Swimming With the Giant Manta Rays

Is there anything as magnificent in the ocean as a manta ray? The largest specimen found had a wingspan of 25 feet and weighed close to 5,000 lbs. Manta rays are known to be curious and playful around swimmers. Fortunately, they are filter feeders, so swimmers need not worry about being bitten or eaten.

Mantas are found in all the tropical oceans of the world, including off Mexico. Large numbers of them, for example, are often seen on the southern part of Banderas Bay. But mantas can most readily be seen at Mexico’s remote and inhospitable Revillagigedo Islands, which are about 250 miles south of Cabo.

For many years private yachts were prohibited from visiting the Revillagigedos, but if you read the February Changes in Latitude by Scott and Cindy Stolnitz of the Marina del Rey-based Switch 51 Beach House, you know that’s all changed. And you know how to get a permit. The Mexican government now almost encourages private yachts to visit because they want as many ‘eyes’ as possible looking for boats fishing illegally in the marine perserve.

Having just returned from their lengthy visit to the islands, Scott and Cindy have posted many photos and videos of the sealife at the Revillagigedos. Check it all out at www.svbeachhouse.com.