Manta Point - Rangiroa

Patate VACH, tucked into the sheltered corner of Prony Bay, is one of those places we always recommend for a relaxed, shallow dive. It’s perfect for easing into a trip, maybe shaking off some rust, or just enjoying a long, easy swim. The maximum depth is only 7 metres, which means plenty of bottom time and great light penetration, even on a cloudy day. We love how reliably calm it is here; "always protected from the wind" is no exaggeration. It's an ideal spot for new divers finding their fins, or if you're dialling in some skills. The coral formations aren't sprawling giants, but the smaller bommies hold a surprising amount of activity. You’ll often spot a Pinda Moray peeking out, or a Hairy Scorpionfish perfectly camouflaged against the rock. Keep an eye on the sandy patches too; we’ve had some great encounters with flounders here, and the sand rays sometimes glide right past. The schools of Blue and Gold Fusiliers can be impressive, creating shimmering walls of fish. While the current description mentions white-tip reef sharks, we've only ever seen them on occasion, and usually just fleeting glimpses in the distance. What you will see for sure are plenty of small coral fish, various wrasse like the Floral and Diagonal-lined, and if you’re patient, a few turtles moseying about. Visibility averages around 11 metres, which is perfectly fine for such a shallow, intimate site.

Location
Rangiroa, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-15.083100, -148.222600
Type
reef

Best Time to Dive in Rangiroa

The warmest water temperatures in Rangiroa occur in April, averaging 29.2°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.5°C
  • February: 28.7°C
  • March: 29.2°C
  • April: 29.2°C
  • May: 28.7°C
  • June: 28.0°C
  • July: 27.3°C
  • August: 26.8°C
  • September: 26.8°C
  • October: 27.3°C
  • November: 28.1°C
  • December: 28.4°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Rangiroa

Nearest Dive Centres to Manta Point

Marine Life in Rangiroa

Home to 153 recorded species including 129 reef fish, 6 sea cucumbers, 5 whales & dolphins, 5 hard corals, 2 sharks & rays, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Manta Point

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C, currents 11 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories