Cerralvo Island, also known as Jacques Cousteau Island, is one of the jewels of the Sea of Cortez, it is one of the largest and most beautiful natural settings in Baja California Sur.
In this place you will find the islet called La Reina, a diving site where you can find giant manta rays, these marine animals can reach between five and eight meters in length and weigh more than a ton and a half. They are impressive species that you can swim with.
The Manta Ray (Manta birostris) is one of the largest species in the world, unlike other animals of its order, the giant manta rays, they lack a poisonous stinger on their tail. They are peaceful animals.
Diving to meet these imposing sea animals has become a tourist attraction for the communities of La Ventana and El Sargento, towns near La Paz.
You should know that, given the population decline of giant manta rays, they are protected under NOM-059-Semarnat-2019. The law establishes that a specific management plan is needed to swim and dive with manta rays.
That is, only tourist providers trained in the conservation of these species can offer diving trips.
Protecting them is crucial for manta rays to carry out their life cycle naturally and without interruptions. Therefore, the same service providers prioritize the protection and well-being of the species.
Manta rays are related to sharks due to their large size, however, they do not feed on the meat of large animals but on phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Manta rays are quite a spectacle
Watching these marine giants jump is quite a spectacle. Experts point out that the jumps they make are due to the fact that it allows them to eliminate the parasites and young fish that they carry in their belly, also that it is a way of communicating with other manta rays since they expel a sound that can be perceived at long distances.
At certain times of the year they are often seen in “La Reina”, months like August and September are dates where you can witness this impressive spectacle in the sea with these wonderful creatures.
If you visit the jewel of Cerralvo Island you will not only have the opportunity of a massive encounter with manta rays, but also with large schools of fish and coral reefs in these beautiful waters
Source: radioformula
