I just returned from Bali, Indonesia, where among the amazing scuba diving I experienced was one particular Manta Ray encounter that was truly magical.
When we first entered the water, there was a group of divers chasing 2 Mantas, arms outstretched trying to get that "proof shot" to take home to their friends. Such a shame to see such ungraceful divers chasing such a majestic and graceful creature. So I backed off on my own, left the group, as well as the group from my own boat, and tried to predict the direction that one particular Manta was banking in, so I could end up right under him or her to get some great shots. I had my fisheye lens on, so I would have to be less than a few feet away from the animal to get the shot I was looking for. Eventually I ended up in 9 feet of water with this solo Manta Ray, just he (or she) and I, for 40 minutes. The Manta would head out about 30 feet, bank, and come right over my head, turn around and do the same over and over again, sometimes coming within inches of me. I resisted the urge to touch him, and just kept shooting. Eventually my dive guide came to find me and get me out of the water. But not before I got some amazing images and had an even more amazing experience. This is what diving is all about.
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