Jamanta, or Giant Oceanic Manta Ray (Manta birostris) are unique, almost mythical Animals. they can reach up to 9m in wing span, and unlike the warmer waters one, much more common (an easier to photograph) they generally travel alone.
Since the first times I came to dive in Madeira, in 1987, just after my scuba course, I heard stories of these Mantas coming to a particular spot in this Island, the Garajau Bay.
I dived here hundreds of times, made several Films for Tv and Commercials, and nothing.
Until 2010, in what were to be my last dives, unexpectedly, at the end of the dive, almost no air left, she showed up! I was with a fellow video cameraman, and she just did not leave us!
That same day, more them 50 divers were trying to see her (and photograph, for sure).
But this outstanding Jamanta chose us, and I believe no other dives saw her...
I was one of the most blessed moments of my life!