It is nothing new that Raja Ampat is famous for its marine tourism in West Papua. It is not just its clear blue sea but also its underwater attraction, which invites people’s curiosity to come and have a look. One of the animals that you can find there is manta rays.
About Manta Rays in Raja Ampat, West Papua:
The manta rays in Raja Ampat are the largest manta rays in the world. They are known by the Latin name Manta oceanic. Tourists can go snorkeling and swimming with these beautiful giants underwater.
These manta rays are generally twice as wider in size as their other counterparts. Their bodies can spread up to 4 – 5 meters in diameter. If you go snorkeling as low as 2-5 meters, you may find them in shallow seas. Even in certain locations, this species—which may weigh up to three tons—can be found on the surface of the coast.
If you look at them from a distance, you may compare manta rays to underground kites that move on their own. Although not in the sky, some may also compare manta rays to birds.
Based on their skin colors, there are two types of manta rays that you can find. The first type is chevron. The majority of this type have black backs and white bellies. The second type is black. This type is all covered in black skin, all over their bodies.
Another physical appearance that we can spot on manta rays is the distinct spot patterns on their bellies. The giant manta rays are known by their Latin name Manta birotris. They are much larger than the reef manta rays, known by their Latin name Manta alfredi. Another distinct part that sets them apart is the roughness of their skin. The giant ones have much rougher skin than the reef manta rays.
Still, it is not advisable to get your hands on these manta rays. Aside from having bacteria in the mucus that covers their skin, these beautiful oceanic giants are very wary of human contact with them.
Aditya Dwi Saputra, the tour guide from the Raja Ampat Tour Guides Association (or Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia Raja Ampat), stated that swimming with these manta rays is safe and also fun. Of course, there are certain rules to follow, just to be on the safe side.
“Manta rays are the only kind without venom on their tails. They are different from the rest of the species,” Aditya stated on March 24, 2022, while he was on Manswar Island, Raja Ampat, West Papua.
Rules On Snorkeling and Swimming with Manta Rays in Raja Ampat, West Papua:
Even though manta rays are harmless to humans, there are rules to follow if you wish to go snorkeling and swimming with them while you are in Raja Ampat, West Papua:
First of all, you can only go snorkeling and swimming per group. One group must consist of a maximum of eight people. This is to keep the manta rays feeling comfortable when interacting with humans.
Secondly, there is a limit of interaction only around the depth of 3 – 4 meters underwater. Third, do not bring cameras to take pictures of the manta rays or shoot a video of them. Aditya has an explanation regarding these rules.
According to Aditya, these rules are enforced to avoid the risk of bacterial infection from the skin of the manta rays, which is always covered in slime or mucus. No matter how gigantic they are, manta rays do not feel comfortable getting too close to humans. They might bail and refuse to return to the waters of Raja Ampat if humans scare them off.
During mild weather, manta rays can gather in a colony from 15 to 30 of them in one area. That only happens when the weather is warm and the water has currents.
A Testimonial From One of The Tourists:
Richard, one of the participants of the activity, admitted enjoying the whole thing. He was in awe as he witnessed how the manta rays moved along underwater gracefully. He said, “It feels like watching birds dancing in the ocean instead of the sky.”
All the way from Lampung, Richard was willing to pay IDR 475,000 to go snorkeling and swimming with the manta rays. Meanwhile, international tourists must pay IDR 950,000 to do the same. This price also includes paying for an Environmental Service Card (Kartu Jasa Lingkungan). The card is valid for a year.
Endemic … and Also Endangered Species in West Papua
It should be noted that the manta ray has been included in the endangered group of animals by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The government must do whatever it takes to make sure that these endemic species in West Papua also do not go extinct.
Going snorkeling and swimming with manta rays in Raja Ampat,West Papua, can be safe and fun – as long as you follow the rules.
