This was on the first dive of the trip.
We had come to the end of the dive with about 700 psi of air left in about 25 ft of water.
We were around 15ft when I saw this manta not far from us, we were near the shore and there was a lot of plankton in the water. He was turning summersaults feeding, though several times he passed by to take a look. We had about 10 minutes together.
To see a manta ray feeding is a rare treat. In 825 dives I had seen one once before.
To look a manta in the eye was one of the most profound experiences of my life, it is for moments such as this that I live my life. The moment is etched indelibly on my mind. Especially as I caught this moment on film, while actually looking over the top of my camera at this time. I was just aiming, he was this close.
I could have touched him.
This is what life is for! |
