Virtual Travel-Meet a Giant Manta

The giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) is a species of ray in the family Mobulidae, and the largest type of ray in the world.

They are circumglobal and are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, but can also be found in temperate waters.

Until 2017, giant mantas were classified in the genus Manta, along with the smaller reef manta (Mobula alfredi). DNA testing revealed that both species are more closely related to rays of the genus Mobula than previously thought. As a result, giant mantas were renamed Mobula birostris to reflect the new classification

We went to Socorro Island to dive with these amazing animals in 2013. Socorro Island (Spanish: Isla Socorro) is a small volcanic island in the Revillagigedo Islands, a Mexican possession lying 600 kilometres (370 mi) off the Baja Peninsula, the four Revillagigedo Islands offer some of the best diving in Mexico. 

Of these, Socorro Island is the most famous. It’s so well-known that often the group of islands is referred to as Socorro Islands rather than its proper name, the Revillagigedo Islands. Advanced divers flock to remote Socorro Island and its neighbors for fantastic encounters with a plethora of pelagic species.

All diving at Socorro Island is carried out by liveaboard. These vessels depart from Cabo San Lucas and generally spend about a week around the this island and its neighbors. It takes approximately 24 hours to reach this remote destination from the mainland.

It’s also important to note that diving at Socorro Island should not be attempted by novice divers. The currents are strong and unpredictable, relegating this to advanced divers only.


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Take a virtual tour through some of my photos: https://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Travel-Photography

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