Diver nearly misses once in a lifetime encounter

Divers swimming above Kristy watch her photograph a fish, oblivious to the enormous Spotted Eagle Ray approaching her from behind. You can hear one of them frantically dinging his tank to let her know. She luckily turns and raises her camera just in time to capture the unbelievable video of this rare and beautiful creature that had come within inches of her.

This specific kind of ray can be found globally in tropical regions, including the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. They are recognizable by their flat disk-shaped bodies, and the deep blue or even black with white spots on top. Their flat snouts resemble a duck's bill.

These distinctive features make the spotted eagle ray a very coveted aquarium attraction, although they aren't kept for private purposes and can only be found in public aquariums. They do not pose a significant threat for humans, which is a good thing to know when/if you find yourself in Kristy's situation.

She had an amazing opportunity to see one of these creatures, but to think she almost missed this once in a lifetime encounter! She would've regretted it for sure! But she managed to film the whole thing, and now we also get to see this wonderful creature's grandeur.