach from the deeper water surrounding the plateau, their massive silhouettes becoming visible in the blue water before they glide gracefully over the coral bommies. Once a manta arrives at the cleaning station, remain still and neutrally buoyant to avoid disturbing the animal or the cleaning fish performing their important work. The cleaner wrasse are remarkably bold despite their tiny size, approaching the manta's mouth and gill plates to remove parasites in a symbiotic relationship that has evolved over millions of years. Green turtles are frequent visitors to the plateau, grazing on algae and occasionally pausing to observe the divers with apparent curiosity. Schools of barracuda form silvery curtains of fish along the edges of the plateau, their streamlined bodies catching the light as they move in coordinated formations. Your guide will signal when it is appropriate to move closer for photography while maintaining the respectful distance that ensures the mantas continue to use this vital cleaning station. As you complete your dive, take time to observe the broader reef ecosystem that supports these magnificent creatures throughout their daily routine."