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Manta Rays Articles

Stranded Manta Ray in Florida Unlocks Discovery of a Third Species
A dead manta washed ashore in South Florida, allowing researchers to confirm a new species. Named the Atlantic manta ray, it shares traits with other mantas, and its discovery is crucial for conservation efforts and protecting coastal habitats.
6 Animal Encounters to Add to Your Bucket List

There's no bigger thrill than seeing one of your favorite marine animals in person ... in their actual habitat. These animals earned top marks on PADI Club members' must-see list—here's where to find them.

An Unforgettable Dive: More Mantas Please

Scuba divers love to share their favorite tips and tales from dive trips. This column highlights some of those. On one dive, PADI Pro Cristian Moreno encountered six oceanic manta rays, four of which he eventually named.

An Intro to Rays—and How to Photograph Them

An encounter with rays is a magical experience, but the key to making the most of it—and finning away with some stellar photos—is patience. Here's what you need to know.

Do Dive Lights Harm Manta Rays?

Shining bright plankton-attracting lights is a common practice to lure giant manta rays for nighttime viewings, but can the seemingly harmless spectacle actually harm these gentle giants?

Isla de la Plata: Ecuador’s Best-Kept Secret

Discover Isla de la Plata, a unique scuba-diving destination just an hour away by boat from the coast of Ecuador, where you can see whales, oceanic manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles and sea lions.

4 Epic Liveaboard Expeditions for Citizen Scientists

Want to make the most of your next dive trip? Citizen science trips onboard liveaboards give divers a taste of living and working as a coral, manta ray or shark research scientist.

Perks of Exploring Socorro With a Dive Club

Dive clubs are a great way to expand your dive community, skills and experience. Follow along with one diver as she joins one of the world's largest dive clubs for an excursion off the coast of Baja California Sur.

An Unforgettable Dive: Eye-to-Eye With a Magnificent Manta Ray

Scuba divers love to share their favorite tips and tales from dive trips. This column highlights some of those. Ocean conservationist and sanctuary superintendent Sarah Fangman recalls a close encounter with a giant manta ray that seemed as engaged with her as she was with it.