Manta Rays in Raja Ampat: Majestic Giants of the Ocean

Raja Ampat, with its rich marine biodiversity and crystal-clear waters, is one of the best places in the world to encounter the graceful manta rays. These majestic creatures glide effortlessly through the water, offering an unforgettable experience.

There are two species of manta rays commonly found in the waters of Raja Ampat: the Reef Manta Ray (Manta alfredi) and the Oceanic Manta Ray (Manta birostris). Both species are known for their intelligence, large size, and distinct behaviours, but they differ in their habits, habitats, and distribution.

The region’s diverse underwater ecosystems, ranging from shallow coral reefs to deep oceanic waters, provide ideal conditions for both species of manta rays. It is possible Raja Ampat to watch these gentle giants as they feed, clean, or simply glide through the current.

With the right conditions and a bit of luck, you may have the opportunity to dive alongside them, but it’s important to understand the nuances of interacting with these incredible animals, especially when it comes to photography, conservation, and safety.

Species Profile: Reef Manta Ray (Manta alfredi) and Oceanic Manta Ray (Manta birostris)

Reef Manta Ray (Manta alfredi)

• Size: Up to 5.5m (18ft) in wingspan.
• Habitat: Shallow coastal waters, often found around coral reefs.
• Distribution: Typically found in the Indo-Pacific, including Raja Ampat, Australia, and the Maldives.
• Behaviour: Reef manta rays are often seen in cleaning stations where they stop to be cleaned by cleaner fish. They are more commonly observed in shallower waters and prefer staying close to the reef.
• Appearance and Markings: Reef mantas typically have a white underside with spots between their gills. The pattern on the underside of each manta is unique, similar to a human fingerprint. Their pectoral fins have a rounded shape, and their body is slightly more compact compared to the oceanic manta. The black pattern on their back forms a ‘Y’ shape.

Oceanic Manta Ray (Manta birostris)

• Size: Up to 7m (23ft) in wingspan.
• Habitat: Deeper waters, typically in oceanic and offshore environments, but also frequent coastal areas.
• Distribution: Found globally in tropical and subtropical waters, including Raja Ampat, Hawaii, and Mexico.
• Behaviour: Oceanic manta rays are more likely to be seen in open water and are often found in areas where strong currents are present. They are known for their deep-water migrations and are more solitary than the reef species.
• Appearance and Markings: Oceanic manta rays are typically larger with a more pronounced triangular shape to their body. Their markings are less pronounced than the reef manta’s but often feature spots towards the back of their abdomen. The back pattern forms a distinctive “T” shape.

Table of Differences Between the Two Species

Feature	Reef Manta Ray (Manta alfredi)	Oceanic Manta Ray (Manta birostris)
Wingspan	Up to 5.5m (18ft)	Up to 7m (23ft)
Habitat	Shallow coastal waters, coral reefs	Offshore and deeper oceanic waters
Distribution	Indo-Pacific (Raja Ampat, Australia, Maldives)	Global in tropical and subtropical regions
Behaviour	Often found at cleaning stations in shallow waters	More solitary, migratory, and found in open water
Feeding	Primarily feeds on plankton, often using reef cleaning stations	Feeds on plankton, can be found in nutrient-rich waters
Preferred Dive Sites	Coral reefs, near cleaning stations	Open ocean, areas with strong currents
Markings	Spots between gills and a “Y” shape on the back	Dark circular spots towards the back of the abdomen. Markings on back forms a “T” shape

Conservation Status

Both species of manta rays are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Reef Manta Ray is listed as “Vulnerable” due to habitat degradation, fishing pressures, and the loss of cleaning stations. The Oceanic Manta Ray is classified as “Vulnerable” as well, primarily because of its extensive migrations that expose it to the risk of fishing nets and boat strikes.

Conservation efforts in Raja Ampat and other parts of the world have focused on protecting manta ray populations by establishing marine protected areas, enforcing fishing bans, and promoting sustainable tourism. Raja Ampat’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainable diving practices has contributed significantly to the protection of these magnificent creatures in the region.

Where to See Manta Rays in Raja Ampat

Manta rays are found throughout the waters of Raja Ampat, but there are a few key locations where encounters are more frequent and especially memorable.

