Manta Ray Bay
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Dominant features Once over Manta Ridge, the channel widens and deepens significantly and the current slows a bit. The north side of the channel consists of a wall starting in less than 10 ft. (3 M) and dropping is a series of ledges to a sandy bottom at about 70 ft. (22 M.) A large coral formation at a depth of about 55 ft. (17 M.) provides shelter for numerous cleaner fish and attract Mantas to this large cleaning station. Corals Numerous species of hard and soft corals are abundant in this section of the channel. The deeper formations of coral form the foundations of the cleaning stations. Between coral outcroppings, areas of sand and coral rubble provide places that you can settle to the bottom to watch Mantas without disturbing the surrounding live coral. It is very important that you don't touch the live coral, because it provides the habitat for the cleaner fish which attract the Mantas. Fish Life Cleaning is done by several species of wrasse, but butterflies and angels that are not normally associated with cleaning behavior get into the act sometimes when an opportunity as large as a Manta is involved. |
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