Graceful and captivating, there are many reasons why many divers are eager to encounter manta rays. Diving with manta rays often offers an extraordinary and exhilarating experience as you watch these gentle giants glide through the water. However, as with other diving trips, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure that you can interact with them sustainably and ethically.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ultimate guide to manta rays, from their behavior, as well as a comprehensive guide to diving and snorkeling with manta. You can also learn about some of the best dive sites to experience the manta ray encounters with Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts.
Understanding Manta Rays
With their unique shape and calm temperament, diving with these amazing creatures is on many diver’s bucket lists. But what makes them so popular among divers? Here’s everything you need to know about them!
What are the Characteristics and Behavior of a Manta Ray?
Manta rays are the largest rays in the ocean, with a wingspan that can reach up to 7 meters or more. They have a flat, diamond-shaped body with triangular pectoral fins that look like a pair of wings, as well as two cephalic fins (often referred to as ‘horns’) on each side of their head. The cephalic fins are useful for guiding prey into their mouth. As filter feeders, they typically consume creatures like plankton, crustaceans, and tiny fish.
Curious and intelligent, they have gentle, non-aggressive temperaments and social behavior. One unique characteristic of manta rays is that they lack a stinger, which makes them harmless to humans. In addition, they are also known as curious creatures, often seen approaching divers underwater.
While they are generally solitary creatures, they sometimes gather in groups, particularly in feeding or cleaning sites where cleaner fish, such as remoras, remove parasites from their bodies. Another unique thing about them is that they have larger brains compared to other fish. They are even able to recognize themselves in mirrors, which is a rare ability among animals.
What are the Types of Manta Rays?
There are two main species of manta rays: the oceanic manta (Mobula birostris) and the reef manta (Mobula alfredi). In general, they share many similarities. However, there are still some important distinctions between the two.
What are the Differences Between Oceanic and Reef Manta Rays?
Here’s some of the things you need to know about the differences between the two types of mantas:
1. Size
In terms of size, oceanic manta or Mobula birostris is larger, with a wingspan stretching up to 7 meters or more. The reef manta (Mobula alfredi) is smaller. They typically have a wingspan that can reach up to 5 meters.
2. Habitat
Oceanic mantas are commonly found in the open ocean, far away from the shorelines. Finding them would require more effort, as they prefer deeper waters. You would need to be in the right location during the right time to have better chances of spotting them.
Meanwhile, reef mantas, just as the name suggests, mostly stick to the coastal areas, particularly around coral gardens, cleaning sites, and lagoons. Because they prefer shallow waters, finding them is easier.
Although Oceanic and Reef Manta Rays have other differences, both species share similar feeding and cleaning behavior. They often perform barrel rolls to collect plankton and visit cleaning stations to have smaller fish remove parasites from their skin.
What are the Differences Between Manta Rays and Mobula Rays?
Manta rays and mobula rays are two large ray species that are often mistaken for one another. Despite that, there are two key differences between them, including:
1. Size
Compared to manta rays, mobula rays are smaller in size, as it typically only reach up to around 3 meters. This significant size difference is the easiest way to differentiate the two when you’re scuba diving in the ocean.
2. Habitat
Manta rays are typically found in two locations: the open ocean or near the shorelines around coral gardens, particularly in tropical and subtropical waters. They often migrate following the ocean currents and plankton.
On the other hand, while mobula rays can often be spotted in the open ocean, they are generally more common near the shores or deeper under the water.
Guide to an Ethical and Safe Manta Ray Dive
Diving with mantas can be a thrilling experience, but it’s important to be mindful and responsible to ensure their safety and well-being, as well as to protect their habitat. Here are some ethics and practices scuba divers and snorkelers need to know for manta ray snorkel, day-diving, or manta ray night diving.
1. Enter the Water Quietly
You’ll want to make a good start from the beginning. Start by getting into the water as quietly and smoothly as you can. Avoid making any big splashing or loud noises when you get off the dive boat because it can startle the rays and cause them to swim away.
2. Keep Your Dive Flippers Below the Water’s Surface
Aside from entering the water silently, you’ll also want to reduce unnecessary disturbances or noise throughout the entire diving trip. One way to do this is by making sure that your flippers stay below the water’s surface at all times. By keeping them in the right position, you can avoid splashing and have better control of your movements.
3. Stay Low and Hover Close to the Seabed
Aside from keeping your flippers underwater, you can also minimize disturbance by staying low, close to the bottom of the ocean floor. This way, you won’t draw too much attention to yourself and the rays can feel safer.
4. Control Your Buoyancy
When you swim with manta rays, especially when you are near their cleaning sites, always control your buoyancy to avoid accidental contact with the sea creatures or the corals around you.
5. Maintain a Safe Distance
In general, rather than swimming directly at them, it’s better to let them approach you on their own. They are generally curious and gentle creatures, so it’s not so rare for them to approach humans underwater.
However, you might wonder what to do if a manta ray approaches you. The best answer is to always keep a safe distance of around 3-4 meters between you and the manta. As much as you want to see mantas up close, maintaining a proper distance is important for their safety and well-being.
6. Approach Them from Their Side
If you want to get closer to the manta rays, do it from the side than from above or below. Approaching them from the front or rear can be perceived as a threat. On the other hand, coming from the side can make them feel safer and more in control of their surroundings.
