We saw several spotted eagle rays over the course of the week, but this was the only one that I could realy get a shot of. Unfortunately the water was bit cloudy as it had rained the night before and we were close in on the patch reefs. This one was not terribly large for the species, with a wingspan of about 1.5 meters but its tail was very long, probably 2 meters long.
I was able to get above the spotted eagle ray as it glided over the patch reefs by crossing above it and perpendicular to its path. It didn't change speed or direction so I think I succeeded without disturbing it. I did notice two deep wounds or scars on it's back. I wonder what or who made those scars?
The photos from this trip are of very poor quality but this has to be one of the most memorable experiences we have ever had in the water. This Spotted Eagle Ray must have slowly circled us for 15 or 20 minutes, intently observing those wierd two legged creatures breathing through tubes of all things. The really weird thing was the large Cobia hovering beneath the entire time. This is the only time we have ever observed a Cobia in the wild.