Diving

Weekly Dive Log #8: Fifteen Manta Rays at a Buffet in Halmahera

Sep 11, 2026

Manta Rays in Halmahera | Wallacea Dive Cruise

Just like Natasha Beddingfield once said, “Today is where your book begins; the rest is still unwritten”, we have just another perfect story to tell from the remote waters of Halmahera.

On our last Weekly Dive Log, we mentioned that Halmahera is one of the most anticipated destinations on our list. As if trying to support our claim, Halmahera has provided us with surprise after surprise. Not too long after the encounter with the Omura’s Whale, we received word that our vessel Ambai had run into a magnificent squadron of 15 adult manta rays gliding in the water.

Perfect Timing Like It Was Meant to Be

It was a beautiful day aboard the Ambai vessel. The boat was situated near Leley Island, South Halmahera, and our cruise director, Franck, wanted to explore some more. He saw the opportunity to take out the drone and scan from above. Not too long after, he saw a shocking occurrence.

At the Manta Bay feeding station, the drone caught a glimpse of 15 fully grown manta rays gliding in the waters in unison. They formed a long line, one swimming in front of the other, making it a very lovely view. As if it wasn’t enough, a sea turtle also joined the line, trying to feed alongside them.

What You Actually See When Diving in Halmahera | Wallacea Dive Cruise

For a moment, it felt so special and so perfect. It is not every day that we see something so beautiful in the wild, unplanned, just nature doing her own thing.

A Gathering of Introverts

What made the encounter even more special was also knowing that manta rays don’t really gather that much. These gentle giants are solitary animals who prefer to glide with grace in solitude, swimming and migrating alone through the vast oceans. While they do have their social circles and preferences, they mostly gather at feeding grounds, at cleaning stations, or during mating times, which explains why we were able to see such a large number of manta rays at their feeding station.

Manta rays are drawn to South Halmahera because of how strategic it is. The area is a part of the Coral Triangle, sitting right in the global center of marine biodiversity. With deep ocean currents pushing rich nutrients up from the Pacific Ocean and the Banda Sea, a massive food web is formed. The water, full of nutrients, provides manta rays with what they need, turning it into their favorite buffet.

However, manta rays are not the only species being fed by the rich Halmahera waters. Its currents, carrying essential minerals, also keep the coral reef healthy, bringing growth to the area. This is why Halmahera has such a bright collection of coral reef species, worthy of exploration.