Today is World Manta Day! Seas4Life Celebrates the Conservation of the Magnificent Species

TODAY IS WORLD MANTA DAY! 

SEAS4LIFE CELEBRATES THE CONSERVATION OF THE MAGNIFICENT SPECIES 

Seas4Life is marking World Manta Day today, with a celebration dedicated to manta ray conservation, education, and advocacy across the Western Indian Ocean. This year’s theme, “The Power of Protection,” highlights a pivotal moment for manta and devil ray survival, reminding us that safeguarding these majestic species is not only possible but essential.

Graceful and unmissable, manta rays glide through the ocean on vast wings, often leaping or somersaulting above the surface in displays of power and elegance. Found in warm coastal waters around continents and islands, these close relatives of sharks and skates embody the wonder of our oceans. Yet, despite their iconic presence, mantas are under increasing threat from overfishing, habitat destruction, and human pressures. Without stronger protection, their survival hangs in the balance.

About Seas4life 

Seas4Life creates unique travel experiences for adventurous travellers who want to explore the beauty and diversity of the ocean. From diving in Mozambique or Saudi Arabia, to discovering Madagascar’s coastline by boat, Kenya’s hidden underwater world, or the Spice Islands of Tanzania, every journey is designed to reflect their guests’ interests and sense of adventure. Their trips are more than just escapes; they are opportunities to connect deeply with the ocean. Each itinerary is tailored, combining meaningful exploration with a strong commitment to sustainability. At Seas4Life, their purpose is simple: to inspire people to experience, understand, and care for the ocean through unforgettable dive and travel experiences.

Julie Church’s First-hand Experience 

Julie Church brings decades of conservation experience in the Western Indian Ocean to Seas4Life’s mission. Her leadership has built strong connections between coastal communities, scientists, and travel operators across East Africa and nearby island nations. Having witnessed the positive impact that well-managed marine protected areas can have on manta ray populations, Julie is a passionate advocate for collaborative research and policy that safeguards ocean ecosystems. On field safaris with Seas4Life, Julie shares her deep knowledge of manta rays — from their unique markings to their social behaviour and long migrations. She also reinforces a strong “leave no trace” ethic and encourages travellers to contribute to citizen science by helping collect valuable data during each trip.

Experience Manta Rays Like Never Before – Join a Seas4Life Expedition 

Dive into the turquoise waters of the Western Indian Ocean and swim alongside the ocean’s most graceful giants. Seas4Life’s upcoming set-departure expeditions are more than travel; they’re a chance to take part in real conservation impact.

In destinations such as the Maldives and Mozambique, you’ll:

• Join the Manta photo ID projects and contribute to vital research
• Witness extraordinary natural behaviours like feeding aggregations and cleaning stations
• Learn from and work alongside leading marine scientists such as Nakia Cullain, shaping the future of manta conservation, gaining exclusive insights into their groundbreaking conservation efforts 

World Manta Day Activities 

To celebrate World Manta Day, Seas4Life is launching manta-focused expeditions, interactive marine workshops, and digital campaigns that bring people closer to manta conservation.

Guests on our expeditions can:

• Take part in manta monitoring and ID dives, contributing sightings and photographs to global research databases
• Join interactive workshops to understand the latest science and conservation challenges
• Share their experiences online using #WorldMantaDay and #SaveTheMantas, connecting with a worldwide community of ocean advocates

Every activity is designed to inspire action and create real conservation impact – both in the water and beyond.

Seas4Life’s Impact in the WIO Region 

Seas4Life runs safaris and expeditions in key manta habitats across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), promoting sustainable and impactful tourism, advocating for marine protected areas, and directly supporting research. Its itineraries integrate manta monitoring, responsible tourism practices, and education on reducing species stress — all critical factors identified by international studies for reversing population declines.

Seas4Life’s commitment is to in-water etiquette, code-of-conduct briefings, and contribution of photo-ID data to established marine databases, helping track population health and long-term trends while enabling guests to actively support conservation.

A Call to Action 

Seas4Life invites all participants, partners, and ocean lovers worldwide to stand with them this World Manta Day. By supporting sustainable and impactful marine tourism, sharing manta knowledge, and contributing to conservation science, we can ensure these ocean giants continue to thrive in the Western Indian Ocean and beyond. Through expert-led expeditions and inclusive educational events, Seas4Life is building a future where manta rays and marine wildlife are celebrated, studied, and safeguarded. But this vision requires collective action.

From local communities to global policymakers, every action matters. World Manta Day is a moment to unite—individuals, organisations, and governments—behind meaningful, lasting protection. Together, through science, advocacy, and law, we can secure a safe future for manta and devil rays.