​Giant Manta Rays in Ecuador

Every year giant manta rays congregate off the coast of ecuador in what is believed to be the largest aggregation in the world. Its all about timing. The giant mantas only gather in large numbers during May- August. Diving with manta rays is guaranteed to be a stunning experience. But diving with giant oceanic manta rays — the largest type of rays in the world can be even more overwhelming.

Classified as a vulnerable species by the IUCN Red List, giant oceanic manta rays face threats from the wildlife trade (their gill rakers are prized for use in traditional medicine), unsustainable fishing, climate change and entanglement in fishing nets.

Check out the GoPro footage to see the mind-boggling size of these ocean giants: