The Complete Guide to Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Fiji

Fiji is one of the few places in the world where you can swim, snorkel or dive with majestic manta rays. So if you've been waiting to cross this unforgettable activity off your bucket list, this is the place to do it.

Manta rays are the world's largest rays and usually consist of two species: the giant oceanic manta rays (Manta birostris) and the reef manta rays (Manta alfredi). Giant oceanic manta rays migrate vast distances (over 1000 km), while smaller reef manta rays migrate shorter distances (around 100-250 km) as they like to stay in shallow waters where there is a good food source .

Reef manta rays are more common in Fiji and have two colors: onyx blank and bold chevron. However, most guides can recognize individual manta rays by their unique markings (much like a fingerprint) and can even name the "regulars" who frequent the area. But despite their resemblance to stingrays and their enormous size, manta rays are gentle giants that feed on filter feeders without posing the danger of being stabbed or bitten.

Listed as Endangered (oceanic) or Vulnerable (reef) on the IUCN Red List, manta rays are protected in Fiji waters . In fact, they do not serve as food here, but sometimes accidentally end up in fishing nets. Manta rays mature late and take years to have their “pups”, and even then there are very few of them. Thus, any fishing pressure - intentional or not - can affect their population.

The Fiji Manta Project is working with some local resorts to mark and study the behavior of mantas so they can determine the true size of their population, understand their migration routes, and plan how best to protect them.

Rare sightings of manta rays occur throughout the year, but the likelihood of seeing them in Fiji is higher between May and October. These encounters usually occur at known reef sites where mantas congregate to feed or raise their young.

We are still learning how manta rays move around our islands, but there are a few places where manta rays can be seen throughout the season. However, as with any wild animal, sightings are not always guaranteed. So, plan to stay in the area for a few days and your chances of seeing them will increase significantly.

Yasawa Islands:

During the season, manta rays gather at high tide to feed on plankton in the narrow channel between Drawaka Island and Naviti Island. Manta Channel is perhaps the most accessible manta site in Fiji with numerous resorts, cruises and day trip options.

It is a fairly shallow area (you can see the seabed) with strong currents, which will carry you quite quickly, so always choose a life jacket to save energy. Your guide will help you spot the mantas, tell you where to go, and coordinate with the boatman to do it all over again.

Kadavu:

There are several manta habitats on the Great Astrolabe Reef in Kadavu, a remote cluster of islands in southern Fiji. Like a “car wash,” these are basically reef cleaning stations where small fish and shrimp cleanse parasites from their manta ray patrons. Deeper areas, such as near Matawa Resort on the south coast of Kadavu, are suitable for diving, while shallower areas, such as near Kokomo Island Resort and Oneta Resort, are excellent for snorkeling.

Wakaya Island:

The areas around Wakaya Island in central Fiji are deeper and more suitable for diving, so you'll have more time underwater to watch the mantas feeding and cleaning. Visit these sites when you stay at Wakaya Island Resort & Spa or on a liveaboard dive aboard Naya Fiji.

Prices for guided manta ray snorkeling tours vary between resorts. It is usually cheaper to stay at a resort near a manta feeding or reef cleaning site to save on boat fuel and travel time.

Manta ray sightings are common at resorts are carried out at high tide. But the resorts located near the sites have "observers" who check when the mantas are in the channel. Listen to the sounds of lali (drums) and get ready for a mad dash towards the boat; Just don't forget your snorkels in a hurry!

However, if you are going on a multi-day cruise or charter a yacht in the Yasawa Islands, a visit to the mantas is usually included in your itinerary. And for those interested but short on time, there is always the option of booking a day trip with South Sea Cruises from Port Denarau on the main island.

Join a tour to get the most out of your experience and follow these tips.

• Give the mantas space to move (ideally 3 meters or more). Touching, disturbing or splashing too hard may scare them off, so move slowly and calmly.
• Follow your guide's directions. There's a lot going on, so stick to your guide and be aware of your surroundings (snorkelers, divers) to avoid injury.
• Always wear a life jacket, even if you're a confident swimmer. There are currents in some places that can easily tire you out. The extra buoyancy will make your time in the water much better.
• Don't forget your Go Pro or underwater camera!
• Bring a towel and a spare t-shirt along for your trip to dry off and stay warm during your trip by boat back to the resort.
• Be aware that manta rays are wild animals and do not always stick to a schedule. If you stay here for a few days during the season, you have a better chance of meeting them.