Manta rays are one of the most magical marine creatures you can encounter in French Polynesia With wingspans that can reach over 10 feet, these gentle giants are both peaceful and awe-inspiring to watch up close. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a curious snorkeler, swimming with manta rays offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels both thrilling and serene.
French Polynesia is one of the few places in the world where manta ray encounters are not only possible but relatively easy to access. The islands’ nutrient-rich lagoons and protected coral reefs create ideal conditions for manta rays to feed and gather, especially around known “cleaning stations” where smaller fish help rid them of parasites.
From the popular lagoons of Bora Bora to the remote atolls of Tikehau and Rangiroa, there are plenty of spots to witness these elegant creatures in their natural habitat. We had no idea when we visited Tikehau that we’d be able to swim with manta rays! After our experience swimming with the manta rays, we highly encourage anyone who gets the chance to do it!
In this guide, we’ll share the top islands to swim with manta rays in French Polynesia, the best times to visit, and tips for a respectful and unforgettable experience.
Best Islands to Swim with Manta Rays
French Polynesia is made up of over 100 islands, but only a few islands have opportunities to swim with manta rays. Here are the top spots to consider:
Bora Bora: Anau Lagoon’s Cleaning Station
Bora Bora isn’t just famous for its overwater bungalows, it’s also one of the best places to swim with manta rays in a relatively calm and accessible environment. The Anau Lagoon on the eastern side of the island is home to a known cleaning station where manta rays frequently gather.
- Best for: Snorkelers and divers of all levels
- Highlights: Clear water, easy access, high chance of sightings
- Tip: Book a morning lagoon tour for the best visibility and calmer waters
Rangiroa: Adventure for Experienced Divers
Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world and a dream destination for divers. The famous Tiputa Pass offers strong currents that attract all kinds of large marine life, including manta rays.
- Best for: Certified and confident scuba divers
- Highlights: Drift dives, chance to see manta rays, sharks, and dolphins all in one trip
- Tip: Go with a reputable dive shop that understands the currents and knows the best times for sightings
Tikehau: Tranquil Waters and Reliable Sightings
Tikehau is a small, pink-sand paradise that’s less touristy but rich in marine biodiversity. It has its own manta ray cleaning station, and sightings are often consistent.
This is where we swam with the manta rays. We took a lagoon tour out to the cleaning station and got to swim with like 10 manta rays!
- Best for: Snorkelers and divers looking for a quiet experience
- Highlights: Peaceful setting, high chance of seeing mantas without crowds
- Tip: Book the Hititemanava Tikehau Excursion – we had such a fun excursion
Moorea: A Bonus Spot with Occasional Sightings
While not as reliable for manta rays as the other islands, Moorea offers a great mix of marine life and occasionally delivers manta sightings, especially during feeding times.
- Best for: Those already visiting Moorea for other marine activities
- Highlights: Can combine manta ray outings with dolphin and shark excursions
- Tip: Check in with local snorkel guides to see if mantas have been spotted recently
Maupiti: The Untouched Paradise for Manta Encounters
If you’re looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, Maupiti is a quiet and less-developed alternative to Bora Bora, yet it’s one of the most magical places to swim with manta rays. The lagoon here is home to a known manta ray cleaning station, and because tourism is limited, the encounters feel personal and unspoiled.
- Best for: Adventurous travelers and those seeking authenticity
- Highlights: Fewer tourists, pristine lagoon, high chance of calm manta sightings
- Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear and stay at a family-run pension; many locals offer tours or can direct you to the cleaning station (often accessible by kayak or boat)
Local insight: Mantas in Maupiti are typically seen in the morning in a shallow part of the lagoon, making it ideal for snorkeling—even without a tour if you’re staying nearby.
Understanding Manta Ray Behavior
Manta rays are gentle giants, renowned for their curiosity and graceful movements. They feed on plankton, performing impressive somersaults to funnel their food into their wide-open mouths. Observing this behavior can be a mesmerizing experience for divers and snorkelers, as mantas can be seen feeding during both the day and night.
Mantas are naturally curious creatures and may approach humans, coming within inches of contact. However, it’s important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid touching them. Human contact can disturb their natural behavior and damage their protective mucous coating. Despite their large size, manta rays are harmless to humans, as they lack barbs and teeth.
