MANTA RAYS
Graceful underwater gliders!
SPECIES DETAILS
Scientific name:
Manta alfredi (Reef manta ray)
Habitat:
Coastal areas, especially reefs and atolls
Population:
Unknown, Australian estimates: 600 east & 1,200 -1,500 west
Conservation status:
Threatened Species (Protected in Australia)
Australian distribution:
QLD & WA
INFORMATION
Manta rays are large pelagic filter-feeding animals and, unlike their stingray cousins, do not have a stringing barb and are quite safe to dive with.
There are two known species, reef mantas which can be 5.5 metres (18’) across and giant oceanic mantas (Mobula birostris) reaching a width of seven metres (23’).
Scientists have tracked mantas for over 1,000 kilometres (620 mi), noting they reach depths in excess of 1,000 metres (3,300’).
Major threats include entanglement in fishing nets and pollution, and mantas are listed as vulnerable, gaining international protection in 2011.
They generally travel alone or in small groups with individuals often accompanied by remoras (sucker fish) on their underside.
Diving with these magnificent gentle gliding creatures is an awesome experience. They are unafraid and curious, and many divers have awesome face-to-face encounters!
North Stradbroke Island, just off Brisbane, is home to Manta Bommie and also has the largest leopard shark aggregation site in the world!
Interactions with manta rays can be seasonal, please check with the local dive services provider.
Manta Bommie is one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE
Special thanks to Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre Team.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Check with local dive services provider
2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.
DIVE SERVICES
QUEENSLAND
Capricorn Group
NEW SOUTH WALES
Tweed Heads
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
OTHER SERVICES
STRADDIE BREWING CO
5 Junner Street, Dunwich
North Stradbroke Island QLD 4183
+61 (7) 3469 6726
gday@straddiebrewing.com.au
www.straddiebrewing.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
