Snorkeler Gets Caught in Manta Ray Somersault

Researcher Josh Stewart of Manta Trust got a surprise whilst trying to capture a photo ID of a passing manta ray recently.

Manta rays are usually seen as gentle creatures that effortless glide through the open ocean, filter feeding tiny morsels of food from the water column as they go. Nevertheless these giants of the sea are capable of bouts of increased activity, often being recorded as breaching completely out of the water and even landing on boats.

The manta ray in the video below seems particularly excitable, deciding to take a forward tumble in the presence of some snorkelling researchers. Perhaps the ray was unaware the swimmer was there, or maybe he was trying to start some sort of synchronised swimming routine. Nevertheless, it makes for an interesting watch and likely an unforgettable experience for the researcher involved.