Anau Diving Site | Rangiroa

Anau Diving Site is a famous diving location situated in Bora Bora, one of the most popular islands in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Known for its incredible underwater landscapes and diverse marine life, Anau is especially renowned for offering divers an opportunity to interact with stingrays, sharks, and other exotic marine creatures in their natural habitat. It is one of the top dive spots on Bora Bora, attracting both experienced divers and beginners due to its accessible waters and vibrant ecosystems.

Geographical Features of Anau Diving Site

• Location: The Anau Diving Site is located on the western side of Bora Bora, near the motu (small island) of Motu Anau, which lies close to the lagoon's edge. It is situated in relatively shallow waters, making it easily accessible for divers of various experience levels.
• Underwater Landscape: The site features a combination of coral gardens, reef walls, and shallow sandy bottoms, offering divers an opportunity to explore a variety of underwater terrains. The crystal-clear waters, often with visibility reaching up to 30 meters (100 feet), allow for an immersive experience in these rich marine environments.

Marine Life at Anau Diving Site

The Anau Diving Site is renowned for its diverse marine life, which makes it an exciting and rewarding location for underwater exploration.

1. Stingrays

• Anau is one of the most well-known locations in Bora Bora where divers can interact with stingrays. These graceful creatures are commonly seen gliding through the water in large numbers. They are often curious and will approach divers, providing an unforgettable close-up experience.
• Visitors often enjoy the unique opportunity to touch or swim with stingrays as they gently glide through the clear waters, making it one of the top highlights of the dive.

2. Sharks

• Blacktip Reef Sharks and Lemon Sharks are often spotted at Anau, especially around the deeper parts of the dive site. While they are not aggressive, these sharks can be observed in their natural behavior, which adds an element of thrill to the dive. The sight of these sleek predators is always a highlight for experienced divers.
• Shark feeding is occasionally included in organized dive tours, which can attract sharks closer to divers, offering an up-close view of these magnificent creatures.

3. Other Marine Species

• In addition to stingrays and sharks, the Anau Diving Site is home to a wide variety of marine species, including:
  • Moray eels hiding in crevices of the reef
  • Napoleon wrasse, a large and colorful fish
  • Clownfish in their anemone homes
  • Parrotfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and other tropical fish species
  • Coral gardens teeming with life, such as nudibranchs, sea turtles, and various types of crustaceans.

4. Vibrant Coral Reefs

• The coral reefs at Anau are incredibly diverse, with soft and hard corals providing habitats for a wide array of marine life. These vibrant reefs are not only a haven for fish but also offer a breathtakingly beautiful underwater landscape for divers to explore. The variety of corals adds color and texture to the dive experience.

Diving Conditions at Anau

• Water Temperature: The waters around Anau are warm year-round, typically ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F), making for comfortable diving conditions.
• Visibility: Visibility is excellent at Anau, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet). The clear waters and shallow dive depths make it a popular choice for those who want to enjoy vibrant marine life with great visibility.
• Depth: The dive site is shallow, with depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters (16 to 50 feet), which makes it suitable for both beginner and intermediate divers. The shallow depth and calm conditions also make it an excellent location for snorkeling.

Best Time to Dive at Anau

• Dry Season (May to October): The best time to visit and dive at Anau is during Bora Bora's dry season, which spans from May to October. During this period, the weather is sunny, and the waters are calm, providing optimal diving conditions with excellent visibility and warm water temperatures.
• Wet Season (November to April): While the wet season brings warmer water temperatures and occasional rain showers, the diving conditions at Anau are still good. However, the visibility may be slightly reduced compared to the dry season.

Accessing Anau Diving Site

• Diving Tours: Most divers visit Anau Diving Site as part of an organized guided dive tour. Local dive shops and resorts on Bora Bora offer trips to Anau, often including snorkeling and diving packages. These tours typically include a boat ride to the site from a nearby resort or port.
• Equipment Rentals: Many of the diving operators around Bora Bora provide all necessary equipment for diving, including masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, and tanks. For those with their own gear, rentals are available.
• Safety and Briefing: A safety briefing is usually given by the dive instructors before heading out, ensuring all participants understand the dive site, its marine life, and best practices for interaction with the animals. Guided dives also ensure that divers can experience the site safely.

Conclusion

The Anau Diving Site in Bora Bora offers one of the most exciting and accessible underwater experiences in French Polynesia. Whether you're interested in swimming with stingrays, encountering sharks, or exploring vibrant coral reefs, Anau provides a memorable dive experience for people of all skill levels. With its clear waters, abundant marine life, and serene diving conditions, it’s a must-see spot for diving enthusiasts and anyone visiting Bora Bora.