How to Swim with Manta Rays: Snorkeling vs. Diving
One of the best things about swimming with manta rays in French Polynesia is that you don’t have to be a professional diver to enjoy the experience. Whether you choose to snorkel or scuba dive, there are options for every comfort level and skill set.
Snorkeling with Manta Rays
If you’re not a certified diver, don’t worry because snorkeling offers incredible manta ray encounters, especially in shallow lagoons like those in Bora Bora and Tikehau. Since mantas often come close to the surface while feeding or visiting cleaning stations, you can get excellent views without needing to dive deep.
- Best for: Beginners, families, and casual swimmers
- Pros: Easy access, minimal equipment, often done in calm water
- Tips:
- Wear a rash guard or wetsuit for comfort and sun protection
- Bring or rent a high-quality mask and snorkel for better visibility
- Stay calm and still – manta rays will often come close on their own
Scuba Diving with Manta Rays
For those who are certified or eager for a more immersive experience, scuba diving allows you to observe manta rays for longer periods and at deeper depths. Locations like Rangiroa and Tikehau offer exciting dive conditions with high chances of sightings.
- Best for: Certified divers, thrill-seekers, underwater photographers
- Pros: Closer encounters, better photo opportunities, more time underwater
- Tips:
- Choose dive shops with experienced local guides
- Look for tours that visit known cleaning stations or manta feeding areas
- Always maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid disturbing the reef or the mantas
When to Go: Best Time of Year to See Manta Rays in French Polynesia
While manta rays can be seen year-round in French Polynesia, your chances are much better during certain months when ocean conditions are ideal and plankton levels are higher.
Peak Season: May to October
The dry season, May to October, is generally the best time to see manta rays. The water is clearer, weather conditions are more stable, and mantas are more active around feeding and cleaning stations.
- Why it’s best:
- Calm seas and good visibility
- Fewer storms = more reliable tours
- Higher plankton levels draw manta rays in closer to shore
Off-Peak Season: November to April
This is the wetter season, and although manta rays are still present, conditions may be less favorable due to rain, choppy seas, or reduced visibility. Due to the weather, tours may not go out as often.
- What to expect:
- Fewer tourists and lower prices
- Possible manta sightings, but less predictable
- Some tour cancellations due to weather
Ethical Wildlife Interaction Tips
Swimming with manta rays is an incredible privilege and with that comes the responsibility to protect and respect these majestic creatures and their environment. Here’s how you can make sure your experience is both unforgettable and sustainable:
Respect Their Space
Manta rays are curious and gentle, but that doesn’t mean they want to be touched or chased. Let them come to you and keep your movements slow and calm.
- Don’t touch manta rays or any marine life
- Stay at least 10 feet away, especially from their wings
- Avoid diving down quickly if snorkeling—this can startle them
Choose Responsible Tour Operators
Look for guides and companies that prioritize conservation and marine education. Ask if they follow local marine guidelines or partner with organizations that protect manta rays.
- Check reviews for eco-friendly practices
- Smaller group tours are generally better for the animals and for you
- A good guide will brief you on proper behavior before getting in the water
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many popular sunscreens contain chemicals that damage coral reefs and harm marine life. Opt for mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen, or wear a rash guard to minimize the need for sunscreen altogether.
Support Conservation Efforts
Consider donating to or spreading awareness about organizations working to protect manta rays and marine ecosystems in French Polynesia. Your support helps ensure future generations can experience the same magic.
What to Pack for Swimming with Manta Ray
Whether you’re heading out for a snorkel tour or a scuba dive, packing the right gear can make your manta ray experience more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll want to bring:
Essential Gear
Extras for Comfort & Safety
Conclusion
Swimming with manta rays is such an incredible experience. We’ve swam with the whales in Moorea, which is also incredible, but there’s something about swimming among the manta rays that is truly life-altering. If you get to swim with manta rays it’s a beautiful experience that connects you with the ocean in a truly unforgettable way. Whether you’re diving or snorkeling, the moment a manta glides past you is one you’ll never forget.
