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.
The 2026 Manta Ray calendar is out!
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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 grab a digital (PDF) version of the calendar in our shop or order the beautifully printed wall calendar, which we mail straight from Hawaii to your home! Or contact us to pick it up here in Kona, Hawaii.
PS. Our Manta Ray Advocates webshop has a variety of perfect gifts for ocean lovers. Books, jewelry, tree ornaments, and swag - there's something in there for everyone! |
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, 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...
Aloha Reader, 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...