Join a Manta Research Expedition with Scuba Tours Worldwide
November is a fabulous time of year to see manta rays in the Maldives and Scuba Tours Worldwide has two special ‘Manta Research Expeditions’ scheduled on board MV Sea Spirit which will dedicate time to the investigation of populations of juvenile manta rays.
Under the guidance of manta expert, Dr Anne-Marie Kitchen Wheeler, guests will learn manta identification techniques from informal presentations. Specific activities will include at least two evenings of 3 hour observations of mantas in lagoons in order to obtain data on the total number of animals which visit the sites and to identify individual mantas. Anne-Marie currently has over 2,300 mantas logged in her database from her PhD studies and individuals are often re-sighted despite not being seen for a number of years – the longest gap between sightings is just over 12 years! Data collection will be via photo/videography but you don’t need to be an underwater photographer to join in – the trip is open to everyone and is ideal for those wishing to learn more about these beautiful creatures.
If you are really keen, you can take the PADI Manta Diver Speciality during the trip. Dates are 8th to 21st Nov, 12 days/£2,890 and 22nd to 30th Nov, 7 days/£1,905 – including flights from the UK (tax extra).
For more information or to book contact the Scuba Tours Worldwide team now by calling them on +44 (0)1284 748010 or by emailing them at sales@scubascuba.com. Alternatively you can visit www.scubascuba.com.
