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Maupiti Manta Ray Point

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Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)

Weather…

Maupiti's lagoon is world-renowned for its resident population of reef manta rays (Manta alfredi), offering an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife observation. The shallow, neon-blue waters contain specific coral heads that function as cleaning stations. Small cleaner wrasse inhabit these spots, picking parasites and dead skin off the rays as they hover in a near-trance-like state. Because these majestic creatures are year-round residents, sightings are remarkably consistent. Snorkelers can witness their graceful, underwater ballet from a respectful distance, provided they follow local conservation guidelines which strictly forbid touching or chasing the animals. The rays often approach curious observers if they remain still, creating a profound sense of connection between human and nature. This site is particularly valued for its accessibility, as the cleaning stations are located in relatively shallow areas, making the experience available to anyone with basic snorkeling skills.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828282727262626262727
Rain mm214183148126945944403576119220

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Manta rays are present year-round in Maupiti's lagoon, with peak sightings during the dry season from May to October. Water clarity is also best then.
🌅
Best time of day
Morning hours between 8 and 10 am are good when mantas visit cleaning stations. Late afternoon before sunset also sees frequent activity.
📜
Etiquette
Do not touch manta rays and keep a safe distance of at least two meters. Avoid sudden movements and do not block their path.
🎒
What to bring
Snorkeling gear is sufficient as mantas are found in shallow lagoon areas. An underwater camera with wide-angle lens helps capture the impressive animals.
🧭
Getting there
Maupiti is reachable by flight from Tahiti or boat from Bora Bora. The manta points inside the lagoon are accessible by kayak or guided snorkeling trips.
🦌
What to expect
Manta rays don't always appear immediately at cleaning stations; sometimes you need to float calmly in the water. Watch the current and wait patiently for their approach.

Geography

Coordinates
-16.45120, -152.25120

Facts

  • Depth: 2-5 m (6.6-16.4 ft)
  • Species: Reef manta (Manta alfredi)
  • Protected since 2015
  • Max wingspan: 4 m (13 ft)
  • Max rays at once: 20
  • Boat access only

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Maupiti Fishing HarborMaupiti Fishing Harbor<1 km · NEExplore →
Fort de l'OuestFort de l'Ouest51 km · EExplore →
Marae MarotetiniMarae Marotetini53 km · EExplore →
Marae TaianapaMarae Taianapa53 km · EExplore →
Marae Vaiotaha (South Bora Bora)Marae Vaiotaha (South Bora Bora)53 km · EExplore →
Marae VaiotahaMarae Vaiotaha54 km · EExplore →
Marae Fare OpuMarae Fare Opu55 km · EExplore →
Marae in Bora Bora ValleyMarae in Bora Bora Valley56 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Maupiti Manta Ray Point (10)

Temple protestant de Maupiti

The Temple protestant de Maupiti is located near Maupiti Manta Ray Point and is worth visiting for its local features.

Marae Vaiahu

The Marae Vaiahu is located near Maupiti Manta Ray Point and is worth visiting for its local features.

Raies Manta

The Raies Manta are located near Maupiti Manta Ray Point and are worth seeing for their local features.

Pétroglyphes

The Pétroglyphes are located near Maupiti Manta Ray Point and are worth visiting for their local features.

Sainte Bernadette⛪ church

Sainte Bernadette is a ⛪ church located near Maupiti Manta Ray Point and is worth visiting for its local features.

Palais de la mer

The Palais de la mer is located near Maupiti Manta Ray Point and is worth visiting for its local features.

raie Manta

The raie Manta are located near Maupiti Manta Ray Point and are worth seeing for their local features.

Marae Toriri'i

The Marae Toriri'i is located near Maupiti Manta Ray Point and is worth visiting for its local features.

Terei'a

The Terei'a is located near Maupiti Manta Ray Point and is worth visiting for its local features.

