Scuba diver meets gigantic spotted eagle stingray in Belize

Spotted eagle rays are a rare sight for scuba divers. When this diver came across a gigantic male cruising along the reef majestically, he was in complete awe. The eagle ray is capable of impressive speeds, especially when they grow this large. Swift and agile, they are designed to evade large predators like sharks.

This stingray was slowly cruising along, just relaxing and possibly keeping an eye out for conch shells, their preferred food. The diver met the eagle ray slowly and cruised along with him. The stingray flapped its large wings gracefully, unconcerned with the presence of the human.

Stingrays are highly intelligent and can be curious about a diver who approaches them respectfully, or who allows the stingray to approach them. They are equipped with large venomous barbs that can severely wound, or even kill a human, but they will never attack a person unless they are threatened.

Surprising a stingray from above and behind might give them the impression that they are under attack by a shark. A careful approach from the side is very unlikely to concern a stingray.

These beautiful animals can occasionally be found throughout the Caribbean, in places like Mexico and Belize. To see one this large up close is an unforgettable experience.