The Oceanarium in Lisbon holds the first edition of the Manta Conservation Experience, an innovative program combining tourism and conservation in the Azores.

According to a press release, the first edition of the Manta Conservation Experience began on July 30 and runs until August 4 to increase scientific knowledge about the manta rays present in the Azores, which are endangered species.   For a week, participants in the Manta Conservation Experience will be able to dive twice a day in the best locations off the coast of the island of Santa Maria, in Nature Reserves and Marine Protected Areas.

Oceanário de Lisboa said in a press release that this is a trip to discover more about manta rays and collect data and photographs for scientific research. An exclusive experience, says Oceanário de Lisboa, since “in the Marine Protected Areas in Santa Maria, only a limited number of divers are allowed simultaneously in each location.”

With the first edition of the Manta Conservation Experience already underway, Oceanário de Lisboa also states that registration is already open for the subsequent editions, which will take place from September 3 to 10, 2023; from July 21 to 28, 2024; from July 28 to August 4, 2024, and from August 25 to September 1, 2024. This exclusive experience is limited to a maximum of six participants per edition and has a cost of 3,600 euros, which includes accommodation in a four-star hotel.

This is a value “that supports the financial sustainability of the Manta Catalog Azores project, allowing a larger team dedicated full-time to the study and continuous monitoring of the manta ray species present in the Eastern Atlantic,” explains the Oceanário de Lisboa in a press release.

Every year, dozens of manta rays are found near the island of Santa Maria, arousing the curiosity of scientists and lovers of these mysterious animals, and this is what led the Oceanário de Lisboa to launch a conservation tourism program that challenges the typical diver, to contribute to the protection of manta rays.

This news story is by journalist Rui Jorge Cabral for the Açoriano Oriental newspaper, Paulo Simões, director.

It was translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Medial Alliance)  at California State University, Fresno.

Some information regarding the manta rays in the Azores

Diving with manta rays (Mobula tarapacana) is classified as one of the best dives in the Azores!

This unique experience can be done by scuba diving, experienced divers, or snorkeling, and no certification is required here.

Manta Rays are majestic and harmless animals, which do not fear man and swim quietly near the surface, a few meters deep, and can, on calm sea days, be seen from the boat itself.

The dive occurs on an underwater bank called “Princesa Alice”, about 45 nautical miles southwest of Faial Island.

Manta Rays tend to concentrate on this famous seamount, which emerges from depths of almost 1000 meters, forming at the summit a platform only 30/40 meters from the sea surface. It is common to spot these extraordinary creatures singly or in small groups, but they sometimes swarm in groups of dozens, providing a fascinating spectacle of movement, elegance, and excitement.

In addition to the Jamantas, it is common to find schools of other pelagic species, such as the Bonito (Katsuwonus pelamis), the Bicuda (Sphyraena viridensis), and the Irio (Seriola rivoliana).

These trips take place from July to September. The boat trip lasts approximately 3 hours each way, so it is an activity that takes up the whole day.

Mergulho | Snorkeling com Jamantas