Two things to report. One having to do with the return of the Moon Jellyfish, and the other, swimming with, Giant Manta Rays! This summer, we saw the return of the Moon Jellyfish to the La Ventana Bayshoreline. Last year, there were few, but last month, while snorkeling, had to navigate some tight clusters here and there, nothing like 2022! Here’s a video of the invasion of 2022: Moon Jelly Invasion! Here’s a short video close-up of cute little fish being housed safely within the bell of this Moon Jellyfish, filmed last month: Little Fish Inside the Jelly Bell!
Moon Jellyfish are colorful and relatively harmless. They have very short tentacles. Luckily, their stings aren’t too serious, more like rubbing up against nettles. Watching them swim is a beautiful sight! Below, see the signature four-leaf clover design, that makes them easy to identify.
Swimming with Giant Manta Rays! On August 27, I traveled with a guide (Omar) and four friends to swim with the Giant Manta Rays. We departed from El Sargento at 7am traveling a good distance. Seeing these creatures for the first time was truly amazing. They appear to swim in slow motion, so peaceful looking. Here, a short clip of the Mantas swimming if you are interested: Swimming with Giant Mantas!
