Manta Rays
Manta rays can be sighted in the waters around Orpheus Island from July to early November. Like whale sharks, manta rays are filter feeders and have a large toothless mouth which they use like a sieve to scoop up plankton and krill. Their wingspans measure several metres, enabling them to swim at rapid speeds, occasionally leaping out of the water and landing with a slap.Unlike stingrays, manta rays do not have a sharp barb, making them very safe to swim, snorkel or dive with.
Sea Snakes
You can see around 15 species of sea snakes while snorkelling or scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef. They’re generally docile and only attack creatures small enough to eat. One of the most common is the yellow-bellied sea snake, but you can also spot the olive sea snake and the black and white banded sea krait.
Birds
Whether you’re on land or in the water, staying at our Great Barrier Reef accommodation offers incredible birdwatching. There are around 59 species that call Orpheus home with the orange-footed scrubfowl, yellow-bellied sunbirds, friar birds, ospreys, kites, reef herons and egrets being some of our favourites.