The Famous Giant Manta Ride

There was a seminal moment in Peter’s life in 1980 when he rode on the back of a giant manta in the Sea of Cortez. He was there for a film with The American Sportsman (check this out!!!!) about the vast schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks that migrated in these waters. 

Michele Hall (of the famed Howard & Michele film team) was alone on the boat while the movie crew was off filming. She noticed a shadow under the boat, went down to investigate and found an injured manta ray. There was fishing line tearing at the flesh around the mouth. Michele gently rested on the manta’s back and pulled the line away. The manta shuttered but it did not move. It must have somehow known that his pain was helpful.  When all the line was extracted, Michele packed the flesh back and stayed with the manta. It slowly began to move it’s massive ‘wings’ and Michele held on as it cruised through the ocean for 10 minutes and brought her back to the boat. When Peter and the movie crew returned, Peter put on a tank and the manta also gave him a spectacular ride. To his and everyone’s astonishment, the manta stayed for three days and everyone was able to cruise with the manta.  It was one of the most exhilarating underwater experiences Peter ever had and it was the inspiration for his novel, The Girl of the Sea of Cortez.

Wyland, the famous ocean artist and activist, used this photo and story as inspiration when he designed the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards logo and statues.