![Manta Ray in Manta Sandy Diving Site - Raja Ampat](https://papua-diving.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/11-manta-sandy.jpg)
How to Dive and Snorkel with Mantas
Here are several guidelines to follow when diving and snorkeling with mantas in Raja Ampat.
- September 17, 2023
Here are several guidelines to follow when diving and snorkeling with mantas in Raja Ampat.
Raja Ampat is known to have the richest reefs in the world for its marine biodiversity. However, did you know that Raja Ampat is also home to several reef and oceanic mantas?
Due to the increasing amount of visitors to the area, we would like to ensure that all of our guests have the opportunity to have the best experience with the mantas by following the correct guidelines not only for the safety of the visitors but most importantly the mantas. Here are several guidelines and codes of conduct to follow when diving or snorkeling with the mantas.
Upon arrival at the cleaning station, the rangers will check each guest's marine park tags, and afterward, the crew will position your group no closer than 10 meters from the manta ray to avoid disturbing them. Once you have your gear ready, please follow the following guidelines:
Millions of dollars are spent by snorkelers and divers each year for a chance to swim with these gentle giants. This global love for mantas provides a powerful reason to protect them. But we must respect these animals and their habitats. Wherever you are in the world, by following these guidelines, you will minimize your impact on the mantas you encounter.
At the same time, you’ll increase your chance of having an unforgettable experience with one of the most enigmatic animals in our oceans.
Manta Sandy is a cleaning station in Raja Ampat visited by reef mantas (Manta alfredi) that are vying for a position above the two rocks where wrasses clean these giants. We also get enormous 4-meter-wide black reef mantas, looking like a negative photographic image, their gills are highlighted in white, along with the other more common white-bellied variety.