Manta rays are a bucket list item for most divers. They are endangered and many countries in the past few years have made considerable efforts to start protecting these majestic creatures. Manta rays feast on zooplankton and are completely harmless towards humans. Some may find them scary due to their sheer size as they reach over 7 meters in length.
Mantas are known to swim over divers and play with their bubbles. When you dive with manta rays, do not try to chase them. They are extremely fast, maintaining neutral buoyancy and hovering will attract the inquisitive manta to you. There are two types of manta rays in the world: The Giant Oceanic Manta and the Manta Alfredi. They are extremely graceful and you will enjoy watching them glide through the water, playing with your bubbles and swimming curiously overhead.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Famous for the Komodo Dragon, there is a dive site labelled Manta Alley which can have up to 50 manta rays feasting on the plankton in the water. From Komodo take a liveaboard to be able to see the best spots for these natural creatures in their native habitat.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is known for its manta ray cleaning stations, where huge mantas travel from far and wide to be cleaned by cleaner fish. Manta rays are located in Bali year-round. Furthermore, diving with manta rays in Indonesia is not limited to these two locations.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
There are numerous areas around the Galapagos Islands where you may spot Manta rays. Famous for Manta Rays that breach the surface, keep your eyes peeled before the dive. Additionally, Galapagos is famous for its marine encounters including large pelagic life. From penguins to iguanas, schools of hammerheads, varieties of sharks and rays. To conclude, there’s something for everyone in the Galapagos.
Isla de la Plata, Ecuador
A second entry for Ecuador and still quite an unknown dive destination. Isla de la Plata is home to both species of ray as they migrate along the coast in search of food. Therefore, August to September is the best season.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Lady Elliot Reef on the Great Barrier Reef features manta rays all year-round. For instance, during some dives you can spot over 100 manta rays in the water with you.
Ningaloo Reef, Australia
Coral Bay, located along the Ningaloo Reef, makes a perfect spot to spot whale sharks and manta rays. In fact, both animals are filter feeders and come to Coral Bay in search of plankton.
Tofo, Mozambique
Tofo is famous for its large pelagic life. In one dive, you can spot whale sharks, dolphins, whales and manta rays. Besides from being a small fishing village, the wonders you’ll be able to spot underwater will have you going back for more.
Kona, Hawaii
Kona has a world renowned night dive. Dive operators light up parts of the reef with torches. The plankton congregates near the light and manta rays swarm to eat it. Additionally, manta rays use the lights to position themselves and feed quickly. In brief, they put on a dance show for divers who view these majestic creatures up close and personal during a light show.
Yab Island, Micronesia
Referred to as the Manta Ray capital, Yab Island boasts Manta Rays all year round. Watch them at cleaning stations or swimming in the blue.
Socorro, Mexico
While extremely remote, only accessible by liveaboard after 36 hours of travel, Socorro is a bucket list dive area. The Manta rays enjoy playing with diver’s bubbles and end up gliding centimeters above your head. Moreover, it’s possible to spot over 10 different species of sharks.
