from AUD$50
“Manta rays are believed to be the spiritual guides of the ocean, according to local elders of Raja Ampat. They protect the reefs and the ocean, which means they are deeply respected by the people of the archipelago. Living on Arborek island for six years, having manta rays pass by while working from my over-water bungalows’ balcony was a daily occurrence. Especially when the conditions are calm and the skies blue, manta rays like to aggregate to feed on the big clouds of plankton. Often distracted by this phenomenon, I often couldn’t resist flying my drone to have a closer look. Though I wouldn’t need to fly far: this photo just meters from my home.”
Species: Mobula alfredi
Location: Arborek Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Photographer: Iris Uijttewaal


