Rays

From graceful eagle rays cruising the blue to stingrays buried in sand, rays are always a highlight. Mantas at cleaning stations are the ultimate encounter. Give resting rays on the bottom a wide berth — a startled stingray can deliver a painful barb.

Last updated April 2026

Species

Blue-spotted ray

Taeniura lymma(3 photos)

Near ThreatenedUp to 35 cm1–25mCoral reefSand

A small ray with vivid electric-blue spots on a yellow-brown disc. One of the most photogenic rays on Red Sea reefs — unmistakable coloring.

Rests under table corals and in sandy patches between coral heads — venomous tail spine, so admire without touching or cornering.

Observed at

Dunraven(Sharm El Sheikh)Jackson reef(Sharm El Sheikh)

Common eagle ray

Myliobatis aquila(2 photos)

VulnerableUp to 180 cm5–50mSandOpen waterRocky reef

A large ray with pointed wing-tips and a distinctive spotted pattern on its dark upper surface. Long tail with a small dorsal fin. Graceful diamond-shaped silhouette in flight.

Glides majestically over sandy bottoms and seagrass beds, sometimes in small groups — a memorable encounter often near deeper reef edges.

Observed at

La cueva del diablo(El Hierro)Las Planetas(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)

Common stingray

Dasyatis pastinaca(2 photos)

VulnerableUp to 140 cm2–60mSandPosidonia

A classic diamond-shaped stingray — smooth, grey-brown disc with a long whip-like tail and venomous spine. The most common stingray in Mediterranean waters.

Often buried in sandy bottoms near seagrass beds with just eyes and spiracles visible — shuffle your fins on sandy entry points to avoid stepping on one.

Observed at

Baja Rosario(El Hierro)

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