Search
Close this search box.

Whale sharks and manta ray spotted at the Liberty Ship wreck in Destin, FL (VIDEO)

"We were there for about 30 minutes," said Alex Fogg. "They showed up almost immediately and were there the entire time we were diving."
Whale shark and manta ray spotted at Liberty Ship artificial reef in Destin, Florida
Whale shark and manta ray spotted at Liberty Ship artificial reef in Destin, Florida
Whale sharks and manta ray spotted at the Liberty Ship wreck in Destin, FL – 📸 Alex Fogg

It was supposed to be a routine lionfish dive for Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager for Okaloosa County, on Sunday. However, the opportunity to witness not only two whale sharks, but also a manta ray at the same time, made it an epic day for diving.

According to Fogg, he went out on the Sea Cobra with the team at ScubaTech and a team from Reef Smart Guides. The plan was for him to collect some lionfish while Reef Smart Guides did some mapping updates to their 3d renderings of dive sites.

Whale shark spotted at Liberty Ship artificial reef in Destin, Florida – Alex Fogg

The charter made their stop at the Thomas Heyward Liberty Ship just 8 miles off the coast of Destin, FL.

“We were there for about 30 minutes,” said Fogg. “They showed up almost immediately and were there the entire time we were diving.”

Fogg told Get The Coast on Sunday that of the two whale sharks, they could confirm that one was a 25-30ft female. The other was estimated between 15-18ft, but could not confirm if it was male or female.

Manta ray spotted at Liberty Ship artificial reef in Destin, Florida – Alex Fogg

As for the manta ray, Fogg estimates that it was 10-12ft across, from wing tip to wing tip.

The conditions were great for the dive charter with 50-60ft visibility.

According to Fogg, the whale sharks and manta ray were at the Liberty Ship well after they headed back in.

“We told some friends what we saw and they went to the wreck about 2 hours later,” said Fogg. “The whale sharks and manta ray were still there.”

Whale shark and manta ray spotted at Liberty Ship artificial reef in Destin, Florida – Alex Fogg

“Whale sharks have spots on them which is basically like a thumbprint,” said Fogg. “There is a database that helps track these whale sharks using photographs to identify their unique pattern. I plan to submit some of the photos that we took today to the database to see if they have been seen somewhere else.”

Whale shark and manta ray spotted at Liberty Ship artificial reef in Destin, Florida – Alex Fogg
Whale shark and manta ray spotted at Liberty Ship artificial reef in Destin, Florida – Alex Fogg

To view a list of all of Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s artificial reefs, click here.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
Respond
“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
Respond
“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
Respond
“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
Respond
“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
Respond
“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
Respond
“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
Respond
“Where do you park? Should run a shuttle for HI owners”
Respond
“They have served great food items and the staff is friendly and ready to make the Sandpiper owners and guests feel welcome and appreciated! I heard the Saturday music is...”
Respond
“Interesting Risk, limiting your customer base. Wishes for success.”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.