A local dive instructor's guide to Bora Bora's underwater world
When most people think of Bora Bora, they imagine turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and the majestic silhouette of Mt. Otemanu.
But beneath the surface lies another side of Bora Bora — a world of manta rays, eagle rays, sharks, sea turtles, coral valleys, white sand channels, and fascinating underwater landscapes.
One of the unique aspects of diving in Bora Bora is the variety. Within a short boat ride, divers can explore both the lagoon and the outer reef, each offering completely different experiences.
Here are some of Bora Bora's most rewarding dive sites.
Anau🏖️
Manta rays and Bora Bora's beautiful coral valley
Anau is undoubtedly one of Bora Bora's most famous dive sites.
Located inside the lagoon on the eastern side of the island, Anau is best known for its manta rays. These gentle giants are often seen gliding gracefully above the reef, sometimes passing remarkably close to divers.
However, manta rays are only part of what makes this site special.
Anau is also home to what many local divers consider one of the most beautiful coral valleys in Bora Bora. The combination of healthy coral formations, excellent visibility, and peaceful underwater scenery makes this site enjoyable even when manta rays are not present.
Marine Life Commonly Seen at Anau
- Reef manta rays
- Hawksbill sea turtles
- pufferfish
- Oysters
- School of Blue damselfish, etc.
Maximum Depth
Approximately 20 meters (65 feet)
Best For
- Manta ray enthusiasts
- Underwater photographers
- Certified divers
- Discover scuba divers
Toopua🐠
Eagle rays, White sand channels and Crystal-clear Water
Toopua offers a completely different atmosphere from Anau.
The highlight of this site is a beautiful white sand channel where spotted eagle rays are frequently encountered. Watching these elegant rays glide across the sandy bottom is one of Bora Bora's most memorable diving experiences.
On particularly lucky days, divers may encounter schools of more than ten eagle rays moving together through the channel.
Alongside the channel lies a beautiful coral garden where smaller reef fish gather among the coral formations.
Marine Life Commonly Seen at Toopua
- Spotted eagle rays
- Orange-fin anemonefish
- Butterflyfish
- Moray eel
- Tropical reef fish
One of the most enjoyable parts of the dive often comes at the very end. During the safety stop, divers can drift above the coral garden in exceptionally clear water while observing clownfish, butterflyfish, and other reef inhabitants.
Maximum Depth
Approximately 20 meters (65 feet)
Best For
- Eagle ray encounters
- Underwater photography
Tapu Canyon🐟
Schools of Fish and Healthy Outer Reef Ecosystems
Located on the ocean side of Bora Bora, Tapu Canyon is a favorite among divers who enjoy abundant marine life.
Unlike the lagoon sites, the attraction here is the sheer number of fish. The reef is home to large schools of fish and a wide variety of species, creating a lively underwater environment.
The site features reef formations, branching corals, and excellent visibility.
Marine Life Commonly Seen at Tapu Canyon
- Goatfish
- Snappers
- Surgeonfish
- Parrotfish
- Lionfish
- Emperor fish
- Coral crabs, etc.
The diversity of marine life often makes every part of the dive interesting, from the shallow reef to the deeper sections of the site.
When ocean conditions are favorable, dives may also include a nearby Hoa (natural reef pass), where divers can observe waves breaking against the outer reef from beneath the surface.
Watching the power of the Pacific Ocean from underwater is a unique experience that many visitors remember long after their trip.
Maximum Depth
Approximately 20 meters (65 feet)
Best For
- Fish lovers
- Marine life photography
- Experienced and beginner certified divers alike
Haapiti🌊
Fascinating Underwater Topography
Haapiti is one of Bora Bora's most distinctive dive sites.
Rather than focusing on a specific animal encounter, this site is known for its underwater landscape.
The area features a crater-like formation with large boulders, walls, overhangs, and dramatic rock structures that create a very different atmosphere from the lagoon sites.
For divers who enjoy exploring underwater terrain, Haapiti offers a unique perspective on Bora Bora's geology.
Nearby, a narrow Hoa allows divers to observe waves crashing on the reef above while remaining protected below the surface.
The contrast between the calm underwater environment and the energy of the ocean overhead is particularly impressive.
Maximum Depth
Approximately 20 meters (65 feet)
Best For
- Divers who enjoy underwater landscapes
- Photography
- Repeat visitors looking for something different
Tapu🦈
Shallow Shark Diving in Bora Bora
Tapu is one of Bora Bora's most reliable sites for encounters with blacktip reef sharks.
Unlike many shark dives around the world, Tapu is relatively shallow, making it accessible to a wide range of divers.
Blacktip reef sharks are often seen cruising through the area, providing exciting yet comfortable shark encounters.
The site also features a small tunnel where streams of bubbles create beautiful underwater light effects.
Why We Visit Tapu in the Afternoon
Many snorkeling excursions visit the area during the morning hours.
With increased boat traffic and activity on the surface, sharks can sometimes become more difficult to observe.
For this reason, Hiro Dive Bora Bora generally schedules Tapu dives in the afternoon when the area is often quieter and shark encounters can be more rewarding.
Marine Life Commonly Seen at Tapu
- Blacktip reef sharks
- Tropical reef fish
Maximum Depth
Approximately 12 meters (40 feet)
Best For
- Shark encounters
- Underwater photography
- Shallow, relaxed diving
Looking for a private diving experience in Bora Bora? Discover our private diving tours here.