The Philippines is a paradise for marine life enthusiasts, with its diverse coral reefs, clear blue waters, and an abundance of incredible marine species. Among the most mesmerizing creatures you can encounter are manta rays—graceful giants gliding effortlessly through the sea. If you’re planning a trip and hoping to spot manta rays in the Philippines, especially in Palawan, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Write to us and we’d be happy to set something up for you.
If you plan to visit Coron and El Nido, you can also catch some manta rays along our multiday expedition tours between El Nido and Coron, although they can no longer be viewed for free by snorkeling but require a scuba tour. However, along this same expedition tour, for free you can watch turtles and sharks, with plankton visible at certain times of the year and Dugong north of Busuanga Island. 82 islands in a beautiful, remote area. Why miss it all by taking a ferry?
Why See Manta Rays in the Philippines?
The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world. Its warm tropical waters and vibrant coral reefs make it an ideal habitat for manta rays. These gentle giants can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) wide and are known for their graceful swimming patterns. Spotting manta rays on a snorkeling or diving boat tour is a bucket-list experience for many travelers, as it combines awe-inspiring wildlife with the beauty of the Philippines’ tropical seas.
Top Spots to See Manta Rays in Palawan
Palawan is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines, renowned for its pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, and rich marine life. Here are the best locations in Palawan where you have a chance to see manta rays:
1. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
- Location: Sulu Sea, off the coast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
Tubbataha Reefs is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Philippines’ premier diving destinations. This protected marine sanctuary spans nearly 100,000 hectares and boasts some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the world. During the diving season (March to June), it’s common to encounter manta rays gliding along the reef walls. We offer liveaboard boat tours operating multi-day trips to Tubbataha from Puerto Princesa, allowing divers to explore the area thoroughly and increasing their chances of spotting manta rays and other large marine species.
2. Apo Reef
- Location: Occidental Mindoro, accessible from Coron, Palawan
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
Although Apo Reef is technically part of Occidental Mindoro, many boat tours to Apo Reef depart from Coron, Palawan. This reef system, the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world, is a haven for marine life, including manta rays. The best time to visit is during the dry season when the waters are calm, and visibility is excellent for spotting manta rays, sharks, and other large fish species. Several diving operators in Coron offer day trips or overnight boat tours to Apo Reef, making it a must-visit for those based in Palawan.
3. Honda Bay
- Location: Near Puerto Princesa, Palawan
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
Honda Bay is a popular spot for island hopping and snorkeling trips, located close to Puerto Princesa. While manta ray sightings are not as common here as in Tubbataha or Apo Reef, they have been occasionally spotted around the deeper parts of Honda Bay. If you’re already planning to explore Honda Bay, taking a boat tour with a local guide may increase your chances of encountering a manta ray, as they know the best spots where these graceful animals have been seen.
Other Top Places to See Manta Rays in the Philippines
If you’re open to exploring outside of Palawan, the Philippines has other fantastic locations for manta ray sightings. Here are some of the top spots:
4. Manta Bowl, Ticao Pass, Masbate
- Location: Ticao Island, Masbate
- Best Time to Visit: December to May
The Manta Bowl is perhaps the most famous manta ray diving site in the Philippines. Located in Ticao Pass near Masbate, this underwater “bowl” is known for strong currents, attracting large pelagic species like manta rays. The currents create an ideal environment for cleaning stations, where mantas come to be groomed by smaller fish. Numerous dive operators offer boat tours to Manta Bowl, making it one of the best places to see manta rays up close.
5. Monad Shoal, Malapascua, Cebu
- Location: Malapascua Island, Cebu
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
Monad Shoal in Malapascua is more famous for thresher sharks, but manta rays are also frequent visitors to this area. The shoal is a submerged seamount with cleaning stations that attract both sharks and manta rays, especially in the early morning. Many dive shops on Malapascua Island offer boat tours to Monad Shoal, making it a perfect destination if you’re hoping to spot both thresher sharks and manta rays.
6. Moalboal, Cebu
- Location: Moalboal, Cebu
- Best Time to Visit: December to May
Moalboal is known for its sardine run and beautiful coral reefs, but manta rays are also occasionally spotted here. The nearby Pescador Island offers excellent diving conditions, and boat tours to Pescador often provide divers with a chance to see manta rays, especially during the dry season.
Tips for Manta Ray Spotting in the Philippines
- Book with Reputable Tour Operators: Many dive centers and boat tour operators offer manta ray-specific tours, especially in areas like Tubbataha, Apo Reef, and Manta Bowl. Look for operators with good reviews and a commitment to sustainable tourism. You can check out our own reviews here.
- Choose the Right Season: The dry season (November to May – check out our weather forecast) generally offers the best visibility and calmest waters, increasing your chances of spotting manta rays.
- Stay Respectful and Keep a Safe Distance: Manta rays are gentle giants, but it’s essential to keep a respectful distance and avoid chasing or touching them. Responsible interaction helps protect these beautiful creatures and preserves the experience for future travelers.
- Consider a Liveaboard Tour: For remote sites like Tubbataha Reefs, liveaboard boat tours provide the best access and the highest likelihood of seeing manta rays, as you’ll have multiple diving sessions over several days.
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Frequently asked questions about Manta Rays
Where can I see manta rays in Palawan?
Manta rays are most commonly spotted in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and around Manta Bowl in the waters near Ticao Island. While sightings in Palawan are less predictable, occasional encounters happen in areas with rich plankton, such as near Linapacan or off-shore dive spots between El Nido and Coron.
When is the best time to see manta rays in the Philippines?
The best time to see manta rays is generally from December to May when sea conditions are calm, and visibility is good. Sightings are more likely around new or full moon periods due to increased plankton activity.
Are manta rays dangerous to swim with?
No, manta rays are completely harmless to humans. They have no stingers or venom and are known to be gentle, curious creatures. However, it’s important to observe them responsibly and avoid touching or chasing them.
How likely am I to see manta rays on a snorkeling tour in Palawan?
While manta ray sightings in Palawan are rare and not guaranteed, they occasionally appear around deep channel areas and reef slopes, especially on multi-day island-hopping expeditions in remote areas like Linapacan.
Do I need to be a certified diver to see manta rays?
No, snorkeling is often sufficient to view manta rays when they swim close to the surface. However, scuba diving offers a better chance to see them in deeper waters and cleaning stations where they often congregate.
What is the difference between manta rays and stingrays?
Manta rays are much larger than stingrays and do not have stingers. Mantas are filter feeders, while many stingrays feed on crustaceans and mollusks. Manta rays are more commonly seen in open ocean environments.
Can I take photos or videos of manta rays while snorkeling or diving?
Yes, underwater cameras are allowed and encouraged, but it’s important to use them respectfully. Avoid using flash photography and maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the animals.
What tour options are available to see manta rays in Palawan?
Multi-day private island hopping expeditions between El Nido and Coron offer the best chance of manta sightings in Palawan. Some dive-focused tours may also explore offshore reefs where manta rays have been spotted in the past.
Why are manta rays important to the marine ecosystem?
Manta rays help maintain healthy ocean ecosystems by feeding on plankton and small organisms, playing a vital role in the marine food chain. They are also an indicator species for ocean health.
Are manta rays endangered?
Yes, manta rays are classified as vulnerable due to threats from fishing, bycatch, and habitat loss. Many areas in the Philippines, including Tubbataha, have protected zones to help conserve manta populations.
Palawan marine life links |
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| Dugong / Sea Cows |
| Blacktip Reef Sharks |
| Whale Sharks |
| Manta Rays |
| Sea Turtles |
| Bioluminescent Plankton |
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We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.