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DEEP BLUE SEA — Years ago, I read about an experience Peter Benchley had in the Sea of Cortez. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Benchley wrote the book "Jaws" and was involved in creating the infamous movie of the same name.
Due to the monstrous villain he created, it's not a stretch to say that Benchley may have had more to do with people fearing sharks than any single person in history. Troubled by his impact on the world, Benchley got involved in conservation later in life, trying to change the narrative around sharks.
While diving in the Sea of Cortez, Benchley and his friends encountered a manta ray tangled in fishing line. The creature was clearly suffering, as the line was digging deep into its flesh.
Benchley's friend climbed on the ray's back, which he estimated to be more 20 feet across, and proceeded to cut the line and remove it. The ray remained motionless during this rescue. Once the man had finished, the ray swam around playfully, with the shocked diver still clinging to its back. Benchley later had the opportunity to also ride the manta's back.
I've never had such a memorable experience with a manta ray, but I saw one while snorkeling in the Caribbean a couple of years ago. It looked like an enormous kite riding the wind as it glided past me in the water. I'll never forget that moment.
Here's a video from Mexico's Socorro Island that gives a glimpse of just how magnificent these creatures are:
If you ever get a chance to see a manta ray in the wild, I highly recommend it. They're among the most graceful and mysterious creatures to call the ocean home.
