Understanding One of the Ocean's Most Graceful Giants
Manta rays are among the most beloved marine animals in the world. Their enormous wingspan, gentle nature, and graceful movements make every encounter unforgettable.
Despite their size, manta rays are completely harmless to humans and spend their lives feeding on tiny plankton drifting in the water. They have no stinger, no venom, and no ability to attack divers.
How Big Do Manta Rays Get?
Manta rays are the largest rays on Earth.
Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi), the species commonly seen in Bora Bora, can reach wingspans of over 4 meters (13 feet). Their larger cousin, the oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris), can exceed 7 meters (23 feet), making it one of the largest fish in the ocean.
What Do Manta Rays Eat?
Despite their impressive size, manta rays feed on some of the smallest organisms in the ocean.
They are filter feeders that consume:
- Plankton
- Tiny crustaceans
- Fish larvae
- Small schooling fish
When feeding, manta rays swim with their mouths open, funneling water through specialized gill plates that trap microscopic prey.
Why Do Manta Rays Visit Cleaning Stations?
One of the most fascinating manta ray behaviors is their use of cleaning stations.
A cleaning station is an area on a coral reef where small cleaner fish remove parasites, dead skin, and other unwanted organisms from the manta ray's body.
Manta rays often hover almost motionless above these reefs while cleaner fish work around their mouths, gills, and skin. These sites play an important role in manta ray health and are considered critical habitats.
Are Manta Rays Dangerous?
No.
Manta rays are completely harmless to humans.
Unlike stingrays, manta rays do not possess a venomous tail spine. Their diet consists entirely of small marine organisms, and there are no recorded cases of wild manta rays attacking divers.
Manta Rays in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is home to reef manta rays that can often be seen at sites such as Anau inside the lagoon.
These animals are attracted to areas where food is available and where cleaner fish operate cleaning stations.
Because manta rays are wild animals, sightings can never be guaranteed. However, encountering one of these graceful giants remains one of the most memorable experiences Bora Bora has to offer.
How to Dive Responsibly with Manta Rays
When observing manta rays:
- Never touch them.
- Avoid blocking their path.
- Keep a respectful distance.
- Move slowly and calmly.
- Follow your guide's instructions.
Respectful interactions help protect these magnificent animals and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy them.
Would you like to experience the magic of manta rays for yourself?
Every manta ray encounter is unique. Watching one glide silently through the clear waters of Bora Bora is a memory many divers never forget.
At Hiro Dive Bora Bora, all dives are conducted on a completely private basis, allowing you to enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace with personalized guidance.
Discover our private diving experiences in Bora Bora. Click here for more details.