Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Photo: Programa Marino del Golfo de California · CC BY-NC

Giant manta rays use El Planchón's summit as a dedicated cleaning station, hovering motionless above rocky outcrops while wrasses and small reef fish meticulously remove parasites and dead skin. These rays, with wingspans reaching 5 to 7 metres, are most commonly seen from July through October when upwelling concentrates the zooplankton they feed on. Their visits to the cleaning station are highly predictable — experienced guides can often position divers at the station minutes before mantas arrive.