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Overview
An offshore seamount about 7 km north of Santa Maria that rises to within roughly 5 m of the surface and draws the Atlantic's largest known summer aggregation of sicklefin devil rays (Mobula tarapacana). From June to October, divers clip onto the mooring line at 5–15 m and watch groups of 10–30 golden-backed rays, some with wingspans over 3 m, circle slowly in midwater alongside schooling almaco jacks and yellowmouth barracuda. Currents run moderate to strong, and late-summer plankton blooms can bring whale sharks and oceanic mantas. A small platform sits near 40 m for experienced divers.
Briefing note
Marine reserve: do not touch or chase the rays and stay on the mooring line. Offshore seamount exposed to current and surface chop, so a current-experienced group is best. Devil ray sightings peak July–October and are never guaranteed.
What you'll see
6 species curated- seasonalSicklefin devil rayPeak: Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
- rareOceanic manta rayPeak: Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
- rareWhale sharkPeak: Aug · Sep · Oct
- year-roundAlmaco jackPeak: Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
- year-roundYellowmouth barracudaPeak: Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
- rareOcean sunfishPeak: Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
Conditions
| Month | Water | Visibility | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17–18 °C | 15–25 m | moderate |
| Feb | 16–17 °C | 15–25 m | moderate |
| Mar | 16–17 °C | 15–25 m | moderate |
| Apr | 16–17 °C | 15–28 m | moderate |
| May | 17–18 °C | 20–30 m | moderate |
| Jun | 19–21 °C | 20–30 m | strong |
| Jul | 21–23 °C | 25–35 m | strong |
| Aug | 23–24 °C | 25–40 m | strong |
| Sep | 23–24 °C | 25–40 m | strong |
| Oct | 21–23 °C | 20–35 m | strong |
| Nov | 19–21 °C | 18–30 m | moderate |
| Dec | 18–19 °C | 15–25 m | moderate |
Season calendar
Peak season highlighted · current month outlined
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