Manta rays are amazing creatures. They are in fact in the same family as sharks but they are so different from each other.
Nusa Penida, Bali
Generally, both mantas have the same flat body with triangular pectoral fins, small stick-like boneless tail, small dorsal fin at the base of their tail, cephalic fins on the sides of their large flat mouth and their eyes behind them.
Manta rays are closely related to other rays and guitar fishes. The difference is, other than their size, they are not constrained to the bottom of the sea, they swim within the water column with their majestic wing-like pectoral fins.
"
"
Here's your complete guide of scuba diving with Manta Rays, the beautiful sea monsters!
Enter the water quietly and calmly, no closer than 10 meters the manta ray.
Nusa Penida, Bali
Keep your fins below the water’s surface when swimming. Splashing and noise can scare mantas away, so you want to approach the manta as quietly as possible.
Do NOT approach closer than 3 meters. Instead, remain still and let the manta come to you.
You should approach the manta from their side, giving them a clear path ahead.
As the manta swims past you, do NOT chase after them! You will likely scare them away.
Do NOT touch a manta ray. You will ruin the encounter and may receive a fine depending on local laws.
Chances are if you are diving with a manta, you will be encountering them on a cleaning station. These are important sites for manta rays. During the encounter, remain at the side of the cleaning station. Do NOT swim onto the main cleaning area.
Keep low and hover close to the seabed, but be careful not to damage the reef beneath you. Depending on the dive site, you may need to stay in an area designated for divers.
When a manta swims towards you, do NOT block their path as they swim overhead. Stay low and stay where you are.
In addition to these steps, be sure to follow any extra rules, laws and regulations that may be specific to the manta site you’re visiting.
Diving with manta rays is a fantastic and unforgettable experience. We hope with this information, both you and the manta rays can enjoy the
"
experience of diving together.
Swipe up to book your diving with us and feel the best scuba diving experience in the
exotic underwater of Bali!