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Sign upSwim with Manta Rays in Fiji
Swimming With Manta Rays is a Must do Fiji Underwater Adventure
Swimming or snorkelling with majestic manta rays is one of the most unforgettable underwater experiences you can have. And while there are year-round sightings of manta rays in Fiji, the best time to swim with them at certain reef feeding and fish cleaning stations is between May to October.
Both black and chevron-morphed manta rays frequent Fiji waters and can be identified by their unique markings. Typically, they’re about 3.5 metres wide – though you might find some with a wingspan of over 5 metres.
Both black and chevron-morphed manta rays frequent Fiji waters and can be identified by their unique markings. Typically, they’re about 3.5 metres wide – though you might find some with a wingspan of over 5 metres.
Manta Ray Project
The Manta Project Fiji: Protecting and Studying Manta Rays
The Manta Project Fiji is part of a global conservation group (the Manta Trust) made up of researchers, scientists and conservationists who work with local communities, businesses, resorts and government to protect manta rays.
Working closely with resorts, the Manta Project Fiji monitors manta populations by identifying individuals, observing their behaviour and guiding guests on how to swim with manta rays.
What to Expect on a Manta Snorkel
Swimming with Gentle Giants: Manta Ray Snorkeling Essentials
Despite their enormous size, manta rays are harmless as they have no teeth or barbs. They are filter-feeders, gentle and curious by nature so interactions are safe and intimate. Manta rays are a protected species in Fiji so you will need a guide to swim with them. Follow your guide's directions, avoid getting too close or making loud splashes and let the mantas come to you.
Swimming with Manta Rays in the Yasawa Islands
Encounters with Graceful Giants: Manta Ray Swims in the Yasawa Islands
One of the best places to swim with manta rays in Fiji is nicknamed ‘Manta Ray Passage’ – a shallow channel between Drawaqa and Naviti islands in the Yasawa Islands. Between May and October, plankton is funnelled through this narrow channel attracting manta rays to gather and feed – usually on the high tide.
Although mantas visit the site daily during the season, it is possible to miss a day so plan a minimum 3-day stay at the resort to catch them in action. When they’re seen, a worker beats the lali (drum) to signal guests to assemble and get ready to snorkel.
Resorts like Barefoot Manta, Mantaray Island Resort and Botaira Resort are the closest to this channel but other resorts further away also run tours there.
Swimming with Manta Rays in Kadavu
Encounters with Elegance: Manta Ray Dives in Kadavu
You’ve also got a strong chance of encountering manta rays in the Kadavu Islands while scuba diving on submerged Manta Reef, a nutrient rich feeding site near the Great Astrolabe Reef.
Kokomo Private Island Resort’s take their guests snorkelling at nearby Stick Bomby Reef. Their conservation program (in conjunction with Manta Project Fiji) includes a manta tagging project, a manta identification project and snorkelling and diving with the rays a few minutes by boat from the resort. They also allow guests to adopt
their own manta ray.
Swimming with Manta Rays in the Lomaiviti Islands
Dive into Majesty: Manta Ray Encounters in the Lomaiviti Islands
There’s also manta ray cleaning locations in the Lomaiviti Islands just east of Suva. The Wakaya Club & Spa – a private luxury island resort in Fiji’s is also one of the best places to snorkel with manta rays. They’ve worked for nearly 50 years to help create a marine reserve around the island – now home to one of the most pristine reefs in Fiji, where you’ll find plenty of manta rays between May and September.
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