Manta Point

Best months: Jan–Dec

Why dive here

With 146+ marine species recorded in the area - including blacktip reef sharks, dolphins, giant moray eels, octopuses and sperm whales - Manta Point offers some of Rangiroa's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-29°C, warmest March, April, May.

Marine lifeBlacktip Reef Sharks, Dolphins, Giant Moray Eels, Octopuses and Sperm Whales · 146+ species recorded

Water27-29°C · warmest March, April, May

CharacterReef dive

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

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.