In 2019, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) changed oceanic mantas classification from “Vulnerable” to “Endangered”. Oceanic mantas are migratory species, and even though some areas are now protected, they are often victims of fisheries driven by the demand for their gill plates and bycatch. Join a Dive Trip With Purpose to Protect Oceanic Mantas This Manta Trust video shows good practices everyone should adopt when snorkeling or scuba diving with manta rays: They are naturally curious, so chances are they will come and see you anyway! Chasing them, splashing around or being too close could drive them away from areas they use to get cleaned, eat, or breed. Manta rays are very sensitive to disturbance. The places listed above happen to be some of the most biodiverse diving destinations in the world, where you'll have the best chances to see them, among plenty of other species!Ī Few Rules to Know Before Jumping in the Ocean! There are several places in the world where you can see oceanic mantas, such as in Hawaï, Fiji, French Polynesia, Mozambique, and more. In February-March, it's possible to see some in Maldives deep south atolls.Īnother hotspot for biodiversity where you can see some oceanic mantas and also some reef mantas is Raja Ampat, Indonesia with several cleaning stations in the North and in the South, in Misool. In the Indian Ocean, the Maldives northern atolls, and more specifically Hanifaru Bay, are known for their manta congregation between May and November. Manta rays peak season in the Galapagos is between December to May, and in Cocos island, between June and December. Still in the Americas, the Galápagos Archipelago, Ecuador and Cocos Islands, Costa Rica are other hotspots to see oceanic mantas. SeaCrush Pick: 👉 best-value liveaboard trip to Socorro (9 nights starting from. Its is common to see there oceanic mantas with a wingspan reaching almost 9 meters (29 feet)! Since 2017, the archipelago is part of a large Marine Protected Area. Only accessible with a liveaboard between November and May, the volcanic islands have been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. In the Americas, the most iconic place to see oceanic mantas is the Revillagigedo Archipelago in Mexico, often known as “Socorro”.

Some of the hotspots to see them are the Revillagigedo Archipelago in Mexico, the Maldives Northern atolls, or the Galápagos. Scuba diving with giant manta rays is a privilege as they evolve mostly away from reefs, in oceanic habitats. Get to know the best season and sites to see oceanic mantas, some tips to responsibly snorkel and scuba dive with them, and what you can do for their conservation! Oceanic manta rays are the largest species of rays in the world.

Giant oceanic manta ray jumping