Where can I snorkel with Manta Rays?

by Mihai Pinzariu on September 25, 2019

Manta rays are one of the most graceful and majestic creatures in the ocean, and if you wanna see one up close you’ve gotta know where to go. Mantas are known to congregate around cleaning stations, where schools of fish feed off the debris on their skin, or feeding stations where you can find scores of plankton.

If you want to snorkel with a manta ray, there are many places around the world where you can have your very own personal encounter with one. Here are the best places in the world to snorkel with manta rays, for beginner snorkels all the way to die-hard adventurers!

Snorkelling with Manta Rays in Australia

Great Barrier Reef

Lady Elliot Island - Described as 'Home of the Manta', this is the best spot to snorkel with manta rays in Australia. You'll find mantas here all year round, with the population peaking between May and August.

North Stradbroke Island, Great Barrier Reef - The warmer months of October to March are the best times to snorkel with manta rays here. You’ll see congregations of giant manta rays cleaning.

Heron Island - The shallow waters surrounding Heron Island are crawling with sea life, and manta ray sightings are common in the cooler months.

Whitsundays

Hook Island - Snorkel around the Pinnacles or the aptly named Manta Ray Bay, and if you’re here during winter then you’re guaranteed to be swimming with manta rays.

Bait Reef - You can snorkel with manta rays at two spots here. Stepping Stones is teeming with manta rays and Manta Ray Drop-Off is home to huge populations but prone to a current. The best time to spot manta rays here is from May to September.

Western Australia

Coral Bay, Coral Coast - There are over 600 manta rays feeding and cleaning along this part of the Ningaloo Reef, and lots of manta ray snorkeling tours to show you the best spots to find them. If you go between June and November you might even spot whale sharks here!

Snorkelling with Manta Rays in Bali

Nusa Penida 

Manta Bay - Lots of tour companies will advertise Manta Bay as being in Nusa Lembongan, but don’t be mistaken. Nusa Penida is where they’ll be taking you every time, and Manta Bay is Bali’s best destination for snorkeling with giant manta rays. You can find mantas swimming all year round in the shallow waters here, feeding on the scores of plankton in the area. The best time to visit is in the morning before it gets super crowded.

Manta Point - Surrounded by high cliffs with a strong current and rough ocean conditions, this is a manta ray cleaning station where you can see the gentle giants resting in 4 - 6 metre deep water while being cleaned by smaller fish. Due to the rough conditions this destination might be best for advanced snorkelers or divers.

Crystal Bay - Another spot in Nusa Penida where you can have the chance to snorkel with mantas, we’re only putting this one on the list because it’s popular with bout tours. Most manta snorkeling tours in Bali will take you to these 3 destinations in Nusa Penida, giving you the chance to swim with mantas in all three. That said, Manta Bay is definitely the highlight!

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Brazil

Fernando do Noronha - You can snorkel with manta rays in this world-class diving island in Brazil. This is for the seriously adventurous as the island is remote, but you’ll be snorkeling in a beautiful reef with manta rays and lots of marine life, as well as the world's largest spinner dolphin colony. Visibility here is over 50 metres!

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Costa Rica

Catalina Islands - These islands are home to a huge population of giant manta rays with wingspans of up to 7 metres. The best time to snorkel with manta rays is from November to May, when numbers are at their peak and visibility is best. Hit up Tamarindo Beach for your best bet to see mantas, and if you come between January and March this area will be teeming with giant mantas.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Fiji

Mantaray Island - A protected sanctuary and marine park, this is the best place in Fiji to snorkel with manta rays. They feed in huge numbers on a daily basis between May and October, and you'll lots of manta ray tours and operators here that take you directly to where they've been spotted.

Barefoot Island - During the months of May through to October, schools of massive manta rays float through the Manta Ray Passage between Nanuya Balavu and Drawaqa Islands. If you come during this time, you'll see them passing through almost daily as they feed on plankton.

Naviti Island - The southern end of Naviti Island is another spot where you can snorkel with the manta rays gliding through the Manta Ray Passage. They’re here almost daily between May and October, and there's even a drum that sounds every time one has been spotted.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Florida Keys

Islamorada - While this isn't a hugely popular manta ray gathering spot, people often spot mantas while snorkeling the waters of Islamorada. Keep your eyes peeled!

Key Largo - Manta rays have been spotted while snorkeling here, particularly in the areas around John Pennekamp State Park.