7. Avoid Chasing or Touching
As humans, it’s so easy for us to have the urge to touch or pet animals, including sea creatures like sharks or rays. No matter how strong the urge is, you should never try to chase or touch the manta rays. Chasing or touching can be bad for the mantas, as it can cause stress, interrupt their behavior, or even get them sick.
8. Be Careful Around Cleaning Stations
Mantas regularly frequent cleaning sites, where small fish can clean their bodies from parasites, and it’s one of the best times to see manta rays, especially if you plan to see several of them in one place. This process also allows you to see unique interactions between the rays and cleaner fish.
However, always remember to be mindful when you’re swimming around these spots. Don’t swim directly over or through these areas, as it can interrupt the marine life.
9. Be Sure to Follow Local Laws
Last but not least, always follow local laws and regulations to make sure you can get the best manta ray dive experience. Depending on which location you’re diving at, the rules may be different, such as the safe distance, what kind of diving is allowed, and what kind of protections are implemented to protect this species.
By following these laws, you can help support manta ray conservation, so you can dive with them for years to come, as well as avoid any troubles that could happen with law enforcement.
10. Practice Responsible Photography
Diving or snorkeling with manta rays can be a thrilling experience, especially for underwater photographers. Even so, you need to be mindful when snapping pictures of them.
When taking photos or videos, make sure to keep your flash off so you won’t aggravate the rays. Remember to keep a respectful distance, remain calm, and don’t interfere with their natural behaviors.
Additionally, if you’re doing a manta night dive, be careful with your diving gears, especially dive light. Pay attention to where you direct your light to so you won’t shine it directly on their eyes.
Best Dive Sites to See Manta Rays
Now that you’ve known the ethics and guidelines for diving with these gentle creatures, it’s time for you to learn about the best places to find mantas!
1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
With beautiful nature and endless blue seas, Raja Ampat is known for its rich biodiversity. It’s also one of the best places to find manta rays in Indonesia!
One famous location in particular is the Dampier Strait and nearby cleaning sites, which often attract a large number of mantas, especially during the plankton boom season. This area is also known for its vibrant corals and abundance of sea creatures, so you can see other animals like sharks or sea turtles.
Experience Raja Ampat aboard Solitude Adventurer, where you can explore this manta haven while enjoying personalized service and expert dive guides who are always ready to make sure that every encounter is ethical and meaningful.
2. Kona, Hawaii
Kona, Hawaii, is one of the best locations to spot manta rays in the world. It’s particularly famous for its Manta Ray Night Dive, where you get to enjoy a fun and thrilling night dive with the mantas of Hawaii. In particular, Kona Coast is particularly popular for its consistent manta ray sightings, especially in areas near the Kona Airport, like “Manta Village” and “Manta Heaven”.
Although they can be spotted in the region year-round, summer is generally considered to be the most perfect time to find manta rays in Kona, as the waters during this season are calmer, with warmer temperatures and better visibility.
3. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines
The next best location for diving with manta rays is the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in The Philippines. With deep walls and various pelagic species, this area is a hotspot for open water divers who want to see these creatures, especially oceanic mantas.
Generally, the best time to see mantas in Tubbataha is during the summer months, when plankton blooms are at their peak.
Aboard Solitude One, you can explore Tubbataha’s wonders with extensive liveaboard itineraries that also prioritize conservation and responsible diving practices. Solitude One also comes with experienced crews to ensure that everyone respects the mantas while still having unforgettable experiences.
4. Socorro Island, Mexico
If you like large pelagic creatures, the Socorro Island in Mexico is a must-visit! This island is a hotspot for mantas, particularly giant oceanic manta rays, which are known for being friendly creatures who love to interact with humans.
This island is also a good spot to encounter other species, like dolphins, humpback whales, and sharks. To get the best experience, you’ll want to visit between November and May.
5. Palau
Palau is home to one of the most renowned cleaning stations for manta rays in the world, which is the German Channel. This site attracts rays all year as they come to be cleaned by fishes like small wrasse and butterflyfish. Here, you’ll have many chances to encounter the two types of rays in large numbers, engaging in their natural behaviors like cleaning and feeding.
To dive in Palau, hop aboard Solitude Gaia, where liveaboard adventures take you to the German Channel and other popular diving spots. Like other Solitude liveaboards, Solitude Gaia offers expert guides and a focus on sustainability, allowing you to enjoy an immersive and eco-conscious way to interact with these creatures.
If you are interested in more options and details, check out our 10 best places and times to scuba dive with Manta Rays!
Let’s Dive with Solitude Liveaboards & Resorts!
Ready to start diving with giant manta rays? Book your next dive trip with Solitude Liveaboards & Resorts, where we prioritize responsible and sustainable diving practices. Whether you’re aboard Solitude One in the Philippines, Solitude Adventurer in Indonesia, or Solitude Gaia in Palau, you can experience manta ray encounters in a responsible and ethical way for them and the environment.
Our PADI-certified dive guides are committed to educating divers on marine conservation and ethical wildlife interactions so that divers can enjoy a memorable experience while also leaving positive impact on the ocean. In addition, you can also enjoy warm meals, comfortable rooms, and exceptional hospitality!
What are you waiting for? Book your next diving adventure with us here today!