Snorkel or dive with reef mantas at Lady Elliot Island, the self-styled Home of the Manta Ray on the southern Great Barrier Reef. This tiny coral cay hosts one of eastern Australia's largest manta populations, accounting for around 70% of the region's sightings, with the rays cleaning and feeding right off the beach. They are seen year-round but gather in the biggest numbers in winter, best from May to October.
Snorkel or dive with reef mantas at Lady Elliot Island, the self-styled Home of the Manta Ray on the southern Great Barrier Reef. This tiny coral cay hosts one of eastern Australia's largest manta populations, accounting for around 70% of the region's sightings, with the rays cleaning and feeding right off the beach. They are seen year-round but gather in the biggest numbers in winter, best from May to October.
Up to 90% sighting chance in Lady Elliot Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia). Best months: July, August, June.
Year-round, but numbers surge in winter from May to October, with the best visibility and cleaning activity around May to August.
Its resident population is one of the largest in eastern Australia, making up roughly 70% of the region's manta sightings.
By light aircraft to the island's grass airstrip, usually as a day trip or stay at the eco resort, as there is no ferry.
Yes, mantas often clean and feed in shallow water right off the beach, so snorkellers and first-time divers see them too.
