Top Destinations for Swimming with Manta Rays
As you’ve likely noticed, I LOVE swimming with manta rays. Swimming with manta rays changed my life and I want everyone to experience the same magic that I did. These gentle giants, known for their grace and curiosity, offer an unparalleled underwater experience. Whether you’re diving or snorkeling, encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is unforgettable. Here are the top destinations for swimming with manta rays, including some world-renowned hotspots and hidden gems.
1. Socorro Islands, Mexico
The Socorro Islands, often called the “Galápagos of Mexico,” are famous for encounters with giant oceanic manta rays. These mantas, which can grow up to 20 feet across, are known for their curiosity and often interact closely with divers.
Best time to visit: November to May (note that the Manta Trust runs its Manta Expedition in March).
Why it’s special: Mantas here seem to seek interaction, lingering around divers for extended periods. The nutrient-rich waters also attract dolphins, sharks, and humpback whales.
I went on the Manta Expedition with the Manta Trust in March 2024 and can absolutely recommend both. Here are some of my favorite manta shots from Socorro.
2. Hanifaru Bay, Maldives
Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the best places on Earth to see large aggregations of reef manta rays. During plankton blooms, this small bay becomes a feeding ground for hundreds of mantas.
Best time to visit: May to November, peaking between August and October.
Why it’s special: Witnessing a “manta cyclone,” where dozens or even hundreds of mantas spiral together in feeding frenzies, is an awe-inspiring experience.
There are limited mooring balls (and no scuba allowed) at Hanifaru Bay, so book early!
I have seen manta rays in the Maldives a few times, but never at Hanifaru Bay.
3. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat is a marine paradise that offers incredible opportunities for swimming with manta rays. Known for its vibrant reefs and pristine waters, this region is home to both reef and oceanic manta rays.
Best time to visit: October to April.
Why it’s special: Raja Ampat is famous for its manta ray cleaning stations, where you can watch these creatures being groomed by cleaner fish, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of marine life.
I have not yet been to Raja Ampat, but it’s high on my list.
4. Big Island of Hawaii, USA
The manta ray night dive on Hawaii’s Big Island is one of my favorite dives in the world and truly an unforgettable experience. Underwater lights attract plankton, which in turn draws mantas to feed, creating an extraordinary underwater spectacle.
Best time to visit: Year-round! Note that the islands get large swells in the winter which can lead to cancelled dives if the waves are too high.
Why it’s special: Night encounters with mantas are uniquely intimate, with these gentle giants performing somersaults and gliding gracefully just inches from snorkelers and divers.
Here are some of my favorite shots from the Kona manta night dive:
5. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
While Isla Mujeres is better known for its whale sharks, it’s also one of the few places to see the rare Caribbean manta ray species. There aren’t any “manta ray” tour, you really just gotta get lucky on the whale shark tour.
Best time to visit: June to September.
Why it’s special: Swimming with the elusive Caribbean manta ray species in Isla Mujeres’ crystal-clear waters is a rare and unforgettable adventure.
I was fortunate enough to spot a Caribbean manta ray on my whale shark swim!
6. Ningaloo Reef, Australia
Ningaloo Reef, located in Western Australia, is a pristine ecosystem offering incredible opportunities for swimming with manta rays year-round. The reef’s clear, shallow waters make it especially accessible for snorkelers.
Best time to visit: March to September.
Why it’s special: Ningaloo Reef provides up-close encounters with reef mantas, often in calm and shallow waters. The area is also famous for its whale sharks, making it a dual highlight for marine lovers.
7. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Komodo National Park, home to the famous Komodo dragons, is also one of the best places for swimming with manta rays. Manta Point and Makassar Reef are prime sites where mantas gather to feed and visit cleaning stations.
Best time to visit: November to April.
Why it’s special: The nutrient-rich waters of Komodo attract mantas year-round, and the park’s vibrant underwater scenery and diverse marine life make it a spectacular destination.
Tips for Swimming with Manta Rays
• Respect Their Space: Avoid chasing or touching the mantas to ensure a safe and respectful encounter.
• Choose Responsible Operators: Select eco-conscious guides who prioritize manta conservation and follow sustainable practices.
• Stay Calm and Still: Mantas are naturally curious. If you stay relaxed, they are more likely to approach.
Swimming with manta rays is a life-changing experience, offering a unique glimpse into the beauty and tranquility of the underwater world. Whether it’s the massive oceanic mantas of Socorro or the feeding frenzies of Hanifaru Bay, each destination has something special to offer.
Which manta destination is on your bucket list? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
