Schweiz
The Last Dive ©
Diver and manta ray as small silhouettes against brilliant underwater sunlight, vertical format

Please don't touch

Diving with manta rays is a unique experience—just make sure you follow one essential rule.

Bright orange gloves have always been Terry Kennedy’s trademark underwater. He wore them in the 1980s, when he first encountered a manta ray he affectionately named Willy Wow. He wore them again more than 30 years later, when—now in his eighties—he made one last attempt to visit his old friend. Perhaps, Terry hoped, Willy would recognize him by those gloves and join him for one more dive.

Older diver with yellow gloves and full scuba gear gesturing near an underwater reef
Johnny Friday ©
Terry Kennedy — a diver who spent decades not just exploring the ocean, but advocating for it.

Terry and Willy shared an extraordinary friendship. It is rare for humans and wild animals to become so close and develop such deep mutual trust. This relationship is captivating; it shows us that the ocean and its inhabitants are capable of something society often struggles with—accepting one another without prejudice, just as we are. It also beautifully illustrates how such a bond can give rise to a sense of responsibility: the desire to protect what we love.

Elderly diver with yellow glove extends arm as a large manta ray passes closely overhead
The Last Dive ©
The last dive: Terry Kennedy and his old friend Willy — a reunion decades in the making.

A friendship beneath the surface — and what it teaches us

In The Last Dive, we revisit the special relationship between Terry and Willy in retrospect. Archival footage shows a young Terry holding on to a massive manta ray as it pulls him effortlessly through the water. The unmistakable look of 16mm film reveals just how long ago these images were shot. It is a magical depiction of a consensual connection between human and animal. Seen through today’s lens, however, our understanding of how to appropriately interact with wild ocean life has changed.

The golden rule of modern diving: look, don't touch

Thanks to the work of countless marine scientists, we have learned a great deal over the past 30 years. As a result, one of the most important rules of diving today is simple: look but do not touch. From fish to corals, all underwater life is off-limits; touching them can have serious consequences for both humans and animals. Some species bite, sting, or defend themselves with venom when they feel threatened—sometimes with fatal results for humans. Animals, too, can suffer lasting damage from contact, effects that may remain visible for years.

Manta ray swimming directly toward the camera, cephalic fins clearly visible, blue water background
The Last Dive ©
Curiosity up close: a manta ray approaches — the right response is to hold still and let it pass.

Manta Rays

With wingspans of up to seven meters (23 feet), manta rays are truly majestic creatures. They are found worldwide in tropical to temperate seas, where they feed on plankton and small fish.

Why direct contact causes real harm

Like fish, manta rays are covered by a slimy mucus layer. This slick surface provides natural protection against bacteria and supports the healing of minor injuries. When this layer is removed through contact with animals or humans, manta rays become more vulnerable to wounds in those areas. Some mantas have been observed repeatedly over many years with red, raw patches on their undersides and cephalic fins—injuries that never fully healed even after a long time. This suggests that the protective mucus layer can regenerate only to a limited extent. It is far better not to damage it in the first place.

Manta ray silhouette backlit by sunlight, three divers observing from a respectful distance below
The Last Dive ©
Look, don't touch: divers accompany a manta ray at a safe distance — exactly as it should be.

Respect as the most meaningful form of encounter

Manta rays are gentle giants. Like Willy, many are curious and allow humans to come very close. It is up to us to treat this trust with respect, to give these animals space, and to avoid compromising their health. Swimming with a manta ray—or dolphins or whales—is an unforgettable experience even without direct contact.

Manta ray in side profile gliding through deep blue water, sunlight filtering from above
The Last Dive ©
A manta ray moves silently through the open sea — in its element, undisturbed by human presence.

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Film program & trailer

The five new films of the International Ocean Film Tour Volume 12 tell stories of people who dare to embrace change and new beginnings.

Film: The Last Dive

The touching friendship between Terry Kennedy and Willy the manta ray.

Discover more inspiring stories

Behind the scenes with the protagonists and filmmakers

The Maclean Brothers: 139 days at sea

Freediving: Dive deep, hold your breath, and glide through the water for minutes.