Scuba diving with manta rays is one of the greatest experiences you can have underwater. Here are some of our favourite spots to encounter these beautiful creatures
Manta rays are beautiful, inquisitive and highly intelligent animals, divided into two species, the giant, or oceanic manta (Mobula birostris) and the smaller reef manta (Manta alfredi). A third species is under discussion, but has not yet been formally indentified.
Although mantas are very large animals, they are also globally threatened species, and part of that is, unfortunately caused by tourism. Mantas are known for their close approaches, but if you’re lucky enough to encounter one while diving or snorkelling, keep your distance, let the animal approach you on its own terms, if it wants to, and – although it’s very tempting – don’t reach out to pet them when they pass, and under no circumstances chase after them to take that photographs.
Here’s our non-exhaustive list of top manta ray scuba diving destinations!
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
There are several dive sites in Raja Ampat which have cleaning stations where manta rays are regularly spotted, including Mountain, Manta Ridge and Manta Sandy.
Raja Ampat’s status as a manta ray haven received a major boost in 2022, when a study confirmed that a reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) nursery had been discovered there.
Komodo, Indonesia
A 2023 study by the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) found that Komodo National Park has the largest known aggregations of reef mantas in Indonesia, with more than 1,000 individuals identified at just four of the 20 sites where they are known to gather.
The best time to visit the marine park for almost guaranteed manta ray sightings is during rainy season between December and February.
Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Another top spot in Indonesia for mantas is Nusa Penida, located off the southeast coast of Bali, which is home to a resident population of reef manta rays that are seen on an almost daily basis around the cleaning stations of Manta Point on the island’s south coast.
Smaller juveniles are also commonly spotted feeding in the shelter of Manta Bay further towards the western end of Penida’s south coast, providing a great opportunity to snorkel with the animals.
Hawaii
The volcanic islands of Hawaii are famous for mantas. Big Island offers year-round opportunities to dive with manta rays – and don’t miss the night dives with the reef mantas dancing in high-powered underwater lights at Kona. A mesmerising sight.
Maldives
The Maldives is renowned for what is thought to be the largest population of reef mantas on the planet with more than 10,000 individuals.
Manta sightings are common in the Maldives, particularly during August to October when you can find impressive feeding and mating spectaculars at sites such as Hanifaru in Baa Atoll.
Ari Atoll is scattered with reef manta cleaning stations such Bojahamadi – check out DIVE’s report on diving with mantas in the area.
Yap, Micronesia
Yap, a tiny cluster of islands in Micronesia, is one of the world’s manta hotspots.
When the trade winds blow from November to May, manta dives are popular at Mi’il Channel. In the summer, manta dives are done in both Mi’il and Goofnuw Channels.
Cabo Marshall, Galápagos
Ecuador is thought to be home to the world’s largest population of oceanic manta rays, but spotting them around the Galápagos Islands can be a bit hit and miss.
When you visit Cabo Marshall off the northeastern shore of Isabela Island, however, seeing manta rays is nearly guaranteed – and it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled topside to see the occasional manta breaching.
Yasawa Islands, Fiji
This isolated island chain island is a great place to dive with manta rays from May to October. You can also regularly encounter mantas around the Kadavua Group, in Bligh Water and in the Somosomo Strait.
Ningaloo, Western Australia
Coral Bay at Ningaloo in Western Australia has a resident population of around 600 reef manta rays. A spotter plane is often used to locate the mantas and directs boat skippers towards them.
Barrel rolling and feeding behaviours can be witnessed throughout the year, and during the summer months between November and February they are often seen forming mating chains with sometimes up to 15 males fighting for position to mate with a single female.
Ishigaki Island, Japan
If you’re after some manta madness, Ishigaki Island is the place to be. Manta Scramble is the point where the mantas congregate – or, rather, scramble – to be cleaned and to feed off the blooming plankton.
Revillagigedos Islands, Mexico
The Boiler at San Benedicto Island in Mexico’s Revillagigedos Islands is one of the best places to encounter the pelagic, or giant, oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris), which reaches a maximum of seven metres and in can weigh in excess of 1,400 kilos.
Rangiroa, Manihi and Fakarava atolls, French Polynesia
The high-energy channels found in French Polynesia attract a host of pelagics including more than a fair share of mantas.
Uepi Island Manta Rays, Solomon islands
Mantas love the deep walls of Uepi Island, a small resort hidden at the edge of the largest salt-water lagoon in the world with a 2,000m-deep oceanic trench on its seaward side.
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