Key West - The manta ray population here isn't big enough that you can guarantee a sighting, but if you're lucky you might be able to see manta rays while snorkeling around Dry Tortugas National Park. It's been known to happen!

Looe Key - Looe Key is a complete reef ecosystem with huge varieties of tropical marine species. If you're lucky you'll spot manta rays while snorkeling here, and maybe even eagle rays or whale sharks.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Hawaii

Big Island

Kailua-Kona - The Kona coast is one of the few places in the world where you can bet on snorkeling with mantas. With a huge manta ray population, you'll find no shortage of snorkel tours to take you straight to the manta ray feeding and cleaning stations. The mantas here are the second largest species of manta rays with wingspans of up to 5.5 metres. Best of all, you’ll find them swimming around the islands all year round as Hawaiian mantas don’t migrate.

Waikoloa - This is Hawaii's second most popular spot for snorkeling with manta rays, and the tours are much more peaceful here! The Kohala coast is home to as many manta rays as the Kona, but it’s a lot less visited by tour boats. That means you can enjoy a much more intimate experience with the mantas.

Maui

Molokini Crater - Many mantas have been spotted swimming in the deep waters of the Molokini Crater. The best time to spot them swimming is in the early morning, before all the tourist boats arrive. Mantas will feel more comfortable showing themselves and rising up to the surface of the crater waters with less swimmers around.

Olowalu Reef - On the west side of Maui is this reef system where you'll find a manta ray cleaning station with over 350 mantas to discover. It’s the world’s fourth largest population of mantas, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll always be easily spotted. If you’re lucky, you will see them!

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Indonesia

Raja Ampat - You'll find just about every rare and majestic sea creature here, from manta rays to wobbegong sharks. Manta Ridge is your best best for snorkeling with mantas in Indonesia, a cleaning station where you can spot up to 30 manta rays at a time! Come between October and April and you’ll be able to swim with mantas from a number of different snorkel sites here. Other good spots to snorkel with mantas in Raja Ampat are Mountain and Manta Sandy. You’ll find lots of operators to take you there, and locals are always in the know.

Komodo Island - Komodo National Park is crawling with unique wildlife in their natural habitats, and that includes mantas! The best spot to snorkel with mantas in Komodo is Karang Makassar, where you can see crowds of mantas feeding and maybe even schooling. Come during rainy season, from December to February, when temperatures are cooler and mantas come to feed on plankton. Visibility is not great but there are lots of mantas to swim with!

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Japan

Ishigaki Island - People come to this Japanese island specifically to swim with giant manta rays, and you don’t have to scuba dive to see them! The waters in the reef around Ishigaki Island are home to ‘Manta Scramble’, a known spot where giant manta rays congregate to clean and feed. You can often see them gliding along the surface while snorkeling.

Snorkelling with Manta Rays in The Maldives

South Ari Atoll - Here you can snorkel with manta rays during the northeast monsoon season from September to May. Your best chances to spot mantas will be between February and April, but you can see whale sharks here all year!

Baa Atoll - There are up to 200 manta rays feeding along the Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll. The best time to snorkel with mantas here is between May and November when they congregate to feed on plankton - the largest manta feeding station on Earth!

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Mexico

Cancun - Manta rays are often spotted swimming in the waters of the Yucatan Peninsula around Cancun. Your best bet for snorkeling with manta rays is on a whale shark boat tour, where you’ll spot mantas feeding on the plankton amongst the whale sharks. You’ll get to enjoy snorkeling with two of the ocean’s most majestic creatures at once!

Isla Mujeres - Isla Mujeres is your best bet for snorkeling with manta rays in Mexico. Home to the largest population of mantas in the region, if you come between May and September you can catch hundreds of mantas congregating in the waters around the island to feed on plankton.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Oceania

Micronesia

Yap - This island is famous for its huge manta ray population that come to feed on the plankton provided by the mangroves surrounding the area. The mantas here are huge, with wingspans of up to 7 metres, and there are numerous cleaning stations to explore. Come between November and May and you’ll find mantas in the Mi’il Channel, and visit in the summer to see them in the Goofnuw Channels.

Papa New Guinea

Gona Bara Bara Island - This diving spot is known for its huge population of manta rays which congregate at a cleaning station just off the northern side of this island. The mantas here are gigantic, but the island is quite far from shore and you’ll need to take a private boat charter or go with a dive company.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Puerto Rico

Tamarindo Beach - Near Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island you’ll find a trail to this small beach with an incredible reef where you can often spot small manta rays while snorkeling.

