Manta Ray Double Action

11
Apr

Twice as good as seeing one manta ray - is interacting with TWO manta ray at the Poor Knights Islands. Sophie and Alia had just that experience.

Manta birostris have been regular visitors every year at the Poor Knights and this year was no exception.

Two reasonably sized manta ray were spotted feeding on the surface, and barrel rolling just off Seal Rock, as both Calypso and Perfect Day were about to leave the Islands and head home to Tutukaka.

Quick as a flash Sophie and Alia slipped into the water and as the boat gently floated, the rays headed over to investigate. Renown for their interactions, these two certainly did not disappoint, and came by a couple of times to say hi.

Luckily we have a boat camera and Sophie took some video, and took a couple of photos.

An amazing experience, and one that we would love to have more of. However, we are content to see them every February and March, and have done for the last 9 years!

Anecdotal evidence from local fishermen 5-10 nautical miles off the east of the Islands, says that they see hundreds of them in the blue current, so they are probably here way more than we think.

For more information

Manta Ray - Wikipedia

Previous Sightings at the Poor Knights:
February 2010
March 2009
January 2008
and more….