Giant manta ray slowly cruises past scuba divers in Galapagos Islands

Giant manta rays congregate in the Galapagos Islands more than any other place in the world. It's one of the best places to have a magical encounter with one of the ocean's most majestic animals. The wingspan on these creatures can reach 7m (23 feet) and they can weigh as much as 3,000kg (6,600lbs). The manta ray is the epitome of grace and beauty as it moves through the water by flapping its wings like a giant bird. These fortunate divers met this ray as it rounded a curve and swam past them in the waters off Cousin's Rock. The manta seemed unconcerned by the presence of the divers as it slowly passed by. Mantas are highly intelligent fish, believed to be capable of self-awareness. They have proven that they recognize their reflection and they actually move their bodies to view areas that they cannot see on their own. They occasionally exhibit curiosity when they meet humans underwater.