German Channel

The German Channel was blasted through the barrier reef during the German colonial administration to give phosphate boats a short route from Angaur to Koror, and a century later it functions as a manta ray cleaning station: the rays come in to hover over coral heads while cleaner wrasse work them, and divers settle on the sand to watch. Sharks and eagle rays use the channel as well.

The landscape

• The manta cleaning station - rays hovering over coral heads to be cleaned.
• The cut channel - the passage blasted through the reef for phosphate boats.
• The sand bottom - the floor divers settle on to watch.
• The other traffic - sharks and eagle rays using the channel.

When to go

November to April is the drier season with the best conditions. Manta activity varies with tide and plankton. Mornings are usual for the dive.

Things to know

Manta sightings are not guaranteed and depend on conditions. Visibility in the channel is often poor because of the plankton that draws the rays. Permits and dive fees both apply.

Nearby

Blue Corner is west, and the Rock Islands are north.

Key facts