May I Have This Dance?

With their power and grace, manta rays are the undisputed masters of Tobago’s ballroom of currents. If a ray allows you to hitch a ride, it’s OK to "dance with the mantas." Just imagine you’re at a debutante ball and:

• Play Hard to Get: If you spot mantas, play it cool and let them approach you. Finning after them will only scare the animals away, ruining everyone’s chances for an encounter. Photographers take special note: this includes you.
• Do Some Back-Scratching: If a manta presents you its back, don’t jump at the offer too quickly. Give it a friendly scratch behind the horns before latching on. Scientists think rays like the tactile sensation.
• Watch the Hands, Mister: Hold firmly onto the broad muscular shoulders just outside the ray’s horns where you won’t be in danger of inflicting injury to the animal or interfering with the motion of its wings.
• Let the Manta Lead: Mantas are powerful and acrobatic swimmers with the ability to fly you through barrel rolls and loop-de-loops. Enjoy the ride but let go if you sense the animal is tired and trying to shake you. And finally, if there are other divers at the ball, be sure you let them cut in.