At Manta Sandy, just off the coast of Mansuar Island, mantas gather at a shallow cleaning station, where small reef fish remove parasites from their wings and bodies. The sandy bottom and calm conditions make this one of the most accessible and reliable places to observe them. Divers and snorkellers alike can often spend long, quiet minutes watching mantas circle above the reef.

Further south, Manta Ridge is a high-energy site where mantas gather in larger groups to feed in the fast-moving currents. The nutrient-rich water brings them in regularly, and the strong flow means encounters are often dynamic and close. It’s a site for experienced divers, but the reward is the chance to see mantas glide and loop in coordinated rhythms.

Nearby, in Dampier Strait, Blue Magic offers a more dramatic experience. This open water seamount rises steeply from the depths, and the currents that sweep around it draw in large marine life. Reef mantas are often seen here, soaring in the blue water above the ridge, occasionally joined by barracuda or oceanic fish. It’s a deeper, more exposed site, but one that delivers a sense of the scale and power of Raja Ampat’s ecosystem.

In the far south, the remote reefs of Misool offer a quieter experience. Protected by one of the strictest marine zones in Indonesia, the region is home to both reef and oceanic mantas. They visit cleaning stations nestled among coral-covered slopes and are sometimes seen feeding in the channels between islands. With fewer boats and fewer dive

How to Photograph Manta Rays

Photographing manta rays is a thrilling challenge that requires the right equipment, technique, and approach to capture their beauty in the underwater environment. These majestic creatures are fast and large, which makes it essential to be prepared for quick movements and varying lighting conditions. Below are detailed tips to help you take stunning photographs of manta rays in their natural habitat.

As you can tell from my photographs I am still learning and need a lot more practice. As manta rays feed in nutrient rich waters there is often a lot of plankton and sediment in the water which does not help with the resultant images!

Use a Wide-Angle Lens

Manta rays are large animals, and using a wide-angle lens (16-35mm or even wider) is essential to capture the entire creature in your frame. A wide-angle lens allows you to show the impressive size of the manta as it moves through the water, while also providing a dramatic perspective that highlights the creature’s elegance.

A fisheye lens can be particularly effective for creating wide, immersive shots that emphasise the manta’s enormous wingspan. When choosing a lens, make sure it’s suitable for low-light conditions, as mantas are often found in deeper water where light levels can be low.

Adjust Your Exposure Settings

Underwater photography often involves variable lighting conditions. Manta rays are typically seen in deeper water, where sunlight doesn’t always penetrate. To capture their true colours and details, you will need to adjust your exposure settings accordingly. Set your camera to manual mode, allowing you to control the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Start with a low ISO (around 400-800) to reduce noise, and increase it if the light levels are low.

Adjust your shutter speed to be fast enough to freeze the motion of the manta ray, but not so fast that it compromises the ambient lighting. An aperture of f/8 to f/11 is ideal to maintain sharpness throughout the image while letting in enough light to illuminate the subject.

Use Continuous Autofocus

Manta rays are constantly in motion, often gliding effortlessly through the water. To ensure your subject remains in focus, use continuous autofocus (AI Servo or AF-C, depending on your camera brand).

This mode allows the camera to adjust the focus as the manta moves, ensuring you get sharp, in-focus images even when the ray is swimming quickly past you.

Make sure to focus on the manta’s eyes or the centre of its body for the most striking shots. Avoid focusing on the water in front or behind the manta, as it will create a blurry image.

Capture Unique Behaviour

Manta rays are intelligent creatures and can be seen performing acrobatic flips, soaring through the water, or interacting with other marine life. To truly capture the essence of a manta ray, try to photograph moments that showcase their natural behaviour.

For example, some mantas may perform barrel rolls or leap from the water, displaying their graceful movements. Look for these unique behaviours and be ready to snap a photo at the right moment. These action shots can convey the manta’s majesty and strength, giving a sense of their power and beauty in motion.

Shoot in RAW for Greater Flexibility

Underwater conditions often present challenges such as fluctuating lighting, backlighting, or reflections from the water’s surface. Shooting in RAW format provides you with greater flexibility in post-processing, allowing you to adjust exposure, contrast, and colours without losing image quality.

