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 am overjoyed to share the news with you: During the CITES conference, 185 countries voted to give sharks and rays the highest possible international trade protections. Per WCS Newsroom: All CITES shark and ray proposals pass – marking the most comprehensive advance in global shark conservation in CITES history. YES. 🤩🤩 FINALLY! 🥳🥳 12 years ago (June 2013), eight species of sharks and both manta ray species were included in CITES Appendix II, but it was not enough protection....
Aloha Reader, For the fifth year in a row, we've collected beautiful images of our favorite manta rays for our 2026 calendar. Each month, we feature high-quality pictures and heartfelt stories about our manta friends, who have unique and quirky personalities. For those in or traveling to Hawaii, the calendar also indicates when box jellyfish are likely to reach Hawaii's shores - usually 8-10 days after a full moon. With this calendar to guide you, you can avoid nasty surprises! You can either...
Aloha Reader, Manta rays are still mysterious creatures simply because we still know so little about them. Today, I am happy to share a bunch of reading material we've gathered over time to shine a brighter light on the gentle giants—so buckle up. 😊 Here is the beautiful part: humans have increasingly spent time observing and collecting data on manta appearance and behavior, giving us a chance to learn more about them. As recent as July 2025, the discovery (or rather, recognition) of a third...