Scuba diver instructor and photographer of Ecotourism agency Marea Alta based in Playas del Coco, Rolbin Garcia, had always heard of the existence of the giant albino manta ray (Manta birostris), the largest type of ray in the world, in the waters of the North Pacific, but had never had a chance to see it until last January 12.

On that day while he was working at sea he had the great luck of running into one of this magnificent animals, and captured the moment in photographs that he immediately shared in his social media accounts.

Mobulas, devil rays, manta rays, sharks, can be seen this time a year in the waters close to Playas del Coco, Papagayo, Islas Catalinas and Culebra Bay, but this 2018 the reports of their sighting have been more usual than in previous years; coming upon a giant albino manta ray is very uncommon.

“Trade winds coming from Nicaragua stir the sea floor, making the cold water come close to the surface and this is what many animals look for to feed”, explained Andrés López biologist of Misión Tiburón, in an interview with Teletica Channel 7.