RAW images retain more detail than JPEGs, so if you need to make corrections to your shots, such as adjusting the white balance or recovering highlights from overexposure, you’ll have more leeway. This is especially important for underwater photos, where lighting can be unpredictable and where you want to bring out the true vibrancy of the manta ray’s markings.

Mind Your Composition

While capturing the manta ray in all its grandeur is important, don’t forget about the composition of the shot. Consider the rule of thirds, position the manta ray off-centre to create a more dynamic and visually pleasing image.

Including other elements of the environment, such as the surrounding ocean, coral, or other creatures, can provide context and enhance the storytelling aspect of the photograph. If possible, try to position yourself at different angles to capture both wide, sweeping shots and close-up details of the manta’s face or underside. Each shot offers a different perspective on the animal’s beauty.

Avoid Flash Photography

While it may seem tempting to use a flash to brighten your images, it’s best to avoid using flash when photographing manta rays. The bright light can startle the animals, disrupting their natural behaviour and causing unnecessary stress.

Instead, try to work with natural light, which is more flattering to the manta rays and the surrounding environment. If you find that the light is insufficient, use a video light or underwater strobe at a lower intensity to gently illuminate the scene without overwhelming the manta. Always keep in mind that your goal is to capture the manta’s elegance without disturbing its peaceful presence.

Respect the Manta Ray’s Space

While photographing manta rays, it’s crucial to respect their space and not interfere with their movements. Keep a safe distance (at least 3 metres) and avoid chasing or trying to touch the manta ray.

Allow the animal to approach you naturally, and focus on capturing its beauty from afar. Using a longer lens (such as a 50mm or 70mm) can help you achieve this without getting too close, especially if the manta is feeding or interacting with other marine life.

Remember, your responsibility as a photographer is not only to capture stunning images but also to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the animal.

Tips for Diving in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a world-class diving destination, offering unparalleled biodiversity, stunning underwater landscapes, and unforgettable marine encounters. To help you plan your trip, here’s a summary of key points covering how to get there, the best time to visit, where to stay, and what to expect underwater.

How to Get to Raja Ampat

To reach Raja Ampat, most international travellers first fly into major Indonesian cities like Jakarta or Bali. From there, domestic flights are available to Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. Regular flights operate from cities such as Jakarta, Bali, and Makassar. Once in Sorong, a ferry or speedboat ride to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat, takes about 2-3 hours. For divers looking to explore remote areas, liveaboard trips are an excellent option, providing direct access to some of the region’s most pristine dive sites.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Raja Ampat depends on what you want to experience. The dry season, from May to September, is ideal for calm seas, excellent visibility (often exceeding 30 metres), and vibrant coral gardens. This period is perfect for underwater photography and exploring deeper dive sites. The wet season, from October to April, is characterised by higher rainfall and stronger winds but offers incredible opportunities to encounter manta rays, pelagic species, and even coral spawning events. Nutrient-rich waters during this time attract abundant marine life, though visibility may be slightly reduced. Transitional seasons, such as April-May and September-October, provide a balance of good visibility and diverse marine life, making them a great time to visit as well.

Where to Stay

Raja Ampat offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Eco-friendly resorts, such as Misool Eco Resort, Papua Explorers, and Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort, provide comfortable stays with easy access to dive sites. For a more local experience, homestays on islands like Arborek, Kri, or Gam are budget-friendly and allow visitors to connect with local communities. Liveaboards are another popular choice, especially for divers who want to explore remote sites and multiple regions of Raja Ampat. These floating accommodations vary in price and comfort, catering to different budgets.

Tips for Visiting Raja Ampat

When planning your trip to Raja Ampat, it’s important to book early, as accommodations and liveaboards fill up quickly, especially during the dry season. Pack light, bringing lightweight, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for boat trips. Respect the environment by following responsible diving practices, such as avoiding contact with marine life and not littering. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers diving and bring a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications. Finally, engage with local communities respectfully and support sustainable tourism initiatives to help preserve this incredible destination for future generations.