Formed in 2011, the Manta Trust is a UK and US-registered charity that co-ordinates global mobulid research and conservation efforts. The team is comprised of a diverse group of researchers, scientists, conservationists, educators and media experts; working together to share and promote knowledge and expertise. The shared mission of this team is to conserve mobulid rays, their relatives, and their habitats, through a combination of research, education and collaboration.
The goal is a sustainable future for the oceans, where manta rays and their relatives thrive in healthy, diverse marine ecosystems. The Manta Trust takes a unique, multifaceted approach to mobulid conservation, which sets us apart from others in the field. Our approach revolves around three fundamental pillars: Research, Education and Collaboration.
As part of the mission to raise awareness and provide education on manta ray conservation, the Manta Trust has teamed up with regional eco-minded tourism operators to provide ‘Manta Expeditions’—a series of liveaboard dive and snorkel trips that focus specifically on getting our guests in close proximity to manta rays, whilst imparting expert knowledge and skills.
Join the Phinisi and the Manta Trust on our two special Expeditions itineraries exploring the very best diving in Myanmar and Thailand.
What to do? | The Basics: | ||
Suitable for photographers | Reefs: A mix of colourful reefs, submerged pinnacles and boulder sites | ||
A mix of large and small life | Large Fish & Pelagics: Mantas, Whale Sharks, Eagle Rays Macro: Everything you can dream of and more!! |
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Colourful Reefs | Night Dives: Up to 5 | ||
Boulders and Swim-throughs | Experience Level: All Levels, expect some currents | ||
Manta tracking, research and education | Extras: Presentations from Manta Trust guide, manta identification and tracking |
Myanmar itinerary | Thailand itinerary |
Myanmar Trip Information | Thailand Trip Information |
The winner of Miss Scuba International 2012 and project leader of Thailand Manta Project, Jamie has always been fascinated by the oceans and their inhabitants. Over the last 5 years she has been traveling, diving and promoting marine conservation to the world. With so much love for the oceans, Jamie furthered her knowledge and received her diploma education in Marine Biology with distinction at Oxford College.
Jamie’s devotion to manta rays started when she learnt about manta gill trade back in 2012. Although frustrated, she stayed optimistic and dedicated herself to the conservation of these majestic species. In 2014, she spent 3 months working with the Manta Trust in the Maldives. After countless hours in the water with hundreds of manta rays, Jamie decided to develop the experience and knowledge she gained in Maldives into a manta project in her home country. In 2015, Thailand Manta Project was established with the goal to research the Manta population in Thailand and increase local protection to manta and mobula rays in Thai waters. Since then, Jamie has been dedicating her time to educate and raise awareness on manta rays and marine conservation in Thailand and its neighbouring countries.