Manta Rays On The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef has been home to thousands of species, including manta rays, for over 500,000 years. The manta ray plays an essential role in the ecosystem of coral reefs. The big winged beauties feed on specific zooplankton on the ocean floor and when they return to the reef, they excrete an incredible fertilizer that provides nourishing nutrients to the flourishing coral gardens. From May to October, manta rays can typically be seen along the coast of Queensland from North Stradbroke Island to Cairns, although they have been seen year round, depending on the location.
Where can I see manta rays on the Great Barrier Reef?
Lady Elliot Island
Located in the south of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island, is considered the unofficial ‘home’ of manta rays. These creatures are seen spreading their wings and cruising through the ocean year-round in this region. However, they come out in droves from May to October, as these are the cooler months of the year in Australia.
Mantaray Bay
Situated in the Whitsundays, Mantaray Bay off Hook Island is a scuba diving hot spot. These big beauties love to glide over the thick forests of coral and drop their special sea fertilizer, especially during the winter months as they migrate to warmer waters in search of food, mating and birthing their young in shallow waters, so they can develop in a relatively safe environment away from most predators.
North Stradbroke Island
In South East Queensland, North Stradbroke Island is another popular destination to catch a glimpse of manta rays, especially during the summer months. As the dive site’s name suggests, manta rays absolutely flock to Manta Bommie’s reef. Drop by to see huge groups of manta rays gliding together. Their inquisitive nature makes exploring the reefs with them all the more magical, as these wonderful sea creatures love to inspect and play with divers.
Frankland Islands
The fringing reefs around the Frankland Islands have delighted snorkelers with rare manta ray sightings from as early in the year as March. Normanby Island is part of a group of five islands located off the coast of North Queensland, about 45km south of Cairns and can be visited on the exclusive Frankland Islands Reef Cruise day trip. Together, High, Normanby, Round, Mabel and Russell Islands all make up the Frankland Group National Park and are known for their pristine natural beauty, diverse marine life and incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Interesting facts about manta rays
Every manta ray has unique markings on their underbelly
The markings on manta rays are among the noticeable features of these incredible sea creatures. Even though the top portions of manta rays usually look alike, their undersides vary distinctly. No two manta rays have the same markings, and each is unique — like snowflakes! This makes it easier for researchers as they can easily distinguish one manta ray from another.
Manta rays are highly intelligent
Manta ray's brain-to-size ratio is highly impressive. In fact, they possess the largest brains of any fish! Manta rays can even recognise themselves when standing (or swimming) before a mirror. And that’s just one slice of evidence indicating their brain power. They also showcase their intelligence with their high coordination skills and utilisation of complex tactics when feeding as a group. Groups of up to 150 manta rays will gather in a whirling formation, swimming anticlockwise for up to an hour to trap plankton in a cyclone-like feeding trap. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Check out these tours for a chance to spot manta rays on the Great Barrier Reef!
Manta rays are filter feeders
Manta rays consume plankton and small fish by swimming with their mouths open, filtering food through their gill rakers. They are often seen swimming in circles to create a spiral effect, catching food in their wake. Sometimes they will chain feed, forming long lines in a group with other manta rays. Plankton Blooms are a nutrient food source for manta rays and they will often migrate to warmer waters where zooplanktons are in abundance.
Manta rays are long-distance travellers
Manta rays are capable of traveling thousands of kilometres during their winter migrations. These long-distance journeys show just how adaptable and enduring they are. Some tagged manta rays have been recorded traveling across entire oceans, demonstrating their incredible navigational abilities and the importance of their conservation.
Can manta rays sting you?
Manta rays are harmless to humans and have docile and peaceful personalities. They do not have sharp barbs like stingrays do, meaning they cannot sting you. In the past, manta rays have been feared due to divers confusing them for stingrays. These days they are nicknamed the "angels of the sea". Any enthusiast of the ocean and marine creatures would love to swim alongside these intelligent beauties on the Great Barrier Reef.
Where can I see a manta ray in Cairns?
While there is no guarantee of being able to spot a manta ray in the wild, there have been sightings on the reef surrounding Frankland Islands just south of Cairns. The best chance of encountering a manta ray is by jumping on a Cairns reef tour. Snorkel and scuba diving both provide opportunities to spot mantas in the clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Some trips even offer glass bottom boat tours, where you can peer into the oceanic wonderland through glass panels in the boat floor.
How long can manta rays live for?
Manta rays can live for up to 50 years in the wild, and the Great Barrier Reef is lucky to be home to the oldest known of the species. It has been swimming in Australian waters for more than 40 years. First photographed way back in 1982, this big manta was christened Taurus. The photo was taken on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, and after four decades Taurus and their distinct black belly still inspires awe in divers. Taurus’ black belly is a result of their melanistic DNA, making their skin almost entirely black. These rays make up around 10% of the manta ray population on Australia’s East Coast. Taurus’ favourite place is manta ray hot spot, Lady Elliot Island. According to researchers, the celebrity manta ray has been spotted in the area more than 50 times.