Vieques Island - If you're lucky you can spot small manta rays while snorkeling in the waters around Vieques. Mantas have been spotted swimming around the pier at Esperanza Beach, especially in the early mornings. Try your luck!

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Thailand

Koh Bon Island - This is the best place to snorkel with manta rays in Thailand, home to the largest manta cleaning and feeding station and giant mantas up to 5 metres in length. They’ll be swimming in the shallows between January and April, and you can also head to nearby Koh Tachai to see another (smaller) manta population.


How many people dream of snorkelling but don't feel comfortable wearing a snorkel mask?

The Influencer @lud.around is a NINJASHARK lover!

NINJASHARK is the sound of a revolution in snorkeling. Whereas other water equipments companies are constantly adding poor quality products, we listen to your feedback and constantly improve our products to fit for all of your needs.

 
"I'm not leaving my room without the mask. The full face snorkeling mask from Australia is comfortable and fit me perfectly! Love how easy it is to breath out your nose and mouth when you snorkeling and even has earplugs!"

“The mask include GOPRO mounts, so you can easily film and photograph underwater scenery! I highly recommend especially to people who have a fear of snorkeling! This mask is really easy to use and is safe!” said @lud.around. “I can’t wait for my next trip with my new mask!”

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks makes your experiences the best they can be. They are exclusively sold on the Ninja Shark website.

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks comes equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, no CO2 Buildup with improved uni-directional valves, and a revolutionary breathe flow system so you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.





“If you thought we’re just here to sell you products, think again. You’re part of the Ninja Shark family, and your feedback matters! We’re constantly working to improve our products and deliver the full face snorkel mask that exists only in our dreams!”

What customers are saying about us…

“Awesome set.

Loved the complete set. I even used the waterproof phone pouch to take photos and videos underwater. It made my Fiji experience so much better than using the free snorkel set that hurt your face after 2hours and leaving a sun/mask mark. The ninja leaves no marks and gives great vision under water in comparison. It did take some getting used to but it definitely paid off! Only frustration is that the tightening straps are quite basic; they should be much simpler to loosen and tighten both in and out of water.” – Jock

Try our line of snorkelling and swimming gear
by Ninja Shark! You’ll love it.

All Ninja Shark Products are tailor-made
with medical silicone.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet.
That’s why the Ninja Shark Full Face Snorkelling Masks are made from a non-toxic and environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone, that’s not only safer for your kids but safer for you too.
LEAVE A COMMENT

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published


Based on 1514 reviews
91%
(1373)
7%
(102)
1%
(20)
1%
(8)
1%
(11)
Prescription Lens for full face snorkel

Recently we went on a cruise to the South Pacific with lots of opportunities to snorkel. I was asked so many times "are they prescription lenses in there" & "where did you get them from".

The lenses were awesome, I was able to see and enjoy the snorkelling. Others tried mine and were amazed how good they were. As they were suctioned to the mask it made sure the mask was in the correct position on you face (not too high/low). Initially my lenses were a little tight to put together but they went in alright in the end :)

It was easy to find out what level (prescription/strength) was needed, I just went to my optometrist with the options and they told me which ones I needed.

D
Lifetime Warranty
Diane K. (Melbourne, AU)
The Ninja Shark Snorkel mask is awesome!

We bought these snorkel masks as we were going on a tropical holiday which included snorkelling tours and we both hated breathing through traditional plastic snorkels shoved in our mouths. My partner in particular did not want to snorkel because of this. These snorkel masks are FANTASTIC and were GAME CHANGERS. We did several lots of snorkelling on our holiday and every time, we were able to lie in the water, breathe normally and focus on looking underwater without worrying about breathing. Even if you dive underwater with these masks, the valve blocks water from coming into your snorkel mask. I bought the premium Equaliser Pro with the ability to pinch your nose if diving and my partner bought the basic model. Both are fantastic products - comfortable, easy to wear and highly recommended. You need to fit it tightly but it's really comfortable in the water and doesn't leak. Even when you come up you don't need to take it off, just keep breathing normally. I loved snorkelling with this product and even my anti-snorkelling partner really enjoyed it and felt this mask was a game changer.

T
Lifetime Warranty
Tom P. (Melbourne, AU)
Recommended

Great product and even better customer service

J
Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)
JEANNIE O. (Piara Waters, AU)
Bloody love this!

Never snorkelled in my life. Petrified of putting my head under water. But now my neck is bad - if I don't alter the way I swim - then no more swimming for me. This has opened 'a whole new world' - (haha -that songs stuck in your head now) - to me. I'm just using my ninja gear in my gym outdoor pool atm. My legs are getting so strong - and my lungs too - as I'm doing some great breathing. I have huge surgery coming up soon - and i believe this is allowing me to get to a great level of fitness - in preparation. Honestly - i can't go on enough about this product enough. My friend bought a cheaper version. She's given it away already... say no more 🤿🤿🤿

B
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Bolang C. (Perth, AU)
Great design

This is the best snorkel mask I’ve ever had. Very comfortable on face, easy to breathe. I am not a good swimmer, it makes me feel safe and enjoy snorkelling without distraction. Thank you ninjiashark.

Best snorkel ever!!

Got one of these for me and my 7 year old daughter for Xmas. We’ve used them twice already and love them!! So much easier to breathe, can see so much and just makes the whole snorkelling experience better! Would highly recommend!

Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

R
Lifetime Warranty
Robyn H. (Adelaide, AU)
Amazing

The best snorkel and mask combination. No going back now! I could snorkel for over an hour easily. So glad I made this purchase

M
(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)
Maureen R. (Townsville, AU)
Mermaid

While travelling in Timor leste l met a fellow snorkeller. We snorkelled for 10 days together the food was shit but the water was stunning. The friend was using Ninja Shark fins and mask mine were steaming up, letting in water and heavy. On arriving back in Australia l ordered straight away.
I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

Took it to Tahiti

I wasn’t quite sure about getting a full face mask but bought mine (Electra package) before a trip to Tahiti which we got home from yesterday - absolutely LOVED it!!! I’ll be getting one for my wife before our next trip to a similar destination. BTW I make LOTS of crazy videos with lots of toys.

Judge.me YouTube video placeholder
Life changing

I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Joanne T. (Brisbane, AU)
Super quality & fit

So happy we got Ninja shark, perfect for Great barrier reef snorkel day.
Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

We recently brought the Ninja Shark Kids 3-11 Mask + Fins + Bag package for our 7 year old who absolutely loves it! Will be buying three more for the rest of the family. 😊

Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

I wasn't sure how the 3 year old would go with it, but he was comfortable in it almost immediately, and spent hours swimming around and seeing a whole new world of underwater scenery.

They were easy to fit, zero issues with them staying on. No leaks or fog.

They can't wait to get back to the water!

Highly recommend this product :)

N
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Nick J. (Brisbane, AU)
mask swimming

The mask did exactly what was stated. I was very happy and will get another mask for my daughter.

R
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Raffaele S. (Perth, AU)
Great way to swim

I have NEVER been able to snorkel but love swimming. These full face snorkels are an absolute game changer in my life. Now I try to swim around 5 kms a week in the local pool. The Ninja mask makes it easy to do laps. I’ve been using the Ninja Shark for a quite few years and find the new Electra the best full face mask ever. No leaks, no fog and really easy to use and great quality. I’ve noticed my regular chats with other swimmers at the pool have encouraged many of them to purchase one of their own. I’ve given my older models to my grandkids and they love them too.

Fabulous

I got one for the 3 year old and one for the 5 year old, I thought maybe the 3 year old would get the hang of it eventually but they both loved it and mastered it pretty quickly. We’ve only used in the swimming pool, excited to go snorkeling in the ocean soon. Great product.

S
Lifetime Warranty
Sarah B. (Surfers Paradise, AU)
Love it!

Amazing product ! Have the electra package, kids love it. So easy to use. Highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Jen M. (Brisbane, AU)
Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

The product itself was amazing, but the service we received allowed us to get our 2 sets of masks for our cruise. We took them with us and used them multiple times for snorkelling on our cruise to Nouméa and New Caledonia. It was amazing snorkelling and being able to breathe easily, and the fins were the most comfortable I've ever used. I've got size 13 feet, and not only were they completely adjustable, but they were THE most comfortable fins ever invented. A massive shoutout to Colleen Zamora from your support staff who helped me out and made it possible to take our gear on holidays! Thanks Colleen!
The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

G
Lifetime Warranty
Geri D. (Sydney, AU)
Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️