Manta Rays in the Whitsundays

Manta Rays are one of the largest marine creatures in the waters off Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. Second only in size to our regular whale visitors, they can grow to an impressive width of up to 7m and can weigh several hundred kilograms. But for all that bulk, they are quite a benign creature and harmless to humans. ABout the only thing you have to worry about when sighting a giant creatures is finding, pointing your camera and taking a picture.

Mantarays can be found at most depths in the water column, but predominantly in the mid water and surface regions as they cruise about taking in huge amounts of sea water and filtering tiny Krill and Plankton for feeding.

Where to dive with Manta Rays in the Whitsundays

Most encounters divers have with Mantarays are brief but spectacular and are never forgotten. The sheer size of one of these creatures gliding towards you out of the deep blue at the edge of your visibility is a rush and the Manta Ray will probably glide stright over your head and cast you into shadow momentarily. The best places to sight the Manta Rays in the Whitsundays are at the deeper walls, reefs and bays such as - Mantaray Bay, Maureens Cove, Luncheon Bay, Pinnacle Point, Blue Pearl Bay and Caves Cove. These locations often have clearer water and deep drop offs leading into relatively deep surrounding waters. 

See also: Marine Life Whitsundays | Whitsunday Whales | Whitsunday Manta Rays | Giant Clams | Whitsundays Maori Wrasse | Whitsunday Turtles | Whitsunday Clown Fish | Coral Trout | Yellow Tail Fusilier | Whitsunday Giant Trevally | White Tip Reef Sharks | Whitsundays Batfish |