Close encounters with manta rays

Ever wondered what it’s like to dive underwater and snorkel with fishes? Anthony Schlumpf’s videos takes you right inside the sea for an up, close and personal encounter with manta rays in Hawaii. Locally known as hahalua, manta rays are often called ‘flying carpets’ because of their striking triangular wing-like fins that spread out to as much as 20 feet. This marine species breeds in tropical seas such as those around Hawaii.
The videos were shot in the Kona Coast in Big Island, a popular spot for diving, snorkelling and spotting manta rays. Big Island is also the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, situated in the North Pacific Ocean.


Manta rays are related to sharks, but unlike their scarier cousins, they have no teeth or stingers unlike sting rays or eagle rays. Despite their strange appearance, manta rays are quite friendly and beautiful to look at. They feed on microscopic plankton through their large gaping mouths. Divers generally shine a light into the ocean to attract plankton and subsequently, manta rays. Watching these large sea creatures gliding and swooping around you like acrobats is a thrilling experience in itself. Manta ray sightings are even more magical during night diving expeditions, when you can see the rays in the dark. Watch this second video of a surreal night dive in Manta Heaven, a diving site north of Kailua-Kona in Hawaii.



Video courtesy - hdhungryman's channel on Youtube