Manihi 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. Experienced divers shouldn't be put off: the fish life here is so varied and rich that it will give you bragging rights for years to come! In addition to the giant manta ray, Manihi is a great place to encounter sharks, deep-sea fishes like sea pike and bass, and the marbled groupers that come to the Tuamotus to breed in July. The coral is healthy and vibrant. Currents in the passes are mild, enabling even beginners to experience the thrill of drift-diving.

All Levels Let's cut to the chase: if manta rays are the objective, your dive instructor will probably take you to The Circus. Inside the lagoon at Tairapa Pass, the depth is between 50 and 82 feet. 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 Napoloen wrasses. Tairapa Pass is an easy drift dive into the lagoon. The maximum depth is 82 feet, but most dives are done at about 60 feet. Large cauliflower coral formations make the topography interesting, and you'll see thousands of reef fishes, from butterflyfish 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 pelagics on their way into and out of the lagoon. The Break (also known as "La Faille") is a sort of subaquatic amphitheatre caused by an interruption in the reef. At 75 feet deep, it is 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. Outside the reef at West Point, the crystal-clear water creates a perfect environment for all sorts of corals. Coral roses cover the floor, and graceful formations of fire and staghorn coral and seafans add color and interest. Sea turtles frequent West Point, as do the usual reef fishes. Depth here is 85 feet.

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