RAJA AMPAT
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Location Raja Ampat - Indonesia
Duration 9 nights
Vessel MSY Aurora
Level from Open Water
Manta Expert TBC
HIGHLIGHTS
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Chance to see both species of manta rays (oceanic and reef manta) and both color variations (chevron and black morph)
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Known for the highest recorded diversity of fish and invertebrates in the world with over 1,500 species of fish!
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Untouched reefs and remote locations. With over 1,500 islands in Raja Ampat, many remain unexplored with new manta aggregation sites still to be discovered
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Explore new areas by conducting aerial and in-water surveys at potential manta aggregation and nursery sites
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Encounter fascinating critters and rare species such as pygmy seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, wobbegong and walking sharks
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Focus on understanding local reef and oceanic manta populations to support effective conservation measures​​
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Learn from your dedicated Manta Trust expert through tailored marine biology presentations
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Participate in workshops & help scientists collect meaningful data to further manta ray research and conservation!
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Oceanic Mantas
Reef Mantas
Wobbegong Sharks
With their sublime scenery of steep, jungle-covered islands, scorching white-sand beaches, hidden lagoons, spooky caves, weird mushroom-shaped islets and pellucid turquoise waters, Raja Ampat is undoubtely one of the most beautiful island chains in Southeast Asia.
On this expedition we will explore the centre and the remote southern Raja Ampat offering you a stunning variety of dives and wildlife!
In the Dampier Strait region we will dive with mantas at sites such as Blue Magic and Manta Ridge while also enjoying world class diving at Chicken Reef and Cape Kri. Here is where we may also be looking for aggregations of feeding mantas too for a chance to swim with formations of these marine giants!
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Navigating south we will be visiting Kofiau and Fam islands, diving sites such as the famous and pristine Melissa’s garden, My Reef and exploring for potential manta nursery sites.
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The cruise will finally venture into Misool, famous for its abundance of marine life and colorful reefs; here we will dive sites such as the famous Magic Mountain, Boo
Window and 4 Kings with chances of seeing both species of manta rays at once!
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On this unique expedition we will also dedicate time to exploring new areas and conducting aerial and in-water surveys at potential manta aggregation and nursery sites which will enrich our understanding of the dynamics of the local manta populations critical to ensure that appropriate and effective conservation measures are taken.
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Along the cruise we will have also the chance to experience the amazing landscapes and terrestrial life of Raja Ampat. Land excursions we may organise include a hike to swim in stingless jellyfish lake, an early morning hike in search of the elusive birds of paradise and hikes to stunning viewpoints.
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Raja Ampat is particularly famous for its untouched reefs festooned with wildly colourful soft corals, hard coral gardens, massive gorgonian sea fans, and an extremely rich reef life.
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Wobbegong, pigmy seahorses and harlequin shrimps are just a few of other incredible creatures you will have the chance to encounter on this once in a lifetime expedition!
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Note: Itinerary may be subject to change based on weather and ocean conditions.
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A TYPICAL ITINERARY
Day 1:
8am Hotel and Airport pick-ups
Transfer to the vessel, check-in and lunch
Check dive
Day 2-9:
3-4 dives/day with the occasional land excursion.
A daily night dive will be offered depending on the schedule.
Over these days you will be able to experience some of the best dive sites Raja Ampat has to offer in Misool, Central and North such as Blue Magic, Cape Kri, Chicken Reef, Melissa's Garden, 4 Kings, Boo Windows and many more.
Expect to see both reef and oceanic mantas, Wobbegong sharks, turtles, stunning reefs covered in soft and hard corals, the highest abundance of tropical fish life in the world and plenty of stunning critter organisms such as pygmy seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, decorated crabs and much more!
Daily workshops & presentations by onboard Manta Experts​
Day 10:
Check-out and airport transfer between 5am and 12pm
"
"
The Manta Expedition was an
epic trip from start to finish
great people, diving and boat!
Guest, Socorro 2023
MEET YOUR MANTA EXPERTS
As on all Socorro Manta Expeditions, two Manta Trust scientists will be onboard for its entire duration, offering everyone the opportunity to interact and learn from leading manta experts. The presence of Manta Trust scientists onboard will enhance your experience in a number of ways: • motivate and inspire you, by learning about the marine ecosystems you will be exploring • gain access to an accumulated wealth of knowledge and expertise, providing you the opportunity to become actively involved in cutting-edge scientific research. • offer you an educational and much more rewarding experience by making your underwater encounters more personal, and by involving you first-hand in marine research and conservation. • be environmentally aware and proactive and become an active member of an initiative which stands to have strong implications for the on-going persistence for manta rays worldwide. Collectively the Manta Trust and Manta Expeditions teams possess over three decades of experience working globally, studying manta populations and marine life and have assembled a vast amount of knowledge and expertise, knowledge you will have access to on this expedition. A core focus of the expeditions is not only to provide close encounters with manta rays but to enthuse and educate divers in marine conservation issues and the environment surrounding them. Through a series of activities and presentations on topics covering local marine species and habitats led by the Manta Trust expert, you are sure to leave with an increased awareness of the threats facing our oceans and, perhaps more importantly, how you can help. Using the knowledge of the Manta Trust scientists you will gain a brand-new perspective to diving and experiencing the underwater world; by understanding what you see you will gain a better appreciation and love for the ocean and its creatures. Ultimately, with the guidance of the Manta Trust researcher you will have the chance to give something back to the ocean which we believe is fundamental considering how much we take from it!
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I love getting the additional information
on the mantas & other ocean life from the
experts on board.
It adds so much to my experience
Guest, Socorro 2022
YOUR IMPACT
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