Snorkel· Hiva Oa· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Hanakee Islet Manta Snorkel
9° 48.8′ S · 139° 2.4′ W · approximate
The rocky islet guarding Atuona Bay (Motu Anakee / Hanakee) is where manta rays are most often seen around Atuona. Snorkel it by dinghy from Tahauku in calm water.
Practical
Approximate position: about 150 m off the NE side of the islet (OpenStreetMap islet outline). The 2026 brief recommends snorkelling around motu Hanakee for manta rays. Cruisers anchored nearby saw 'a group of manta rays' in clear water (2016). Go only in calm conditions with no SE swell; there is no landing. Anchoring a yacht here is no longer permitted (outside the 2026 ZMRs), so come by dinghy and keep someone in it.
Best for
Mantas within dinghy range of the anchorage
Season
Calm weather, little SE swell
Nearby
- Motu Anakee Anchorage (Hiva Oa)0.2 NM away
- Atuona Black Sand Beach0.5 NM away
- Tahauku Outer Anchorage (outside the breakwater)0.5 NM away
- Atuona Pharmacie0.6 NM away
- Atuona Post Office0.6 NM away
- Atuona to Tahauku Walk0.6 NM away
- Banque Socredo Atuona (ATM)0.6 NM away
- Espace Culturel Paul Gauguin (Atuona)0.6 NM away