Diving With Oceanic Manta Rays: Everything You Need to Know!

Scuba dive with manta rays is impressive since they live in the water. Galápagos, northern Maldives atolls, and Mexico's Revillagigedo Archipelago are good sites to watch them.

When Diving With Oceanic Mantas, Where Should I Go?

The Revillagigedo Archipelago, sometimes called "Socorro," is the most famous American marine manta location. Liveaboards are the only way to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site volcanic islands from November to May. A huge Marine Protected Area has been included in the archipelago since 2017. Observations of oceanic mantas with about 9 meters (29 feet) wingspan are every day.

Ocean mantas are also seen in Costa Rica's Cocos Islands and Ecuador's Galápagos Archipelago. Manta rays are most prevalent from December to May in the Galapagos and from June to December in Cocos Island.

From May to November, mantas gather in Hanifaru Bay in the northern atolls of the Maldives, a beautiful Indian Ocean region. The southern Maldives atolls may see some in February and March.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia, is another biodiversity hotspot with marine and reef mantas. Multiple cleaning stations are in Misool, both in the north and south of the island.

Oceanic mantas are found in Mozambique, French Polynesia, Hawaï, and Fiji.

They are among the world's most biodiverse, so you'll have the highest chance of seeing them and other species at the diving spots above.

What You Need to Know Before Doing an Ocean Jump!

When disturbed, manta rays can become highly vulnerable. They use specific sites for cleaning, eating, and breeding; chasing, splashing, or being too near could scare them away from such areas.

They will likely visit you due to curiosity.

Embark on a Scuba Adventure to Help Preserve Oceanic Mantas

As migratory animals, oceanic mantas face threats from fisheries that target them for their gill plates and bycatch, even though some regions are now under protection.

According to the IUCN, the status of ocean mantas shifted from "Vulnerable" to "Endangered" in 2019. In a first for the manta ray family, oceanic mantas are now on the endangered species list.

One method to help the ocean and meet other divers is to go on a mission trip.

Going on a dive with manta expedition does not necessitate any scientific background. Every diver and snorkeler can make a difference.

Take manta rays, for example. You can usually capture the distinct spot pattern on their bellies in photographs or videos. A high-end camera isn't required for this. Everything from an iPhone with a cover to an Olympus TG5 or even a Go Pro will do! After that, a worldwide database of manta rays will get the photos. Researchers can track seasonal and geographical migrations and estimate population size using this straightforward method.

Tagging is another method that is occasionally employed. In the long run, this data can help establish marine protected areas.

Conclusion

We are happy to show you our stunning Nusa penida dive sites, whether you are a certified diver or just want to get your feet wet. If it's been a long time since you last dive, make an appointment for a refresher dive with us.