At the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island sits in a Green Zone of the marine park and is one of the most reliable places in Australia to swim with reef manta rays. These gentle giants — with wingspans that can reach three to four metres — glide in to feed and to visit "cleaning stations", where small fish pick parasites from their skin.
When to go
Mantas are seen around the island year-round, but aggregations peak in the cooler months from roughly May to September, when nutrient-rich water draws them in to feed.
How to experience it
Lady Elliot is a coral cay reached by light aircraft for a day trip or an overnight stay. The clear water and shallow lagoon make it superb for snorkelling as well as diving, so you don't need to be a certified diver to share the water with a manta. As with all the reef's wildlife, keep a respectful distance and let the animals approach you — never chase or touch them.