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Swimming with Manta Rays

Swimming with manta rays in their natural environment is a truly aweinspiring experience. You can tell you’re witnessing something incredible as these massive, gentle creatures glide effortlessly below you. Those who’ve experienced it say they had a feeling of connection, amazement and clarity that stayed with them long after leaving Fiji.

There are few places in the world where you can have this experience. Mantaray Island is one of those rare places, surrounded by a designated marine park.

Conservation of the species is a top priority in Fiji. Our tours are carefully planned and run in a way that allows the manta rays to carry out their normal behaviours without disruption.

What can I expect to see on the trip?

You can expect to see many manta rays of different sizes feeding in the channel.

Water clarity is usually very good, so you should be able to clearly see the details and colouration on these incredible creatures.

When should I visit Fiji if I want to swim with the manta rays?

Manta rays visit the channel between May and October, so if swimming with mantas is a must-do, plan your trip between these months. We
occasionally spot them as early as April and as late as November, but don’t usually run trips then.

You can find out more about manta rays in Fiji by visiting https://mantarayisland.com/manta-ray-fiji/

I want to swim with the manta rays, how many nights should I book at the resort?

During manta ray season (May to October), the mantas are in the channel almost every day. Occasionally they may not be, or other circumstances may prevent a trip from running.

For the best chance of swimming with the manta rays, it’s recommended that you stay at least four nights. This allows you time for ferry travel to
and from Mantaray Island Resort and a couple of days when you could take a trip to swim with the mantas.

There are many fun activities at the resort so you can make the most of your holiday in Fiji. Alternatively, you can choose to soak in the beautiful views and warm tropical air in complete relaxation.

What time of day do the trips run?

There’s no set time of day. It varies because the mantas usually come into the channel at high tide to feed. Because mantas don’t visit the channel
every single day, during manta ray season our staff keep watch for their arrival in the channel.

You’ll hear drums sounding at the resort when it’s time to get your swimmers on. Head on down to the main bure at the water’s edge to board the boat that will take you to the channel.

What do I need to bring?

You’ll need to bring a mask, snorkel and fins. If you have an underwater camera you’ll probably want to bring that too.

Please don’t bring bags, spare clothes, towels or sunglasses. You won’t need them on this trip.

I’m not a strong swimmer. Can I still participate?

You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to swim with the manta rays but a basic level of swimming proficiency is important. You’ll be swimming in
the open ocean, using a mask, snorkel and flippers.

The more confident you are in the water, the more you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this amazing experience. YouTube clips can give you a basic introduction to swimming and snorkelling (see
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY759I2_fVE for example). There’s no
substitute for experience, though. Practise before you come, if possible, and take the opportunity to practise your skills on the beautiful reef just
out front of the resort.

You may have read about how the manta rays visit the channel to feed in the current https://mantarayisland.com/manta-ray-fiji/. While the current is quite noticeable, you won’t have to swim against it. Guests and guides are
dropped at the top of the channel. The current will gently float you over the mantas. Our team will collect you and transport you back to the other
end.

What age is the trip suitable for?

The swimming with manta rays trip is suitable for confident swimmers, we don’t define an age. Children under the age of 16 years need to be
accompanied by a responsible adult.

How long does the swimming with manta rays trip go for?

Our swimming with the manta ray trips usually run for between 30 and 60 minutes.

We ask guests to behave calmly and quietly in the water so that the mantas feel safe to remain in the channel feeding.

I’m a strong swimmer. Can I visit the channel by myself?

Unfortunately, not. Although the channel is only a short boat ride from the resort, it’s too far to swim unless you’re a marathon swimmer.

Also, even if you could swim to the channel, visiting without a guide isn’t permitted. The current in the area is strong. It can tire an unaccompanied swimmer out very quickly. It could also be tricky to return to the resort.
Taking our guided trip allows you to enjoy the experience safely.

And finally, manta rays are listed as vulnerable (IUCN Red List). Fiji takes its stewardship of the species very seriously. The country is a leader in
manta ray protection. It’s important that we limit interactions and avoid constant disturbances to their natural behaviours.

By taking a trip with a responsible tourism operator you help to ensure the survival of this phenomenal species for future generations.

How much does the trip cost?

Our once-in-a-lifetime swimming with manta rays trip costs FJ$65 per person. You will be supplied with snorkelling gear (for the manta ray swim only) and accompanied by experienced guides.