At the top of the bucket list musts for any red-blooded scuba diver is to experience, or better photograph, the exuberant Manta Ray mating ritual. One of Nature’s most spectacular mating rituals it is a high-energy underwater ballet like no other, and is performed almost daily from December to April by Yap’s resident Manta Ray population.
Often described as the marine world’s version of speed dating, it begins with one female Manta Yay leading up to 25 male suitors in an acrobatic and elaborate display of follow-the-leader. The males all line up in formation, one-by-one by one, behind her and then follow her in a vigorous chase around the reef.
The female swims as fast as she can, swooping and turning, with the males in pursuit, trying to keep up and take the prize. She will often leap out of the water, performing dizzying somersaults out of the water, teasing and testing the prowess of the following males. Eventually, only the strongest and fittest males remain swimming in her wake, and finally only one is left to do the deed.
The entire courtship ritual, from the initial chase to the final embrace, can last for several hours, or even days, as the female tests her suitors. However, the actual mating act lasts for only 30 to 40 seconds.
Yap is one of a small number of diving destinations that boasts a year-round resident Manta Ray population and was one of the earliest pioneers of manta tourism. Close manta encounters are almost guaranteed on a daily basis due to the highly localized and close proximity of Yap’s manta cleaning stations, particularly in the Mi’il Channel.
If you can’t make it to Yap in time for the Manta Mating Dance, large numbers can also be seen in a less energetic mode, gracefully gliding over the reef while feeding. Manta Rays are highly intelligent and their behavior includes cooperative feeding. In dense areas of plankton, manta rays feed in groups, employing the same head-to-tail line-up, known as chain feeding, as they do in their mating ritual to make sure everyone gets their fair share.
If you would like to know more about diving with Yap’s Manta Rays and how to dive its pristine marine environment and experience its unique Pacific Island culture, which also includes Rai Stone Money Banks, Traditional Ocean Navigation, snorkeling, kayaking, eco-tourism and many other attractions and activities, please visit https://visityap.com or email info@visityap.com.
