The Best Places to Dive With Manta Rays by Month

Getting in the water with manta rays is an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, there are incredible destinations around the world where you can encounter these majestic marine marvels. If this wildlife encounter is top of your bucket list, you only have to ask yourself when you want to go. We’ve put together a guide to the best places to dive with manta rays by month.

Before diving into the best destinations for manta rays each month, it’s worth noting that there are two species of manta ray: the giant oceanic manta ray and the reef manta ray. If you’re looking to encounter the world’s largest manta species, consider the Socorro Islands in Mexico and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, both known for their giant oceanic manta ray sightings.

Keep reading to discover the top manta ray dive spots across the globe, with recommendations for every month of the year.

diver swimming behind a manta ray in the socorro islands, mexico

January

There’s no better way to banish the winter blues (if you live in the Northern Hemisphere) than with an unforgettable manta ray diving adventure! From Mexico to Australia, January offers incredible opportunities to swim alongside these graceful giants. The best places to see manta rays in January include the Socorro Islands, which are entering peak oceanic manta season, and Raja Ampat, where divers have the rare chance to see both reef and oceanic manta species in a single trip.

February

Love is truly in the air in February as manta mating season in Yap, Micronesia, reaches its peak. It’s also an excellent time to dive with mantas in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, where seasonally warm waters create an abundance of plankton — attracting plenty of feeding mantas.

March

Throughout March, Socorro remains one of the world’s top destinations for diving with oceanic manta rays. Meanwhile, alongside the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador’s Machalilla National Park is just entering its manta ray season, offering another incredible opportunity to dive with manta rays in this South American diving mecca.

April

April is one of the best times to dive with manta rays in Indonesia. Nusa Penida offers prime water conditions, while Raja Ampat remains in season, providing excellent opportunities for manta ray encounters throughout the country. You can check out the best liveaboards in Indonesia here.

May

In May, the conditions in the Aloha State (Hawaii) enter their peak period, so this month is a great time to head to Kona for the famous manta ray night dive. May also brings the end of the season in the Socorro Islands in Mexico and Cocos Island in Costa Rica. However, Hanifaru Bay is just ramping up for the peak of its manta season, making a liveaboard in the Maldives a great choice.

June

As mid-year approaches, peak manta activity is just beginning around Lady Elliot Island, Australia. Meanwhile, from June until October, Fiji emerges as one of the best places to see, swim, and dive with manta rays, with an estimated 200 to 300 individuals visiting this Pacific paradise.

July

Kona, Hawaii, continues to offer excellent diving conditions throughout July. This month is also one of the best times to dive with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, Maldives, where visitors may witness thrilling manta ray frenzies as they gather to feast on plankton blooms.

August

For the best manta ray encounters during the month of August, consider heading to Fiji. This manta hotspot is at its peak during this month. It’s also home to some of the best shark diving in the world.

Manta Mouth best place to dive with manta rays by month

September

While manta ray encounters are possible year-round in Mozambique, September is one of the best months to dive with these graceful creatures in Tofo. In addition, peak season is winding down in Kona, Hawaii, and this is the last chance to see mantas in Lady Elliot Island, Australia, too.

manta ray in the background of a photograph of a coral reef

October

Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives remains one of the best places to dive with manta rays during this month. October is also a great time to visit Ishigaki Island, Japan, or head to Indonesia to catch the end of peak manta season in Nusa Penida.

November

November marks the start of manta ray season in two of the world’s top diving destinations. The Socorro Islands in Mexico and Cocos Island in Costa Rica — both ranked among the best liveaboard destinations — offer divers the chance to see mantas alongside an abundance of other remarkable marine life. Meanwhile, in Asia, it’s your last chance for mantas in Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives, as the season comes to a close.

manta ray - galapagos - underwater best places to dive with manta rays by month

December

The end of the calendar year marks the start of manta ray season in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. December is also an excellent month for spotting giant mantas in the Socorro Islands. Meanwhile, manta activity is ramping up in Asia, with numbers steadily increasing in Yap, making encounters more likely. Additionally, improving conditions in Khao Lak make December one of the best times to try your luck with mantas in Thailand’s Similan Islands and Koh Bon.

Manta Ray FAQs

Want to know more about these majestic ocean dwellers? Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about manta rays.

How big are manta rays?

The world’s largest species of manta ray, the oceanic manta ray, has a wingspan of up to 8 meters (26 feet). The reef manta ray, the smaller of the two species, has a maximum wingspan of 4.5 meters (15 feet).

How many species of manta rays are there?

There are two recognized species of manta ray. These are the oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) and the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi).

In addition, there is also the possibility of a third possible species of manta ray, known as the Atlantic manta ray. This potential species inhibits the tropical waters of the West Atlantic and the Caribbean, but more research is needed before this species can be formally described.

Are manta rays dangerous?

No, manta rays are not dangerous to people. These docile marine giants don’t possess the famed venomous tail spine found in other rays. Manta rays also lack teeth sharp enough to cut flesh and only use their impressive size to help them avoid potential predators.

However, if you’re a small organism, like plankton floating in the water, then manta rays can be very dangerous. Read on to find out more!

What do manta rays eat?

Manta rays are filter feeders, and their diet consists of small organisms floating around in the ocean water. These include zooplankton, phytoplankton, krill, and even small crustaceans.

How can I book a trip to dive with manta rays?

There are lots of places you can dive with manta rays. Once you’ve decided on where you want to dive with these gorgeous animals, head over to PADI Travel to book the dive trip of your dreams directly online or to connect with a Scuba Travel Expert via email, phone or chat.

padi coral reef restoration PNG manta ray

Ready To Dive With Manta Rays?

Now that you know where and when to dive with manta rays, it’s time to make it happen. Once you’ve chosen your dream destination, explore the available liveaboards, dive resorts, and dive shops on PADI Travel. Alternatively, reach out via phone, email, or chat for expert advice and assistance in planning your dive getaway.

Book Your Manta Ray Trip Now

The Best Places To Dive With Manta Rays by Month