MANIHI DIVING SPOTS:
Manihi is where French Polynesia's commercial pearl farming industry began. It has another claim to fame for divers, however, and that is the abundance of giant manta rays. Another draw for this island is that all the dives are safe for virtually every level of diver. Manihi is also a great place to encounter sharks.
The Circus:
Lagoon, depth 60-75 ft. Sometimes the visibility is reduced because of the
current and the action of the rays, but it is well worth it to see the graceful
giants. The rays are quite friendly and like to be caressed. Also expect to see
unicorn fish, Moorish idols, triggerfish, sharks, parrot fish, eels and Napoleon
wrasses.
Tairapa Pass:
Pass, depth 60 ft. An easy drift dive into the lagoon. Large cauliflower coral
formations make the topography interesting, and you'll see thousands of reef
fishes, from butterfly fish and parrotfish to deep sea bass and moray eels.
There is also a wall dive near the pass, called The Drop Off. Here the
reef descends straight down to 4500 feet. The dive instructor will determine the
depth based on the buoyancy control and confidence level of the divers. The
fauna is overwhelming - grey sharks galore, convict surgeon fish, tangs, sea
bass, snapper, large jackfish, barracuda and more. Sometimes the dive begins on
the southeast side of the pass, so divers cross the pass and ascend on the
northwest side. This gives divers a chance to see lots of pelagic on their way
into and out of the lagoon.
The Break "La Faille":
Ocean, depth 18-75 ft. A sort of sub aquatic amphitheatre caused by an
interruption in the reef. A great place to encounter a wide variety of
sharks-sometimes even hammerheads. This is also a favorite breeding spot of the
marbled grouper in July.
West Point:
Ocean, depth 85 ft. Here, the crystal-clear water creates a perfect environment
for all sorts of corals. Sea turtles and the usual reef fishes frequent West
Point.
| MANIHI DIVE CENTERS: |
| Manihi Blue Nui (Hotel Manihi Pearl Beach Resort) Tel/Fax: (689) 96-22-40 |
Some information on this page courtesy of GIE PLONGEE de
Tahiti et ses Iles and Tahiti Legends
