Safety Rules and Manta Ray Code of Conduct for freedivers and snorkelers
Watching Manta Rays in their natural environment is an incredible experience and top of the list for many freedivers and snorkelers. While tourism can bring increased awareness and protection for threatened species, it can also bring its own negative impacts and effects.
Unfortunately, more often than not, the people visiting Bali and Nusa Penida for swimming with Manta Rays do not receive any briefing, know nothing about the safety rules in the ocean and about behavior of Mantas. They are chasing them, trying to touch them, and swimming too close to the rocks or to the boats, etc.
Please, if you are planning to swim with Manta Rays on Nusa Penida, follow these rules and share them with others.
Please, if you are planning to swim with Manta Rays on Nusa Penida, follow these rules and share them with others.
Listen to your guide
Listen carefully to the briefing provided by your guide. It will help you minimize your impact, ensure your safety, and help you enjoy a longer and more spectacular encounter.
Do not touch!
Touching the mantas invades their personal space and can disturb their behavior which leads to a shorter interaction time. Touching them also can remove protective mucous coatings and cause injury to the mantas.
Keep distance
Try to stay at least 3 meters away from a Manta Ray. If a manta comes close to you simply remain calm and still, leaving the manta in control of the interaction.
Approach slowly
Avoid restricting the manta’s normal movement or behavior. Do not chase or harass the mantas. Do not block their path while they are swimming. Wait patiently and allow the manta to approach you. Keep calm and enjoy this interaction without forcing it!
Do not touch or damage marine life
While observing mantas, remember to look around and be careful around other marine life. Do not touch corals or any other habitats.
Be aware of the boats
While you are in the water, look around and be aware of the boats. The sites for mantas can get very busy with boats and other snorkelers. If you dive down, always look up before starting your ascent to make sure that the surface above you is clear.
Be aware of swell and currents
Manta Bay and Manta Point are both exposed to the rough southern side of Nusa Penida and are sometimes subject to strong currents. Don’t swim close to the rocky shore, especially in bigger swells, and always wear your fins even if you’re a strong swimmer.
For photographers
If taking photos or videos, do not disregard these rules or other divers in order to get a good picture. Avoid excessive flash photography.
Always freedive with a buddy!
Always have a buddy while you are in the water. When you dive, always follow the rule “1 up 1 down”.
Respect other freedivers, snorkelers and scuba divers
Manta Bay and Manta Point are both popular sites for freediving, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Respect that others also want to have a great experience in the water. If you see wrong or dangerous behavior, rather than imitating, instead please be a positive role model by following the rules above.
