Guidelines for Safe and Respectful Interaction with Manta Rays

Hawaii’s waters are home to a rich marine ecosystem, including the majestic manta rays. Meeting a manta ray in real life can be a life-changing experience. 

Observing these creatures in their natural habitat is a privilege that comes with responsibility. 

Hawaii Ocean Watch is dedicated to fostering these magical interactions through education and advocacy. Here, we share essential guidelines for interacting with manta rays to protect the gentle giants while enriching your ocean adventures.

To ensure safe and sustainable interactions, consider the following guidelines:

Observe, Don’t Touch

The first rule of wildlife observation is simple: look, but do not touch. 

Manta rays have a protective mucus layer on their skin, which can be damaged by human touch, making them vulnerable to infections and diseases. Maintaining a respectful distance preserves their health and the natural balance of the marine ecosystem.

Positioning Matters

When diving or snorkeling with manta rays, your position in the water plays a crucial role in the safety and comfort of these encounters. 

Scuba divers are to remain near the bottom of the ocean floor, while snorkelers should float calmly at the surface. Avoid free diving or swimming vertically, as this can disrupt the natural water columns and interfere with the manta rays’ feeding patterns. 

By keeping to your positions, you help maintain the natural order and ensure a more authentic and less intrusive experience.

Stay Calm and Collected

Manta rays are sensitive to movements and sounds. 

Staying calm, keeping your fins below the waterline to minimize splashing, and refraining from loud noises can significantly enhance your encounter. Calm behavior is less likely to startle these creatures, encouraging them to approach closer and interact more freely, offering a more intimate glimpse into their world.

Mind Your Bubbles

For scuba divers, timing your breathing is more than just a practice in air conservation. When positioned near the bottom, try to time your exhales to avoid releasing bubbles directly upwards towards a manta ray. These bubbles can be surprising or even disturbing to them. 

By being mindful of your breathing, you contribute to a peaceful environment that is conducive to positive interactions.

Approach from the Side

Like many marine animals, manta rays prefer to be approached in specific ways. By moving toward them from the side, you allow them to see you and maintain a clear path in the ocean. This approach respects their space and autonomy, making encounters safer for both parties.

Beyond the Guidelines

Respecting these basic guidelines for interacting with manta rays is about more than ensuring their safety; it’s about making a pact with the ocean itself. 

By choosing to engage with marine life in a way that prioritizes their well-being, we take a significant step toward a more sustainable and harmonious co-existence with the natural world.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, your actions will contribute to preserving these magnificent creatures and the beauty of Hawaii’s oceans.

As you plan your next ocean adventure, remember that every encounter with marine life is an opportunity to practice respect, curiosity, and conservation.