It is a real pleasure to dive, swim or snorkel with these giant rays! Where to dive or Swim with Manta Rays?įind below the best places where to dive or to snorkel with these giant creatures. We integrated decades of sightings and survey effort data from multiple sources in a comprehensive species distribution modeling (SDM) framework to evaluate the distribution of giant manta rays off the eastern United States, including the Gulf of Mexico. Despite being protected by law, manta rays are still hunted in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Borneo, Papua and in any other countries where mantas are found. In 2018, the giant manta ray was listed as threatened under the U.S. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared giant manta rays as ’vulnerable’in 2011. They can also be found in the temperate waters of Southern California and Rhode Island of Unites States and in Japan. Manta Rays are generally found in warm waters across the planet. Mantas also often come to cleaning stations of the reef, wherein divers can observe them at close range. It also often swims near the water surface and will sometimes make dramatic and striking leaps into the air! When it feeds, it glides through the water with ease using its protruding flaps on each side of the head to direct food into the mouth. Ecologyīeing a plankton feeder fish, the Manta Ray is an occasional visitor to plankton-rich areas of the reef. Their color is generally white and grey but black Mantas can also be found. They can sometimes even jump out of the water to get rid off their parasites! They are usually very curious and swim around the divers. They are even harmless and can’t hurt any diver or swimmer.

Their size can reach up to 9 meters and can weight up to 2 tons. Its dorsal surface is darkish with pale markings.

However, Manta Rays do not have spine on its tail bases. These animals also possess venomous spines that can inflict wounds, thus, making them dangerous. Description and factsĪll rays have flattened and often kite-shaped bodies. It might be the biggest ray in the planet, but it is considered harmless. These rays are also sometimes called “Devil Rays” because of its two horn-like flaps in its mouth. One of the best experience a diver could probably have is to dive with the Manta Rays.

Giant manta ray inform