Manta Rays in Mexico?
 

I am going to Playa del Carmen in two weeks. Does anybody know if it is possible to dive with Manta Rays at that time?

No divers in this forum?

I've not seen any Manta Rays in the Yucatan. I believe they are more likely to be found on the Pacific side/ sea of cortez. I have seen spotted eagle rays near Tulum.

Isla Holbox. I'm not sure of the spelling but it is near Playa and you can swim with whale sharks. It looks really fun.

My personal experience is I have only seen them in The Sea of Cortes while Scuba diving in '97. A friend of mine says she has seen a couple in PV's bay in the summer months. Much more likely on the West coast then East.

You may see a few eagle rays around the reefs, but not much more than that. We have been snorkeling out past Isla Holbox with the Whale Sharks and saw some great Mantas there (10-12 ft wing spans!) but they rarely make an appearance inside the reef which stretches the length of the penninsula. The popular dive "sighting" on this side of Mexico is Sea Turtles. There is a large poulation in the sea grasses on the shore side of the reef especially in the Akumal area. And remember the reef here is the second largest in the world, so even without Manta Rays you will see some amazing sealife.

Tony and Cheri
Luna Blue Hotel and Garden
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico