Swimming with manta rays is one of Ningaloo Reef's 'Big 3' bucket list experiences, along with swimming with whale sharks and swimming with humpback whales.
You can swim with manta rays year round on the Ningaloo Reef from Coral Bay, in the Ningaloo region of Western Australia's Coral Coast. When joining a whale shark or humpback whale swim tour from Coral Bay or Exmouth, you may also have the opportunity to swim with a manta ray. Like whale sharks, manta rays are filter feeders and have a large toothless mouth which they use like a sieve to scoop up plankton and krill. Their wingspans measure several metres, enabling them to swim at rapid speeds, occasionally leaping out of the water and landing with a slap.
Unlike stingrays, manta rays do not have a sharp barb, making them very safe to swim, snorkel or dive with!
Watch these majestic creatures glide elegantly and effortlessly through the water by joining a tour to swim with manta rays. You may be lucky enough to see a group of males displaying their acrobatic skills, as they compete with each other for a female’s attention.
Dedicated half and full day manta ray tours depart daily from Coral Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to swim with manta rays?
- Absolutely! Unlike sting rays, manta rays do not have a sharp barb, making them very safe to swim, snorkel or dive with. These majestic creatures are highly intelligent and can live for up to 50 years, and swimming with them is a once-in-a-lifetime, truly unforgettable experience.
Where can you swim with manta rays?
- Dedicated manta ray swim tours operate from Coral Bay all year round. Check out tour operators below. Manta rays are sometimes also seen on whale shark swims, humpback whale swims and other Ningaloo Reef snorkelling tours from Exmouth.
How big are manta rays?
- Big! Manta rays are the largest species of ray in the world, and their wingspan can grow up to 8 metres (29 feet)!
Swim with manta rays in Coral Bay - join a full day or half day tour any day of the year.
You'll also have the opportunity to swim and snorkel over incredible thousand year old coral formations and see fish, turtles and more!
Whilst you're here, learn more about Coral Bay's attractions...
Dive the Coral Coast
Dive beneath the waves and discover some of the most ecologically diverse marine environments in the world on Australia's Coral Coast.
