Located in the remote Ngardmau Channel, Devil Fish City lives up to its legendary status with multiple manta cleaning stations that attract these magnificent rays in impressive numbers. Hit this site at slack high tide and you'll understand why it's considered one of the world's premier manta ray destinations.
Palau Dive Sites
Discover the underwater paradise of Palau
Devil Fish City
Palau's premier manta ray cleaning station destination
Location
Ngardmau Channel
Distance
24 miles (39 km) from Koror
Travel Time
55-65 minutes by speedboat
Experience Level
Variable
About Devil Fish City
Devil Fish City stands as Palau's premier manta ray destination, located in the remote Ngardmau Channel where these magnificent creatures congregate at cleaning stations scattered along the northern slope and sandy bottom. This legendary dive site offers one of the world's most reliable manta ray encounters when conditions and timing align perfectly.
Manta Ray Capital
What makes Devil Fish City one of Palau's best dive sites is the large number of cleaning stations scattered throughout the channel. The reef surrounding Ngardmau is nice and lively, but the true magic happens when manta rays glide through the channel in search of cleaning services at these well-established stations.
Critical Timing Requirements
To look for mantas, this dive should be attempted ONLY during slack high tide. The mantas seldom visit cleaning stations at low tide when water is warm and murky. During incoming tide, current can be too strong for comfortable diving. Timing is everything at Devil Fish City!
Guaranteed Encounters
If you hit the spot at the right time, it is almost guaranteed that you will see manta rays. As many as 20 mantas at a time have been spotted here, creating some of the most spectacular underwater encounters anywhere in the diving world.
Remote Adventure
The journey to Devil Fish City takes you to one of Palau's most remote dive sites, but the rewards justify the travel time. This northern location provides a pristine environment where manta rays can engage in their natural cleaning behaviors undisturbed.
Devil Fish Legacy
The name "Devil Fish" is an old term for manta rays, referencing their dramatic appearance and size. Today we know these gentle giants are among the ocean's most intelligent and graceful creatures, making encounters at their cleaning stations truly magical experiences.
Ngardmau Channel Formation
The unique geography of Ngardmau Channel creates the perfect environment for manta ray cleaning stations, with varied depths and topography providing ideal conditions for both the rays and their cleaning crews.
Surface Level
Northern and southern slopes start - boat anchoring area
20 feet (7 m)
Boat anchoring depth above northern slope
30 feet (10 m)
Channel bottom near ocean entrance
35-45 feet (11-15 m)
Northern slope depth before wall formation
55 feet (18 m)
Wall termination point - wide sandy area begins
60 feet (20 m)
Eastern part of channel sandy bottom
90-100 feet (30-33 m)
Deep western section after steep step
East-West Channel System
Ngardmau Channel runs from east to west and cuts through the western barrier reef, connecting Ngardmau Bay with the open ocean. This strategic positioning creates the water flow patterns that attract manta rays and support the cleaning station ecosystem.
Northern Slope Characteristics
The northern slope starts at the surface and gradually deepens to 35-45 feet before turning into an almost vertical wall. Many large rocks adorn this slope and the channel's sandy bottom, creating the perfect structure for cleaning stations.
Dramatic Depth Changes
The channel features a very steep step halfway to the west where depth suddenly increases from 60 feet to 90-100 feet. This dramatic topographical change creates different zones for marine life and cleaning activities.
Southern Wall Formation
The southern slope starts at the surface and steeply descends to the sandy bottom, creating nice wall formations. This area can be dived during strong incoming currents when conditions permit.
Critical Tide & Current Timing
Slack High Tide Only
Manta ray encounters at Devil Fish City are heavily dependent on tidal timing. The dive should be attempted ONLY during slack high tide when conditions are optimal for manta ray cleaning behavior and comfortable diving.
Tidal Patterns & Conditions
Slack High Tide: Optimal conditions - clear water, calm currents, active mantas
Low Tide: Warm, murky water - mantas seldom visit cleaning stations
Incoming Tide: Current too strong for comfortable diving
Outgoing Tide: Very murky water from lagoon outflow
Current Direction & Strength
Very Strong Current Potential
Currents can be very strong in this particular area. Incoming tide brings current from open ocean into lagoon, while outgoing current carries very murky water from lagoon to open ocean. Timing is critical for safe, enjoyable diving.
Visibility Patterns
Incoming Tide: Fair to good visibility
Outgoing Tide: Poor to very poor visibility
Slack High Tide: Best visibility and conditions
Low Tide: Warm, murky water unsuitable for manta encounters
Water Temperature & Clarity
During low tide, water becomes warm and murky as lagoon water stagnates. Mantas prefer the cooler, clearer water conditions that occur during slack high tide, making timing essential for successful encounters.
Alternative Southern Wall Option
The channel's southern wall can be dived during strong incoming current conditions. The boat drops divers at the channel entrance for a drift dive into the lagoon, providing an alternative when northern slope conditions aren't suitable.
Manta Ray Paradise
Devil Fish City is renowned as Palau's premier manta ray destination, where these magnificent creatures congregate at multiple cleaning stations throughout the channel system in numbers that can reach truly spectacular proportions.
