![]() ![]() But at Cape Marshall, the sighting of these beautiful species is almost guaranteed.Ī huge aquarium, the Galapagos Islands is an especially advantaged place for viewing Giant manta rays and diving with them. In many dive sites in the Galapagos Islands, the search for Giant manta rays can be an effort – often an unsuccessful one. In addition, the archipelago is the refuge of vulnerable and endangered marine species such as the Green turtle, whale sharks, Galapagos sharks and, of course, the Giant manta ray. There are also endemic species such as the Marine iguana, Galapagos penguins, Flightless cormorants, and the Galapagos albatross. For travel lovers, this paradise is home to 19 species of seabirds, 30 species of migratory birds, and some 20,000 sea lions. Covering 133,000 square kilometers, it’s one of the richest and most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet. The Galapagos Islands, declared by UNESCO as an official “World Heritage Site,” is the second largest marine reserve in the world. In these three areas, diving lovers can experience the thrill of seeing a Giant manta ray slowly approaching them, perhaps with the same curiosity and fascination that we humans have when encountering them. These sites are Cape Marshall, in the Galapagos Islands, as well as Machalilla National Park and Ayangue beach, both on mainland Ecuador’s Pacific coast. In Ecuador, a country that currently has the largest number of Giant manta rays in the world, there are three sites that are especially privileged for up-close observations and diving with these magnificent creatures. It can also be overwhelming after all, the Giant manta ray is one of the largest fish in the world, measuring up to eight meters long. Spotting members of this beautiful migratory species on the seafloor as they swim among turtles, moray eels, and multicolored fish is one of the most intense and exciting experiences for a diver. This is when Giant manta rays arrive off the Ecuadorian Pacific coast to mate and feed on plankton supplied by the cold Humboldt current. Being the first country to prohibit their fishing, it’s quite common to see manta rays in this South American country, especially between June and October. In fact, these fish were about to disappear due to fishing, as people sought their gills for traditional medicines.Įcuador, though, has taken efforts to protect these gentle giants. Those people who have dived alongside a giant manta ray - witnessing its gentle, elegant and avian-like motions - describe this creature’s actions as the closest thing to flying.Ī few years ago, contacts with these mysterious creatures were practically unknown on the coasts of Asian countries. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |