Manta ray · Beach & water play
Where to find beach trips to see manta rays
About this list
When you look for beach trips to see manta rays, search results rarely show how the trip actually works. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the manta ray as a target species and actually run beach or water play programs, 10 in all. Countries and regions on record include Ari & Rasdhoo, Shark Bay & Monkey Mia, Western Australia, Moheli & Nioumachoua, Yasawa Islands, Ishigaki & Yaeyama and Maputo & Ponta do Ouro. Not every beach or water play program is the same experience. Approach distance, whether you may enter the water and group size limits differ by country, and by operator within a country. 9 of the 10 operators (90%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Jul–Oct, May–Oct and Jun–Mar among them. There is no single season for beach trips to see manta rays, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator running wildlife programs can guarantee an encounter. Treat any trip that promises one with suspicion.
10 listed operators
Maldives · Ari & Rasdhoo
Best Dives Machchafushi
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Australia · Shark Bay & Monkey Mia, Western Australia
Perfect Nature Cruises
Beach & water playIsland hopping & boat tripsFamily & kids- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- A$130 and up
- Checked
- Official source
Comoros · Moheli & Nioumachoua
Mohéli Laka Lodge
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- EUR 125 / person
- Checked
- Official source
.jpg?width=1280)
Fiji · Yasawa Islands
Barefoot Manta Island Resort
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- May–Oct
- Price
- FJ$109 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Japan · Ishigaki & Yaeyama
Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- Adults from ¥9,800
- Checked
- Needs checking
Mozambique · Maputo & Ponta do Ouro
Maputo Dive Center
Scuba divingBeach & water playLiveaboard- Season
- Jun–Mar
- Price
- US$100 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Philippines · El Nido
Mobula Divers El Nido
Scuba divingBeach & water playIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- PHP 5,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Maldives · Baa Atoll
Aquafanatics @ AVANI+ Fares Maldives
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- May–Nov
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Multiple sources
.jpeg?width=1280)
Maldives · North & South Male
Koamas by Jalboot @ VARU by Atmosphere
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- USD 175++
- Checked
- Official source
.jpg?width=1280)
Maldives · North & South Male
Malahini Marine & Recreation Hub
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- US$775
- Checked
- Official source
Other ways to meet manta rays
Manta rays by country
Beach & water play by country
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find beach trips to see manta rays?
10 operators on Maptlantis name the manta ray as a target species and run beaches and water play. The list shows them by country and region.
Will I definitely see manta rays?
No. They are wild animals, and there are days you will not meet them because of the season, sea conditions and their movements. If an operator promises an encounter, treat that wording with suspicion.
When is the season for beach trips to see manta rays?
Seasons the operators give: year-round, Jul–Oct, May–Oct, Jun–Mar and May–Nov. Operating periods differ between operators even in the same area, so check before you book.
How is beaches and water play different from boat-based watching?
Watching from a boat and getting in the water differ in both rules and price. Some countries ban getting in the water or allow it only with licensed operators, so check which kind of trip you are booking.