Manta Rays

[Capt Tom McCarthy]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone has any recomendations for seeing manta rays. Where and what time of year is the best for manta sightings in the world? I know Yap is known for them but is there anywhere better? I realize that you can go to the best spot in the world to see a certain animal and they never show. I'm just looking for the most likely place to see them.

 

[DeputyDan]

Yap is probably #1 for them.

They usually show on the Manta Ray night dive in Kona but not always.

Also check the Maldives.

 

[Missdirected]

Yap is probably #1 for them.

They usually show on the Manta Ray night dive in Kona but not always.

Also check the Maldives.

Hey, you took my answer

 

[EvaL]

After Yap, I would say your best bet is at Kona (Big Island) on dusk/night dives. Also in Baja (sea of Cortez) and the Revillagigedos Islands of Mexico over the summer months, I think.
Dive safely.

 

[Capt Tom McCarthy]

Yea, i've heard Baja has a lot of manta's also. I'd definately go to yap but I think it's a bit far and out of budget right now.

 

[scubaeric]

Ko Bon in Thailand! I was there a week ago and it was nonstop Manta Ray action. I also experienced my first Whale Shark!

Here's a couple Ko Bon Manta Ray videos ...

http://www.scubaeric.com/thailand2007/mantas/manta1.html

http://www.scubaeric.com/thailand2007/mantas/manta2.html

 

[LavaSurfer]

Jacks dive locker in Kailua Kona is my recommendation
Ask to dive with Keller

http://www.jacksdivinglocker.com/crew2/kellerlaros.htm
Keller Laros is one of the founders of the Manta Pacific Research foundation
I have done many trips with Keller and never been skunked although I know its possible to not see any Mantas

Here is one dive where we had 16 or 17 Mantas
http://www.kona-aloha.com/photos/manta20060522.ASF

I also shore dive in Keauhou Bay in front of the Sheraton and see Mantas almost every time.

Scooter

 

[alcina]

How about Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia? Manta rays are there all year round from the southern end, Coral Bay, and from very late May through October from the northern end.

Add in some whale sharks from April through June and it's a nice getaway

 

[drew52]

Tofu - Mozambique.

Manta Reef.

Also great for whale sharks.

Dived Manta Reef and sat on the bottom literaly watching the Manta's swimming overhead for almost the entire 50 minutes. Also saw large amounts of devil rays swimming past in formations of 20 +. Then to top it off snorkeled with 6 whale sharks for about 30minutes on the ride back to the dive center.

I was there in January but I am no expert so have no idea what times are best for this region. You could contact Tofu Scuba for more info or Guinjata Bay Lodge (I dived with these guys) http://www.guinjata.com/

 

[Damselfish]

Just got back from Maldives and we did a whole dive with 3 big mantas at a cleaning station, and a squadron of like 50 smaller ones that flew by overhead. I think smaller numbers are common even this time of year but apparently we got lucky with the flyby as this wasn't really the time of year for large numbers. Supposedly that happens on a regular basis around November. Probably a liveaboard is the best bet to get to the right areas at the right times.