Manta Rays
These magnificent creatures, with wingspans reaching up to 4 meters, glide effortlessly through the water, filtering plankton through their wide, open mouths. The best places to encounter manta rays are areas where plankton is abundant, as this serves as their primary food source.
For daytime sightings, top destinations include Nusa Penida and Sangalaki Island in Indonesia, where the clear waters provide breathtaking views of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
For an unforgettable experience, try a night snorkel off the Kona coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Small tour operators provide unique experiences where snorkelers cling to a surfboard equipped with underwater lights. These lights attract plankton, which in turn draws the feeding manta rays close. It is not for the faint of heart when out of the dark a huge gaping mouth comes straight up at you only to curve off at the last possible minute.
