Gliding along the shallow coral reef, we thought we were prepared for anything.
During our previous scuba dives in the world-famous Raja Ampat, we’d already watched huge green turtles soar past, been surprised by blacktip reef sharks darting into view, and waited patiently for a timid octopus to peer out of its shell-strewn midden to say hello.
But I certainly wasn’t expecting to see this.
Raja Ampat in Indonesia is world-famous for its scuba diving. Designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in September 2025, the archipelago has some of the most diverse marine life on the planet.
"There are more than 1,600 [species of] fishes identified within Raja Ampat," says Yeray Moreno, head of experience and conservation at Rascal Voyages and my dive guide during my trip. "You can see more than 700 on a single dive site."
The ray’s huge round body was so well camouflaged in the sand that it took a few more fin kicks before we recognised the enormous stingray nestled in the seabed right in front of us.
Rippling its sides, the animal shifted then slowly took off from the seabed, sand pouring off the ridges of its body as it swam away.
But something wasn’t right. As the stingray flew past, I got a close look at the stump at the back of its body, like a dog with a docked tail.
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Sometimes, when fishers accidentally catch a stingray, they cut its barb off before throwing it back in the water to prevent the chance of getting stung if they encounter the same individual again, Moreno explains: “It’s very unlikely that was natural.
“It's not threatening most of the time, but it does take away any possible defence from predators,” he says.
So far, this large ray had thrived despite its injury – hopefully, it will live out many more days in the stunning reefs of Raja Ampat.
Melissa Hobson travelled courtesy of Rascal Voyages | Top image credit: Melissa Hobson | Rascal Voyages.
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