Just when we all thought Manta Rays found another home away from the Astrolabe Reef, BAM! manta ray sightings 2 days in a row right off Paradise Beach on Ono Island.
The first day, the gang spotted their wing tips coming through the water’s surface. As the boat was coming in for their surface interval after diving at Split Rock, they spotted the manta rays feeding in the water. Kevin made sure to take full advantage of the moment, exclaiming “STOP THE BOAT! STOP THE BOAT!” Kevin, Jason, and the rest of the crew quickly readied their mask, snorkel, and fins to have a swim with the manta rays for more than 30 minutes.
On the second day, we were all armed with our cameras hoping to get a killer shot. This time we swam with the mantas for 30 minutes before going to scuba dive at Split Rock and Jack’s Reef. These pictures are a mixture of the first and second day.
Some of the photos were taken from above as the mantas swam towards the surface then made a back flip right in front of the camera.
I’m just glad that my brother, Chris, got to see and swim with manta rays while he was in Fiji to celebrate the New Year. I know that Chris and Kevin were both as excited as everyone else to see these beautiful, gentle, and friendly animals up close and personal.
Tags: manta rays, photography, snorkeling
A huge shout out to everyone at Mai Dive! The mantas were definitely a ‘Bucket List’ experience for my lifetime. If you ever need a ‘manta whisperer’ you know who to call
You live a charmed life in Paradise. Thanks again for sharing it with those who make the trip to your shores. My only regret is that I had to come back home.
I second the shout out. We were also there for this adventure. We had just gotten married the day before so this was our “wedding gift”. Thank you Jason, Kuki and Kevin for the eagle eye. A memory to carry with us forever.
Susan and Steve