Manta Ray Research: Raja Ampat
Join us seeking out the best Manta Ray sighting locations throughout Raja Ampat. These trips are focused on the dive sites with the best chance of encountering Manta Rays. We aren’t just “looking at fish” but we’ll be documenting the sightings and special training on these big species and – in the case of Mantas – documenting them through photos and submitting our data. This is done in conjunction with the Manta Trust. All that – plus some of the best food around, fun staff and the only ecologically aware dive boat in the region…the only thing missing is you!
Want to dive with a Manta Ray? We schedule these trips specifically to be at the sites where we have the most encounters and at the time when we are most likely to see them and we time each dive of the day to hit the tides just right. These trips are not just diving – we focus on learning about these species. Not only do we teach, give presentations and have guest lecturers – but we also issue a unique Certification card as well. The sites we visit on these trips are off the beaten path…so we expect to be the only boat at many of the sites. As these trips are only once a month, on the dates that coincide with the best lunar tides it is important to plan far ahead – contact us about these trips to see which dates are best!
These are NOT luxury trips! Diving from a traditional Phinisi schooner you are actually aboard piece of living history – not a luxury boat. In our emphasis on reducing the environmental impact of our trips we have several unique options – gravity-fed showers, low volume toilets, biodegradable shampoos and soaps as well as low impact diving. We have chosen to offer our guests the serenity and relaxation of having a “silent” boat at night, so no generator or engines running (except during transit) – thus we do not offer air-conditioning. With battery powered fans, custom made cross-ventilation systems and the breezes, this has not proved to be a issue for any of our guests – rather most people prefer the luxury of sitting silent in the middle of the ocean 
On our Raja Ampat Manta Safaris we are looking for images which best show the spots on the underside (ventral surface) of the manta rays. These spots are unique to each and every manta ray, just like a fingerprint they can be used to identify every single individual. Other images which show the top (dorsal surface) of the manta rays, or the tail (ventral) area, can also be used to identify the specific species you encountered and/or the sex of the individual.
Why the Manta Ray Research Matters:
Currently there are no comprehensive management programs for manta rays anywhere in the world, yet they are listed by the IUCN as ‘near threatened’ to extinction. This conservation assessment has not been updated since the discovery of two distinct species. The recent reclassification of the genus has major implications for the conservation assessment of the two species. Each species faces different and specific threats in various regions of the world, and the worldwide IUCN status of the genus requires urgent revaluation in light of this revision.
Wicked Diving offers a unique opportunity to benefit the local community, improve the world around us and have a great diving vacation! We use 2% of all income to support local projects that support the local community, marine research or marine conservation (or all three!). When you dive with Wicked, you make a difference. Please read up on our various projects, and policies on the Ethical Diving page.
About the Boat
The Jaya will be your home during these trips. This is a Phinisi sailing schooner, hand-crafted from local hardwoods like Teak and Ironwood. With her 6 jaunty sails, you cut across the remote seas in style and grace. Still, we also have satellite phone, International and local radios, life rafts, life jackets and a crew trained in emergency procedures. If you would like to read more about the Jaya…check out her page.
Safety and Medical Info
Please understand that this a very remote location and the medical facilities are limited. Prior to arrival we need any and all medical questions and concerns addressed and remedied. If you do not heed this advice and still attempt to join a trip – our policy is to err on the side of caution and safety for all guests – we will cancel your booking and issue no refund. Neither our staff or the local “doctors” are qualified to decide whether an individual is fit to dive. We can not risk any individuals safety simply to join a diving trip.
Due to the remote nature of these trips, and the lack of medical facilities – in addition to the potentially erratic airlines – it is mandatory for all our guests to have travel insurance that covers trip cancellations AND evacuations as well as diving accidents. If you can not provide proof of insurance at time of check-in, you will be given opportunity to purchase insurance. If you choose to not do so, you are not permitted aboard the trip. No refund will be issued for lack of insurance.
With the activities we undertake and, most importantly, the well-being of our guests – we have strict policies regarding health and safety on our liveaboards. If someone suffers from severe allergies or conditions – we must strongly urge you to re-consider your options for joining these trips. The medical facilities are minimal and evacuation to the nearest major hospital can take 12-24 hours in good conditions. Please learn more about these
Prerequisites/Experience Required
These trips are not for those who fear sharks. No – they are NOT for macho guys trying to prove themselves, but we will encounter sharks in their natural habitat. Lots of them. They will be hunting, possibly breeding and they will be at the sites in large numbers. We visit the sites where they tend to feed and see them in action. We will encounter massive Manta Rays at just centimeters distance. If you are uncomfortable with this, we can recommend other trips.
At some of the Raja Ampat dive sites, the currents can be challenging, the water can vary from warm to quite cool and even the waves and surface currents can make these dive sites seem daunting. Our very experienced guides choose dive sites, times and even locations to make sure each dive is safe and suitable. And with more than 100 dive sites, it’s never a bother to move on to the next one!
We do mandate that every guests have recent diving experience (less than 1 year ago) before joining our Manta Ray Research trips. If not, we will require a “scuba tune-up” or refresher…believe us, the trip will be soooo much m roe fun! Did you know you can easily do an Advanced Course while on the trip? The cost is a bargain and the opportunity priceless!
What’s Included
*The trip price includes: Pick up from the Meridien Hotel (opposite Sorong airport) – transport to the pier and then to Waisai – full room and board on trip – All Cotton towels and linen – tea, coffee, water and electrolytes – tanks and weights – dive guides – lots and lots of delicious food – good times, great memories and lots of fun on the Raja Ampat Liveaboard
*The trip price does not include: Pick up from other areas – use of dive equipment (this can be rented per day and Includes a dive computer) – soft drinks and beers – Park Fees – or bad attitude
