Manta rays are beautiful and majestic animals that have a life-changing effect on people who meet them. I want to protect them so humans can experience their transformational power for generations to come! My goal is to inspire people so they take action to protect the mantas' ecosystem and oceans all around the world.
Hawaii can feel like paradise... but winter is different.
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One question we regularly receive is whether you can swim with mantas in Hawaii all year, whether they migrate, or do not show up during certain seasons. The short answer seems simple: reef mantas aren't migratory animals, so you can technically come to Hawaii and swim with them year-round... but there's also a longer answer. Manta ray sightings are lower during winter—not because the gentle giants aren't there, but because ocean conditions often turn adverse, making the swim unsafe on certain nights. Hawaii enjoys pleasant temperatures and clear, calm water throughout the year—no wonder it's such a popular vacation destination. It creates the myth of being as close as it gets to paradise. But in winter, weather patterns change: while the weather on land stays the same, the ocean gets rough. This means tour companies (us included) may need to cancel the nightly swims, as we cannot guarantee our guests a safe and enjoyable experience. Most cancellations happen between December and March. → Read more here about the best seasons to swim with mantas in Hawaii If you're planning a trip to Hawaii during that time, here's what you need to know:
→ Read here about what the ocean in Hawaii is really like in winter, and how we at Manta Ray Advocates prepare for and work that season. We've included a couple of videos so you can see the difference. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Either reply to this email or find our contact details here. If you plan to come to Hawaii this fall or winter, we hope you stay safe and enjoy the experience!
P.S. If you're staying home, you can experience the magic of manta rays through our series of guided video meditations featuring the manta rays in their natural habitat. |
Martina Wing
Manta rays are beautiful and majestic animals that have a life-changing effect on people who meet them. I want to protect them so humans can experience their transformational power for generations to come! My goal is to inspire people so they take action to protect the mantas' ecosystem and oceans all around the world.
Aloha Reader, Have you ever had the feeling that everything you thought you knew about the world just went out the window? The first time that happened to manta ray enthusiasts around the world, was around 2009, when scientists confirmed there was not just one, but two species of manta rays. There were enough differences between reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) and pelagic or oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) to identify them as two different species. Reef mantas are the ones we see almost...
Aloha Reader, If you've been following me for a while, you know this about me: I'm not afraid to speak my truth. And with recent global and local developments, I've been looking for other avenues to share wonderful and inspiring stories of hope and engagement. One of those "other avenues" is the Ocean Wings podcast, where I invite guests to explore how nature can reconnect us to what really matters in life. The tagline, "From Manta Ray Magic to Meaningful Change," hopefully resonates with...
Aloha Reader, After 25+ years of taking people to swim with manta rays, we've heard some pretty interesting questions. Most of our guests are amazing - they come prepared, respect the ocean, and understand that we're entering the mantas' home as visitors. But sometimes, we get questions that make us stop and wonder if we live in the same reality, so today's email will be a bit punchy... Like the parents who asked to leave their young kids alone on a dark, isolated beach while they joined the...