Manta Rays
Up to 20 mantas at one time - guaranteed encounters during optimal conditions
Cleaning Crew
Cleaning wrasses and butterflyfish operating the cleaning stations
Tropical Fish
Abundance of tropical species sheltering among northern slope rocks
Bumphead Parrotfish
Large schools while waiting for manta encounters
Unicornfish
Schools of unicornfish throughout the channel
Jack Schools
Large schools of jacks patrolling channel waters
Snappers
Snapper schools adding to the diversity
Barracudas
Barracuda schools completing the pelagic community
20 Mantas at Once
As many as 20 manta rays at a time have been spotted at Devil Fish City, creating some of the most spectacular manta ray encounters anywhere in the world. These gentle giants glide through the channel in search of cleaning stations with grace and majesty.
Coral Community
The northern slope is decorated with very large numbers of cable corals and whip corals, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. Many large rocks provide shelter for an abundance of tropical fish, creating a complete ecosystem supporting the cleaning station network.
Three Cleaning Station Clusters
The channel hosts three different clusters of cleaning stations along the bottom and northern slope. Each station serves as a gathering point where mantas receive cleaning services from resident fish communities.
Supporting Cast
While waiting for mantas, divers can observe bumphead parrotfish, unicornfish, schools of jacks, snappers, and barracudas. This diverse marine community creates an exciting underwater environment even when mantas aren't present.
Three Cleaning Station Navigation
Devil Fish City features three distinct cleaning stations, each offering unique manta ray encounter opportunities. Navigation between stations requires experienced guides due to the channel's complex topography.
Entry & Initial Navigation
Guided Navigation Essential
The boat anchors in 20 feet of water above the northern slope. Divers must follow the guide south until reaching the wall - chances of finding your way around alone are slim due to the channel's complex layout.
Cleaning Station #1: Big Rock
Wall to Sandy Bottom Station
Location: Wall ends at 55 feet with wide sandy area
Navigation: Follow borderline where wall meets sandy bottom, swim west (wall on right)
Duration: 5-10 minutes swim west
Landmark: Big rock on channel sandy bottom to your left
Activity: Primary manta cleaning station
Cleaning Station #2: Three Rock Plateau
Deep Drop-Off Station
Location: After 40-foot deep drop-off (giant straight step)
Navigation: Continue west 5-10 minutes from Station #1
Access: Swim up slope to reach plateau
Features: Three large rocks within 100 square feet
Decoration: Rocks covered with colorful soft corals and Gorgonian fans
Status: Major cleaning station #2
Cleaning Station #3: Edge Station
Location: Along the edge of the large step
Navigation: From large step recognition point, turn left
Distance: Follow edge for 60 feet
Landmark: Single rock marking the station
Popularity: Less popular among both mantas and divers
Alternative Southern Wall Route
During strong incoming current, the southern wall can be dived as an alternative. The boat drops divers at the channel entrance for a drift dive into the lagoon, providing different perspectives and encounters.
Why Devil Fish City is Special
- Premier manta ray destination in Palau
- Up to 20 manta rays at one time
- Three distinct cleaning station clusters
- Almost guaranteed manta encounters with proper timing
- Remote northern location with pristine conditions
- Complex channel system cutting through barrier reef
- Cable and whip coral decorations on northern slope
- Complete ecosystem supporting cleaning station network
Essential Manta Ray Etiquette
Proper behavior around manta rays and their cleaning stations is crucial for successful encounters and the protection of these magnificent creatures. Understanding and following manta etiquette ensures the best experience for both divers and rays.
Patience is Everything
As mantas approach the cleaning station or feeding area, they hover over the station and let cleaning wrasses and butterflyfish do their job. Many divers chase the mantas after their first appearance, but then the mantas will leave and not come back. If you are patient, they will come back and you will get the photo opportunity of your life.
Critical Behavior Guidelines
Never Chase: Do not follow or chase mantas when they first appear
Maintain Distance: Keep distance from cleaning stations
Let Them Come: Allow mantas to approach you naturally
Stay Low: Position yourself below and to the side of cleaning stations
Move Slowly: Avoid sudden movements or gestures
No Touching: Never attempt to touch or ride manta rays
Optimal Positioning Strategy
Keep a distance from the station and let them come to you! Position yourself where you can observe without interfering with the cleaning process. The mantas will return if left undisturbed, often providing multiple encounter opportunities.
Photography Guidelines
No Flash: Flash photography disturbs manta rays
Natural Light: Use available light for better, less intrusive images
Wide Angle: Capture the grace and scale of these magnificent creatures
Behavior Shots: Document cleaning interactions and natural behavior
Respectful Distance: Zoom lenses allow close-up shots without proximity
Cleaning Station Respect
Cleaning stations are essential for manta ray health and survival. These areas must be protected and respected. Any disturbance can disrupt the cleaning process and cause mantas to abandon important cleaning sites.
The Reward of Patience
Divers who follow proper etiquette and exercise patience are rewarded with incredible encounters. Mantas will return repeatedly to cleaning stations when undisturbed, often coming very close to respectful observers and providing the photo opportunity of a lifetime.
Conservation Impact
Proper manta ray etiquette contributes directly to conservation efforts. Respectful diving practices help ensure these cleaning stations remain active and that manta rays continue to visit Devil Fish City for generations of divers to enjoy.
Natural Behavior Observation
When divers follow proper etiquette, they're rewarded with observing natural manta ray behavior - graceful gliding, cleaning interactions, and social behaviors. These genuine encounters create far more meaningful experiences than rushed or intrusive approaches ever could.
Ultimate Manta Experience
Devil Fish City offers the ultimate manta ray experience when approached with respect, patience, and proper timing. The combination of optimal conditions, multiple cleaning stations, and respectful diving practices creates encounters that remain etched in memory forever.