Pelagic rays of the Celebes Sea
Spotted eagle ray
A wide, white-spotted ray that flies rather than swims, passing along the drop-offs in ones and twos with a tail longer than its body.
Highlights
- Found cruising the deep drop-offs at Sipadan and occasionally gathering in numbers near Si Amil.
- Distinctive dark back with bright white spots and a whip-like tail.
- A lucky find for divers watching the blue water away from the reef wall.
- Harmless to divers observing them neutrally buoyant in the current.
- Accessible from dive resorts on Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking and Pom Pom.
It is a wide white-spotted ray that flies rather than swims. They pass along the drop-offs in ones and twos. Their whip-like tails are longer than their bodies. They gather in numbers at one of the outer islands in a way that is only recently being reported.
You have a moderate likelihood of spotting one on a dive trip here. It is always a lucky find. Divers watching the blue water often catch a glimpse as the rays cruise past the steep walls. The deep waters around the outer islands provide the perfect environment for these large pelagic wanderers.
What it is
The spotted eagle ray is formally known as Aetobatus ocellatus. For a long time scientists classified the global population under a single name. Studies of their DNA and body shape showed that they belong to different species. The original name now applies only to the Atlantic species. The Indo-West Pacific species has its own name again.
You can recognise it easily by its dark greenish-grey back covered in white spots and rings. The tail is whip-like and disproportionately long compared to the body. This tail houses venomous stinging spines used strictly for defence. The ray prefers strong oceanic currents to glide efficiently. Its dark back acts as camouflage from above while the white spots disrupt its outline in the dappled light.
Where you see it in Sabah
Sipadan is the primary place to encounter them. They cruise the strong currents along the steep vertical walls. The limestone structures plunge 600 metres to the Celebes Sea floor. This provides the deep-water environments the rays favour. They are often seen gliding past the coral overhangs.
Recent surveys and divers' reports also point to Si Amil, an island 30 kilometres off Semporna. This island is now designated an Important Shark and Ray Area because of emerging aggregations of spotted eagle rays. Dedicated surveys at a dive site called the Pinnacle record aggregations ranging from three to 32 individuals. Scientists are still investigating whether the rays gather to court, feed or save energy by swimming together. Si Amil stands out in Sabah for the numbers of eagle rays recorded together. It is not a scheduled daily dive destination. Visiting takes special arrangements with a dive operator.
What it does
When they are not cruising the blue water they exhibit a unique foraging behaviour. They use their shovel-shaped snouts to root through the sandy ledges of the drop-offs. The snout functions like an underwater trowel.
They dig out hard-shelled prey such as hermit crabs and large molluscs. They crush these shells using flattened dental plates before swallowing the meat. Their digging leaves distinctive hollows in the sandy ledges. You may spot a lone ray or a small group rooting through the sand on these deeper shelves.
Photographing it
Spotted eagle rays are shy and skittish. If you swim aggressively toward them they will bolt into the deep. The most successful technique is to hover neutrally buoyant in the current and allow the ray to dictate the proximity. You need to position yourself ahead of their trajectory without blocking them. If you chase them they will turn and disappear.
Because they have a dark dorsal colouration you need strong diffused strobe lighting. This illuminates the characteristic white spots against the deep blue background of the Celebes Sea. Shooting them from directly below results in poorly defined silhouettes. Maintain a respectful distance and let the subject approach.
Good habits around them
The safety etiquette for diving with spotted eagle rays requires respect for their space. They are entirely non-aggressive. Injuries only occur if the animal is physically restrained or stepped on in shallow estuarine waters. This scenario is highly unlikely in standard recreational diving.
Never touch or feed or corner or provoke the animal for a photograph. If a ray swims rapidly away it is displaying a defensive reaction rather than aggression. Keep your distance and enjoy the encounter. Dive operators strictly enforce a hands-off policy. Be sure to check your buoyancy while watching the blue water. It is easy to sink toward the reef while distracted by a passing ray.
Conservation
The International Union for Conservation of Nature assessed the spotted eagle ray as Endangered in 2023. They grow slowly, mature late and have few young. Litters consist of up to four pups. These traits make them exceptionally vulnerable to unregulated coastal gillnet and demersal trawl fisheries across the broader Southeast Asian region.
The strict permitting system at Sipadan offers a vital protected refuge. Sabah Parks issues 254 Sipadan permits a day. This strict cap shields the local marine life from commercial fishing pressures and excessive diver traffic.
Where to dive with them
You reach the best sites by booking a dive package at the resorts on Mabul or Mataking Island or Pom Pom.
A guaranteed Sipadan permit comes with the right combination of resort and dive package and minimum number of nights. Which dates can be guaranteed depends on the resort you choose. The team steers you to the combination that fits. With the Sipadan Classic package your days at the outer reefs are arranged for you. Read the Sipadan permits guide to understand how the allocation system works.
Dive sites for eagle rays
South Point Skill level: Advanced This site sits at the southern tip of Sipadan. The strong currents converge here. It is a prime location to watch the blue water for pelagics passing the wall. Hang in the current and scan the deep ledges. You often see spotted eagle rays gliding below.
Barracuda Point Skill level: Advanced Barracuda Point is the dive most people come to Sipadan for. Spotted eagle rays often cruise the channel here alongside the resident chevron barracuda school. Be sure to look away from the reef wall occasionally. The blue water often holds a passing ray.
Nearby places / alternatives
Plan your dives
Send your dates along with the names of everyone coming and your certification levels. The team comes back with what can be arranged for your time in Sabah.
FAQ
Are spotted eagle rays dangerous to divers?
What is the best time of year to see them?
Can I book a trip specifically to see the Si Amil aggregation?
Do they swim in schools at Sipadan?
How deep do you usually see them?
Make a Booking for Sipadan
Sources referenced on this page: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.