Dive sites2
Marine life profile
Eagle Rays
Recorded at 2 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Eagle Rays around the world
The eagle rays are a group of cartilaginous fishes in the family Myliobatidae, consisting mostly of large species living in the open ocean rather than on the sea bottom. 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
The eagle rays are a group of cartilaginous fishes in the family Myliobatidae, consisting mostly of large species living in the open ocean rather than on the sea bottom.
Where to Find
Search sandy flats, cleaning stations, reef passes and current-swept channels, especially around feeding or cleaning time.
Known countries
MexicoMaldives
Sightings map
Eagle Rays locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
The C-53 is a 184 ft long Mexican Navy Minesweeper that was sunk in June 2000. It lies on a sandy bottom at 80’. Huge hole have been cut into the ships sides and interior to allow divers to enter and exit safely. Inside the ship there are Lobster, Crab, Eels, Schools of Glassy Sweepers and Sardines. Outside there are often Barracudas and Grouper. While diving the C-53 keep a look out for the Atlantis Submarine making a visit.
Rasdhoo Beyru
Maldives
A beautiful wall on the south side of the island of Rasdhoo with three small pinnacles (thila) that are on the lower edge a little further from the island wall. Thilas Top starts at 18-20 meters and is suitable for beginners and experts alike but the current can be medium to strong. Napoleon, white tip sharks and gray reef sharks can be sighted here regularly. Sometimes stingrays resting on the sandy bottom between 25 and 30 meters deep between the wall and the thilas. If you are lucky eagle rays, and on very lucky days manta rays! It is also a great diving spot for macro enthusiasts as so many small creatures can be found here!