Ishigaki · Japan

Manta Scramble

Manta Scramble Dive Point

NatureSports photo spotgoogle verified

moderate

9/10

best: morning

adventurous, spiritual

A local would say...

One of the few dive sites in the world where manta ray encounters are nearly guaranteed — sometimes four at once, wingspan filling your field of vision.

Off the coast of Kabira Ishizaki lies Ishigaki's most legendary dive spot, where you're almost guaranteed to see manta rays in season — sometimes four at once, their wings spanning metres as they glide through the crystalline water like living kites. Yes, you'll share the spot with other dive boats, but when a manta passes overhead, blocking out the sunlight, none of that matters. The experience is transcendent even for experienced divers. English-speaking operators like Umicoza run reliable trips from Kabira.