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Maptlantis

Manta ray encounters

Where to see manta rays: seasons and ways to meet them

Operators 70Countries 7Published prices 51Encounter formats 7
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see manta rays around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the manta ray as a target species, 70 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include Ari & Rasdhoo, South Bali, Denpasar & Kuta, WA, Coral Bay, Kona, Hawaii Island, Inhambane and Komodo & Labuan Bajo. Encounters are split into boat-based watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and ocean safari. Two "manta ray tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 51 of the 70 operators (73%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Mar–Oct, Jun–Oct and Jun–Nov among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

70 listed operatorsShowing the top 60

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Manta ray season

How to meet manta rays

Manta rays by country

Other marine life

Frequently asked questions

Where in the world can you see manta rays?

70 operators name the manta ray as a target species. Main regions: Ari & Rasdhoo, South Bali, Denpasar & Kuta, WA, Coral Bay, Kona, Hawaii Island, Inhambane and Komodo & Labuan Bajo.

Do you have to get in the water to see manta rays?

Formats on record: boat-based watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and ocean safari. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is manta ray season?

Operators list different seasons, Mar–Oct, Jun–Oct and Jun–Nov among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Manta rays are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.

How much do manta ray tours cost?

51 of the 70 operators (73%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.