This week here in Belongas, South Lombok we have had the absolute pleasure of a visit from an Oceanic Manta! Having full boats all week with divers from the Gili Islands, U.K, France and Malaysia who all come from for Hammerheads and Mobula Rays were over the moon to run into the Manta.

Pi’I our Belongas guide says that this does happen so often usually about 3-4 times during the high season.

The Oceanic Manta is the largest ray in the world, can grow up to 7m weighing whooping 1350kg! The average size for them is 4.5m.

It seems that we really have been blessed down here this year with visits from not only the Oceanic Manta but also Mola Mola (Sunfish) and Dolphins.

This week the water temperature has been fairly warm for this time of year averaging at 23ºC, sometimes this is too warm for the hammerheads to rise to a shallower depth but we have still on almost every dive seen a big school of around 30+. Hammerheads are curious creatures and come fairly close to us divers for a hello, lucky for those into their videography and photography!

Last week the temperature was cold and the Mobula rays escaped to a warmer climate but this week they have been back with additional Friends. Three big schools of 50+ Mobula rays this week in Gili Sarang.

It seems that this year is especially special for us here in South Lombok! May it contuinue.