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Manta Ray Diving in Thailand

Manta Ray Diving in Thailand

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on April 14, 2013

Thailand is renown for its colorful SCUBA diving, exploding with marine life and tranquil vistas both beneath the surface and above it. With an abundance of coral gardens, interesting rock formations, shipwrecks, and marine species large and small, Thailand has become one of the premiere diving destinations in the world, with more than 200,000 divers visiting the region annually. Some of the major attractions here are the larger pelagic species, like sharks, and a whale shark sighting is something that some divers spend their entire lives chasing. While whale sharks are indeed spectacular, no one can remain untouched by a majestic encounter with a giant oceanic manta ray.

While many sightings of sizable oceanic species like the manta ray have a lot to do with being in the right place at the right time, there are dive sites in Thailand where your chances are substantially higher than anywhere else. Koh Bon is one such site, which operates as both a feeding and cleaning station for the giant manta. Because many divers travel to this specific site to see giant mantas, the mantas here are used to divers and will often indulge them in “fly-bys” within touching distance, seemingly just as curious about the humans as we are about them. The dive sites Hin Daeng and Hin Muang in Thailand’s southern islands are also giant oceanic manta ray hot spots, and purportedly offer an equally good chance of whale shark sightings as well. The video below comprises two of these popular manta dive sites, showing the grace and beauty of these enormous creatures right at your fingertips.

As with all marine creatures, it is important to remember that enjoying the show is infinitely better than trying to be a part of it. Although the manta rays in these regions are accustomed to the presence of humans in the water, they do not typically enjoy being touched, and even a stream of bubbles can send them packing. It would be a shame to have your (and other divers’) experience sullied by just one misplaced touch, so be conscious of the wonderful privilege you’ve received by getting to be near these animals in their natural habitat. It will surely be an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your days.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro