Manta sightings in Bonaire?

[DiverKKC]

just wanted to check here. A friend of mine returned recently from Bonaire stating they saw a Manta cruising by Andrea I and II. A couple years ago, when I was there, another couple claimed they also saw one (I forget which site). I also recall a discussion where someone claimed to see one off of 1,000 steps several years back. I initially thought they were likely mistaken (or narced ), but my friends account has me wondering.

Have any of you fellow Bonaire divers seen a Manta, have a buddy that has, or know of valid sightings? Just curious.....

Happy Diving,

Kevin

 

[Bosun]

We saw one last year, it swam right under the Dock at Habitat. We were there a few years ago when a friend of mine took a great picture of a Manta he saw at Karpata.

 

[DiverKKC]

Cool. Thanks, Bosun. That would definitely be a treat.

 

[Boat Chick]

There have been few scarce reports like bosun's...ten trips, i ain't seen one dang it!

 

[DiverKKC]

Yeah, it's kind of like those few that have dove with a pod of 20 dolphins for a good portion of their dive...rare occurrence, being in the right place at the right time. You never know.......

 

[vanessar]

Maybe I will get luck next week and see a manta in Bonaire!

vanessar

 

[gypsyjim]

If you are going to be in Bonaire next week you're already lucky!

 

[vanessar]

If you are going to be in Bonaire next week you're already lucky!

Agreed. Just a stroke of luck that I am going next week. Planned a trip to the FL Keys but my but my trip buddy couldn't go. So started looking at air rates ($354 RT with taxes) and talked the retired diver husband into going.

He likes snorkel there and we both enjoy the island.

Third trip to Bon and am looking forward to it!

vanessar

 

[Blackrock]

I saw a manta while I was there in June last year. I was at 1000 steps in about 130' when it came along. It wasn't a large one but a manta nonetheless.

Took a video of it-
Scuba Diving Videos Manta Ray in Bonaire Scuba Videos

 

[jepuskar]

I was about to rip into you for not knowing the difference between a Southern Stingray and a Manta...but thankfully I watched the whole video.