Inhabiting the Ishigaki Island area are
"Nanyou manta ray."This is a type of manta ray known as [...]. It can grow up to about 5 meters in length. Compared to humans,
Quite large in sizeThat said, the sheer power of seeing one swim right past you simply can’t be captured in photos or videos. Manta rays have long been considered a monotypic genus—the only species in its genus with no close relatives—but in recent years,
"A ray of sunshine."and
"Nanyou manta ray."It is now classified into these two types.
| type |
Maximum body length |
Habitat |
Will we be able to meet on Ishigaki Island? |
| common sandeel (Actinidia arguta) |
About 5 meters |
Coastal areas, such as coral reefs |
◎ Here's who you can meet on Ishigaki Island |
| Oni Ito-maki Ray |
6 meters or more |
Migrating in the open ocean |
△ Rare along the coast |
The southern manta ray isA tendency to remain near coral reefsBecause of this, unlike the giant manta rays that migrate across the open ocean, these are manta rays you can actually go out to see. It’s thanks to this behavior that tours are possible on Ishigaki Island.
Do manta rays attack people?
Manta rays are a type of ray, but,It does not have venomous spines like a stingray.. Their teeth are also very fine, designed to filter out plankton, so they almost never attack humans.
Personality, tooCalm and friendlyThey say that if you stay calm and watch them, they’ll sometimes come over and fly right over your head.
Even if you're not a strong swimmer or if you have children,Participate with peace of mindWe would appreciate it if you could do that.
Basic Information on Manta Rays
◆Official Name: Southern Manta Ray (Order Myliobatiformes, Family Myliobatidae)
◆Maximum body length: About 5 meters
◆Staple Food: Plankton (does not attack humans)
◆Poisonous Stinger: None
◆Personality: Calm and not very wary of people
Why is Ishigaki Island a paradise for manta rays?
The reason Ishigaki Island is known worldwide as the “Island Where You Can See Manta Rays” lies in its rich natural environment and the benefits provided by ocean currents.
In the waters around Ishigaki Island,Kuroshio...flows in, bringing large quantities of nutrient-rich plankton.
This plankton is the manta ray's main food source. In addition, small fish help clean its body."Cleaning Station"Because there are so many of them, the conditions are perfectly suited for manta rays to gather repeatedly in the same spot.
In other words, the manta rays off Ishigaki Island aren't just "passing by by chance," but rather,They come to the same spot every day to eat and be cleaned. This is what makes encounters so common on Ishigaki Island.
Where in Japan can you swim with manta rays?
The places in Japan where you can expect to encounter manta rays are almost exclusivelyLimited to the Okinawa and Yaeyama areasThe following is a list of the most common problems with the
Among them, Ishigaki Island is,The cleaning station is located in shallow waterAs a result, it’s one of the few places where you can spot manta rays not only while diving but also while snorkeling.
Major Manta Ray Spots in Japan
◆Ishigaki Island: Kawahira Ishizaki Manta Scramble, Manta City Point, etc.The water is shallow, so you can even try your luck with a snorkel
◆Iriomote Island and Kohama Island: Yonara Channel. The current is strong; recommended for intermediate to advanced divers.
◆Yonaguni Island: Famous for its hammerhead sharks. Manta rays are a seasonal sight.
◆Okinawa Main Island and Kerama Islands: Rarely encountered
"Swimming with manta rays for the first time," "I want to see them while snorkeling," "I want to try this with my kids"—if you're choosing based on these criteria, Ishigaki Island is the most realistic option in Japan.
High probability of encounter!
See the list of Manta Tours in Ishigaki Island