Plage

The Plage is located near Maupiti Manta Ray Point and is worth visiting for its local features.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for manta rays in Maupiti?
Possible year-round, but visibility is often best between May and October.
How to get to the manta rays?
You take a boat, often accompanied by a local guide who knows the best spots.
Is it safe to snorkel with mantas?
Yes, they are completely harmless; however, keep your distance and respect the habitat.
Do I need a diving license?
No, as the animals often swim in shallow lagoons, snorkeling is sufficient.
What should I keep in mind when photographing?
No flash to not startle the animals, and use a wide-angle underwater camera.
Maupiti Manta Ray Point: where is it located?
Maupiti Manta Ray Point is located in French Polynesia.
Maupiti Manta Ray Point: what is there to see?
Highlights include Temple protestant de Maupiti, Marae Vaiahu, Raies Manta.
Maupiti Manta Ray Point: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Maupiti Manta Ray Point: why is it worth visiting?
Maupiti's lagoon is world-renowned for its resident population of reef manta rays (Manta alfredi), offering an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife observation.
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Nearby cities

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Papeete — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Papeete
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Puna&#39;auia — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Puna'auia
Puna'auia is a major residential commune on the west coast of Tahiti, known for its university and beaches.
Pirae — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Pirae
Pirae is an urban commune east of Papeete that hosts major medical and administrative facilities.
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Vaitape
Vaitape is the largest town on Bora Bora and serves as the island's main commercial and administrative hub.
Paopao — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Paopao
Paopao is a village located at the base of the majestic Cook's Bay on the island of Moorea.
Haapiti — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Haapiti
Haapiti is a village on the southwest coast of Moorea, known for its cultural traditions and excellent surf spots.
Uturoa — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Uturoa
Uturoa is the administrative center of Raiatea island and the second most important town in French Polynesia after Papeete.
Afareaitu — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Afareaitu
Afareaitu is the administrative center of Moorea island, located on the island's picturesque eastern coast.
🗺️
Teavaro
Teavaro is a village in eastern Moorea, famous for its long white sand Temae beach and views of Tahiti.
Faanui — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Faanui
Faanui is a picturesque village on Bora Bora, located on a deep bay and possessing a rich history.
🗺️
Papetoai
Papetoai is a historic village on Moorea, located in Opunohu Bay and known for its octagonal church.
Tevaitoa — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Tevaitoa
Tevaitoa is the main village of the Tumaraa commune in southwest Raiatea, known for its tranquility.
Faie — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Faie
Faie is a small village on Huahine Nui, famous for its sacred blue-eyed eels.
Fare — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Fare
Fare is the capital of Huahine island, offering a relaxed atmosphere with small shops and a lively harbor.

History & landmarks

Uturoa Town Hall — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Uturoa Town Hall
The administrative building of Uturoa on Raiatea, the second-largest settlement in French Polynesia.

Nature

Mount Teurafaatiu — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Mount Teurafaatiu
Mount Teurafaatiu is the highest point on the island of Maupiti (380m), offering panoramic views of the lagoon.
Mount Pahia — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Mount Pahia
Mount Pahia is the second highest peak on Bora Bora, known for its distinctive twin summits.

More places

Papeete Town Hall — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Papeete Town Hall
Papeete Town Hall is a magnificent colonial-style building that resembles the former palace of Queen Pomare.
Vaitoare — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Vaitoare
Vaitoare is the main port in southern Taha'a and the gateway to the island of Raiatea.
Vaiare — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Vaiare
Vaiare is the primary port of Moorea and the main gateway for travelers arriving by ferry from Tahiti.
Maupiti Fishing Harbor — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Maupiti Fishing Harbor
Maupiti's harbor is crucial for the supply of the isolated island.
Fort de l&#39;Ouest — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
Fort de l'Ouest
This former French fortification on Bora Bora served to defend the harbor entrance during the 19th century.
🗺️
Pofatuuraa Fort
This former defensive structure on Bora Bora offers a wide view over the ocean.
WWII Cannons of Bora Bora — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
WWII Cannons of Bora Bora
Eight US coastal cannons were installed on Bora Bora during WWII.
WWII Cannons Bora Bora — Maupiti Manta Ray Point (French Polynesia)
WWII Cannons Bora Bora
American coastal artillery cannons from WWII, strategically placed on the hills overlooking the Bora Bora lagoon.