Dive sites2
Marine life profile
Cownose ray
Recorded at 2 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Cownose ray around the world
The cownose ray is a species found throughout a large part of the western Atlantic and Caribbean, from New England to southern Brazil. It appears to fly underwater, cruising over sand or reef before settling where camouflage makes it easy to miss.
Countries2
Animal groupRays
Safety profileGenerally Harmless
Meet the species
What to look for
How to Recognize It
Look for a flattened body with wing-like fins, eyes on top and a long tail trailing behind.
How It Behaves
It appears to fly underwater, cruising over sand or reef before settling where camouflage makes it easy to miss.
Special Ability
Its broad fins turn slow-looking movements into remarkably efficient underwater flight.
Dive responsibly
Share the water well
How to Approach
Approach from the side, remain above the bottom and leave a clear path ahead. Never corner or follow closely.
Safety
Do not touch, stand on or crowd a resting ray. Give the tail room and shuffle carefully in shallow sandy water.
Worth knowing
The detail you remember
Interesting Facts
These rays also belong to the order Myliobatiformes, a group that is shared by bat rays, manta rays, and eagle rays.
Where to Find
Search sandy flats, cleaning stations, reef passes and current-swept channels, especially around feeding or cleaning time.
Known countries
AustraliaIndonesia
Sightings map
Cownose ray locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
Gordon's Bay
Australia
Gordon's Bay is renowned for its accessibility and year-round appeal for divers and snorkelers. The calm conditions and a maximum depth of 14 meters make it a popular spot for all levels of divers. Gordon's Bay is famous for the underwater nature trail, a 600-meter path marked by a chain that guides you through the site. The trail leads to "The Wall," which is home to many Port Jackson sharks and Wobbegong sharks. Along the nature trail, divers also commonly encounter the famous Blue Groper, a local legend and a favorite among divers. Photos by Aquatic Imaging Australia.
Manta Point Sangalaki
Indonesia
60 minutes from Nabucco Islands and 30 minutes from Nunukan Islands is Sangalaki Island. Southeast of Sangalaki is Manta Point. The dive site is very shallow and has a sandy bottom.