Manta Ray Cleaning Stations: the Manta Spa

If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming alongside the majestic manta ray, you may have heard about cleaning stations—a site where Manta Rays exhibit fascinating behaviour that draws divers and snorkelers from all over the world. These cleaning stations are unique underwater spots where manta rays visit to get rid of parasites and dead skin to maintain their health, almost like a natural doctors surgery. But what makes these cleaning stations so special? Let’s dive in!

What are Manta Ray Cleaning Stations?

Manta ray cleaning stations are specific areas on coral reefs or seamounts where manta rays go to have their bodies cleaned by smaller fish. These small fish, often cleaner wrasse or cleaner gobies, feed on parasites, dead skin, and mucus found on the manta's body. The process is mutually beneficial: the cleaner fish get a meal, while the manta rays get rid of unwanted pests.

These stations are typically found in shallow waters, often near reefs, where manta rays can easily hover and allow the cleaning fish to work on them. The rays will visit these spots regularly, and in some locations, they’ll gather in large numbers, sometimes even forming "cleaning stations" with dozens of rays at a time.

Cruising for a cleaning

Doctors Orders: How it Works

When a manta ray arrives at a cleaning station, it often moves slowly in a circular motion, positioning itself for the cleaner fish to begin their work. The cleaner fish swim over the manta's body, focusing on areas like the gills, mouth, and under the wings, where parasites tend to accumulate. This process can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on how much cleaning the manta needs.

A symbiotic relationship

The Manta Ray is, however, very heavy and negatively buoyant. They, like many other rays and sharks, must remain in motion to allow water to continually pass through their gills to remain oxygenated. Slowing down to an almost stop at the cleaning station is very difficult for them, so they may have to go round several times, each time only stopping briefly for a quick clean.

Interestingly, manta rays often prefer certain cleaner fish and may even develop a relationship with specific species, returning to the same station over and over again. It’s a unique display of cooperation between species, and it’s one of nature’s most fascinating behaviors.

Why are Manta Ray Cleaning Stations so Important?

Manta rays, like many marine species, are prone to picking up parasites, which can affect their health. By visiting cleaning stations, they maintain their well-being and reduce the chance of infection or irritation caused by the buildup of parasites. Cleaner fish play an essential role in marine ecosystems by helping maintain the health of larger species, ensuring a balance in the underwater world.

A line of Mantas getting a good clean!

For divers and snorkelers, visiting a cleaning station is one of the most incredible experiences. Watching a manta ray gracefully float above the reef while small fish work on its body is nothing short of magical. It’s a reminder of the delicate and interconnected relationships that exist in nature, and how every species has a role to play in maintaining the health of the ocean.

Etiquette and Guidelines for Diving at a Cleaning Station

The cleaner fish that live in the cleaning station are undoubtedly vital to the process; without them, it would be like a doctor’s surgery with no doctors! If divers get too close, they may scare off the cleaner fish; either retreating into the crevasses or leaving altogether. If the cleaning station has no cleaner fish, the Manta Rays will stop coming.

Additionally, Mantas tend to be very courteous and orderly, they line up and wait for their turn; if they see another Manta being cleaned, they will circle round and come back later allowing adequate time for the cleaning process.  If divers are seen on top or too near the cleaning station, the Manta may reason that you are being cleaned, and will politely leave to return later. By the time they return, the dive may be over and you, and your fellow divers, would not have seen any Mantas.

Avoid the top of the cleaning station and stay to the side

Both of these points are reasons why we must never dive above or too near the cleaning station. Best practice would be to remain down current and to the side, passively watching the spectacle without disturbing this delicate balance of behavior.

Where to see Manta Ray Cleaning Stations

If you're eager to witness this incredible natural behavior, there are several places around the world known for their manta ray cleaning stations. The Manta Ray Bay in the Philippines, Komodo National Park in Indonesia, and of course our very own Manta Point here in Nusa Penida are all hotspots for cleaning station sightings. These areas are also famous for their abundant marine life, so you’re likely to see not only manta rays but also a variety of other sea creatures.

Manta ray cleaning stations offer a beautiful glimpse into the world of these magnificent creatures and the symbiotic relationships that sustain life underwater. Whether you’re an avid diver or a casual snorkeler, witnessing a manta ray at a cleaning station is an unforgettable experience that reminds us just how wondrous and complex the ocean’s ecosystems are. So, if you ever find yourself near one of these locations, don’t miss the chance to witness this natural phenomenon up close!

If you want to learn more about Nusa Penida's Manta Rays, check out this online course by our friends at IndoOceanProjet.