Manta Ray Philippines March – Encounter Guide & Best Sites

Peak Ticao Pass season. Some of the largest oceanic manta aggregations in the Philippines occur here.

Encounter overview

Diving or snorkelling with manta rays in Philippines during March is high season, with an encounter probability of approximately 80% under normal conditions. Manta rays are the ocean’s most graceful megafauna – enormous, intelligent animals that barrel-roll through plankton clouds and visit cleaning stations with clockwork regularity.

Best sites

• Ticao Pass
• Burias Pass
• Tubbataha Reef

What to expect

Reef mantas (M. alfredi) are resident and predictable; oceanic mantas (M. birostris) range widely. Both species visit cleaning stations daily, often early morning. Night dives near lights can trigger spectacular feeding aggregations.

Water conditions in March

Water temperature in Philippines typically ranges 26-30°C. Visibility at Ticao Pass in March is generally good; check local liveaboard or dive operator reports the week of your trip for specific conditions. Wall diving, macro, pelagic is the primary dive style in Philippines.

Practical tips

Never touch mantas – the mucus coat protects them from infection. Approach slowly from below and ahead; never chase. A horizontal body position causes far less disturbance than standing upright in the water column.

Getting there

Fly into Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB), or Puerto Princesa (PPS). Tubbataha reef, malapascua threshers, oslob whale sharks, sardine run. 30-day visa-free for most nationalities. Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP).

Is March a good time to visit Philippines for manta ray?

Yes – March is high season for manta rays in Philippines. Encounter probability is around 80% on a dedicated trip. Best sites include Ticao Pass, Burias Pass, Tubbataha Reef. Check availability at Ticao Pass as spaces fill quickly in peak months.