How To Swim With Manta RaysFeb 22 2025 | | Posted by Noey Widiarsa |
Ever wonder swim closely with manta rays? You can get that experience at certain dive spots. Unlike the usual stingrays, manta rays live in shallow waters and you can even see them on the surface of the sea at certain times.
We will give you a complete guide on how to swim with manta rays.
Is it your first time or inexperienced in snorkeling with manta rays? Starting this activity does require certain considerations and is quite challenging. Even so, you don't have to worry about safety especially if you rely on a trusted tour operator.
As a professional snorkeling tour operator, we will provide step-by-step guidance for you to easily start this activity. It is important to maintain interaction with the manta rays and maintain sustainable practices. So, how to swim with manta rays? You can understand it through the points below:
- After arriving at the snorkeling point, make sure you put on your full snorkeling gear and do a simple warm-up.
- Slowly and carefully, enter the water while keeping an eye out for manta rays. Keep your distance from the manta ray at least 10 meters.
- When you dive, avoid lifting your fins to the surface. Manta rays may move away from you if there is noise from splashing water. Approach them as quietly as possible without making too intense movements.
- When you are near the manta ray (3-4 meters), avoid approaching it. You can stay still and wait for them to come to you.
- If you want to approach them, approach from the side only. You should not block their path or get in front of them.
- Don't chase them if they pass you. You can't catch up to the manta ray's swimming speed anyway. Chasing them will only make them farther away.
- Respect your encounter with manta rays by not touching them. At some sites, divers may have to pay a fine if they touch a manta ray directly.
The manta ray dive spot is usually at the cleaning station as one of the important places to clean themselves as well as look for food. Make sure you don't swim into the main area, and stay to the side so as not to disturb their activities.
Take care not to step on the reefs by staying afloat but not coming to the surface either. You should also observe certain dive limits instructed by the guide. More so, you must follow other local regulations.
Some other things you need to know to get the best experience snorkeling with manta rays. Try to look at the following points before deciding to do this activity:
Since this is a watersport, you'll need to learn the basics of swimming. If you're already a proficient swimmer, you should also be physically fit before embarking on this challenge. Learn other basics depending on your options, whether it's certified scuba or snorkeling.
Practicing snorkeling in the ocean is more advisable than in a swimming pool due to the difference in waves or currents. You may also need to be prepared when it comes to night diving.
Swimming with manta rays at night is more challenging. But, it might be the best option to get what you expect. Plankton will come to the lights while the manta rays will follow the pool of plankton to feed on it.
You can still encounter manta rays during the day but you don't have as good a chance as at night. More than that, they are also less likely to swim close to divers during the day.
Snorkeling preparation is quite complex and takes a lot of time. No need to rush, learn what to wear and wear it appropriately. Also, make sure you feel comfortable when wearing each piece of equipment.
Rushing to prepare your diving equipment can be dangerous for you. At the very least, snorkeling with manta rays requires a full-face snorkel mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit or rash guard, regulator, and buoyancy compensator.
Wearing neoprene clothing is recommended as this time there is not much movement in the water so temperatures can be cooler. Depending on the service, some tour packages include snorkeling equipment at no extra cost.
So, you should ask before you go. Before you get into the water, step down the fog first on the mask and choose the ideal fins.
Choose a tour operator that focuses on the safety of participants as well as the well-being of the environment. They may be quite strict with divers but that is to ensure habitat preservation and ethical diving practices.
As a trusted tour operator, Lembongantrip.com is ready to provide the best experience of swimming with manta rays. They provide a variety of tour packages with complete facilities and affordable prices. Be sure to adhere to every standard and rule of the tour operator for a sensible snorkeling activity.
FAQ
How do manta rays swim?
Like birds, manta rays move their broad wings up and down. They not only use their fins to swim but also to help find food.
Is it safe to dive with manta rays?
Diving with manta rays is a harmless activity, they are curious and gentle. However, divers need to maintain ethical and sustainable diving practices.
What to do if a manta ray approaches?
Let them swim freely past you, don't get in front of their swimming lane. You are advised to approach them only through their side and you do not need to chase them.
Is it ethical to swim with manta rays?
Each country has its own rules around manta ray tour standards. Most allow this activity with an approach to the welfare of the ocean and the manta rays themselves.
Is it okay to touch a manta ray?
Touching manta rays is not recommended as it can damage their protective layer which prevents the flow of bacteria. Oil from human hands can adversely affect the manta ray's mucus layer, affecting their immunity.
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Last changed: Feb 22 2025 at 3:38 PM
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