Giant Mantas
The giant oceanic manta ray, giant manta ray, or oceanic manta ray, (Mobula birostris) is a species of ray in the family Mobulidae, and the largest type of ray in the world. It is circumglobal and is typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, but can also be found in temperate waters. Until 2017, the species was classified in the genus Manta, along with the smaller reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi). DNA testing revealed that both species are more closely related to rays of the genus Mobula than previously thought. As a result, the giant manta was renamed as Mobula birostris to reflect the new classification.
The giant oceanic manta ray can grow up to 9 m (30 ft) long and to a disc size of 7 m (23 ft) across with a weight of about 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) but average size commonly observed is 4.5 m (15 ft). It is dorsoventrally flattened and has large, triangular pectoral fins on either side of the disc. At the front, it has a pair of cephalic fins which are forward extensions of the pectoral fins. These can be rolled up in a spiral for swimming or can be flared out to channel water into the large, forward-pointing, rectangular mouth when the animal is feeding. The teeth are in a band of 18 rows and are restricted to the central part of the lower jaw. The eyes and the spiracles are on the side of the head behind the cephalic fins, and the gill slits are on the ventral (under) surface. It has a small dorsal fin and the tail is long and whip-like.
After a 15-year absence the Giant Mantas have returned to La Reina. Some of the Dive Gurus staff were around when the Mantas could be regularly seen around La Reina. The heartbreaking loss has turned to joy. These majestic and graceful animals have returned. From 2016 to 2017 mantas were sporadically seen at La Reina. 2018 has been an incredible season with more than 11 individuals identified. Last year in 2021, three new individuals were identified.
Join us and ensure you have zero impact when interacting with these animals. The Dive Gurus are working closer with researchers, government and other tourism companies to ensure we not only learn more about these animals, but that our interactions have zero impact.
La Reina is situated just north of Cerralvo Island. The small islet is also home to a small colony of Californian Sea Lions and hundreds of reef fish and many turtles. The trip is dependent on good weather and is two hours travel from the marina, there and back.
The giant oceanic manta ray can grow up to 9 m (30 ft) long and to a disc size of 7 m (23 ft) across with a weight of about 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) but average size commonly observed is 4.5 m (15 ft). It is dorsoventrally flattened and has large, triangular pectoral fins on either side of the disc. At the front, it has a pair of cephalic fins which are forward extensions of the pectoral fins. These can be rolled up in a spiral for swimming or can be flared out to channel water into the large, forward-pointing, rectangular mouth when the animal is feeding. The teeth are in a band of 18 rows and are restricted to the central part of the lower jaw. The eyes and the spiracles are on the side of the head behind the cephalic fins, and the gill slits are on the ventral (under) surface. It has a small dorsal fin and the tail is long and whip-like.
After a 15-year absence the Giant Mantas have returned to La Reina. Some of the Dive Gurus staff were around when the Mantas could be regularly seen around La Reina. The heartbreaking loss has turned to joy. These majestic and graceful animals have returned. From 2016 to 2017 mantas were sporadically seen at La Reina. 2018 has been an incredible season with more than 11 individuals identified. Last year in 2021, three new individuals were identified.
Join us and ensure you have zero impact when interacting with these animals. The Dive Gurus are working closer with researchers, government and other tourism companies to ensure we not only learn more about these animals, but that our interactions have zero impact.
La Reina is situated just north of Cerralvo Island. The small islet is also home to a small colony of Californian Sea Lions and hundreds of reef fish and many turtles. The trip is dependent on good weather and is two hours travel from the marina, there and back.
