Elegant and otherworldly, manta rays are some of the ocean's most majestic creatures. It comes as no surprise, then, that snorkelling alongside them sits at the top of most divers' bucket lists. But if you want to make the most out of snorkelling with manta rays, there are a few things you need to know. Read on for a deep dive into manta etiquette and where to see these curious creatures...
Code of conduct
Avoid splashing
We get it - manta ray snorkelling is exciting. However, you don't want your enthusiasm to ruin the experience, so take it slow and steady when entering the water. Excessive splashing will scare mantas off, so keep your fins below the water's surface and kick gently. It's also important to calmly approach the majestic mantas, as they can sense your demeanour and will react accordingly.
Keep your distance
Manta rays must continuously swim to survive, and they can't swim backwards. To ensure their safety and comfort, stay at least three metres away and never block their path. Curious by nature, they may approach you if you remain calm (see above) and keep your distance, so there's no need to chase them. Also, be mindful of the mantas' blind spots (directly behind them), and position yourself to the side to avoid startling them. Despite being harmless, no one likes a jump scare…
No touching
This one goes without saying, but you should never touch a manta ray. We're not sure anyone appreciates being prodded by a stranger, and some locations may even fine you for doing so. The best place for your hands? On your underwater camera.
Where to snorkel with manta rays
Indonesia
In 2014, Indonesia declared its waters a sanctuary for manta rays, meaning that these gentle giants are fully protected. The 17,000-plus island nation provides plenty of places to spot them, but if we had to pick our favourites? The best places for manta ray snorkelling are Komodo, with its nutrient-rich currents; Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, home to plankton-filled waters; and Raja Ampat, because of its pristine reefs and cleaning stations.
The Maldives
The Maldives are a haven for snorkelling with manta rays. South Ari Atoll promises calm, clear waters bursting with marine life and plenty of mantas. Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is famous for its plankton blooms and attracts thousands of mantas in a feeding frenzy. Laamu Atoll offers year-round sightings, especially around Fushi Kandu and Hithadhoo Corner, where they gather to be cleaned by smaller fish.
Australia
On western Australia's Ningaloo Reef, the best time for manta ray snorkelling is from April to November, when plankton blooms attract large groups of hungry mantas. That said, mantas can be seen year-round, thanks to Ningaloo Reef's location within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, which helps protect manta rays and their habitat. The clear water, shallow depths, smaller crowds of tourists and cleaning stations also help make this area a manta hotspot.
Mozambique
Hop over to Tofo in Mozambique to swim alongside both reef manta rays and giant oceanic manta rays (with wingspans of up to 23ft); it's one of the few places in the world where this is possible. Snorkelling here is also a treat, thanks to the warm waters, brilliant visibility and the chance to spot whale sharks. The best time to visit Tofo is during the plankton-rich wet season from October to March when manta numbers are at their highest.
