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, I often wonder and sometimes get frustrated about laws that are supposed to protect the natural world and its inhabitants. Why does environmental legislation (like the regulation of manta ray tourism) take so long to implement, even when there's overwhelming public support for it? In this episode of the Ocean Wings podcast, I sat down with Hawaii State Representative Nicole Lowen to talk about what happens behind the scenes. She chairs the Energy and Environmental Protection...
Aloha Reader, So many kids say they want to work with animals when they grow up, but most end up doing something completely different. Our newest crew member, Ashley Jacob, didn't. At 12, she watched a movie about a dolphin with a prosthetic tail and decided she wanted to work with marine life in rescue and rehabilitation. Today, she's a swim guide at Manta Ray Advocates while finishing her master's thesis and training students in California to continue the elephant seal research she began....
Aloha Reader, As we enter 2026, I find myself reflecting on what motivates me after years of working with the manta rays. It’s not only the thrill of encountering the gentle giants underwater - which never loses its magic - but also the realization that people like you genuinely care. It’s inspiring to see that care translates into meaningful action. We can’t do everything, and none of us can be held responsible for the state of the world, but we can all take action in our own way. For me,...