How likely is it to see manta rays in Nusa Penida?
Manta Point is one of the best places in the world to see manta rays. Outside of the breeding season, divers enjoy an impressive 95% success rate of encounters with these majestic creatures. On calm days, you may even spot them from the top of the cliffs along Nusa Penida’s southwest coast. Triaenodon obesus, better known as the white tip reef shark, is one of the most frequently encountered sharks in Nusa Penida. These sleek predators are a common sight in the island’s shallow coral reefs, making them a favourite among divers hoping to experience sharks in Nusa Penida up close.Expectations are significantly high for the Nusa Penida dive sites because of the richness of the underwater life, soft and hard corals, and the large marine life that can be enjoyed here: Manta Rays, Mola Mola, Dolphins, Sharks, Octopus, Moray Eels, and more.Nusa Penida’s scuba diving sites are undeniably more diverse and stunning than those of the Gili Islands. The Nusa Penida waters boast sightings of Manta rays, the seasonal Mola Mola from July to October, and a vast array of fish and corals.
How many people are killed by manta rays?
Manta Rays are not dangerous. They are even harmless and can’t hurt any diver or swimmer. TOUCHING CAN HARM THE MANTA RAYS In fact, the mucous coating protects them. That mucus repels bacteria from soaking into the manta ray’s skin. When a human touches a manta ray, the oils on their hands can counteract the mucus, making this barrier for their immune system less protective.
Are manta rays rare to see?
Giant oceanic manta rays are pretty rare; any diver or snorkelers who gets to witness one is a lucky person. Giant mantas are also known as oceanic manta rays, pelagic manta rays – or by their Latin name, mobula birostris. WORLD’S LARGEST OCEANIC MANTA RAY POPULATION IN ECUADOR. Scientists have identified a distinct population of oceanic manta rays off the coast of Ecuador that is more than ten times larger than any other known subpopulation of the species.