Ray Of Hope Expeditions

24/01/2024

We have just returned from such a successful trip out to the Revillagigedos Archipelago. Our team managed to support new telemetry research on giant oceanic manta rays with Madalena Cabral and Pelagios Kakunjá, we managed to get 19 IDs to contribute to the local photo database and Manta Matcher - the Wildbook for Manta Rays and we managed to get some great educational media for Marine Megafauna Foundation's youth education programs. But by far my favorite part was helping many happy clients have their dream encounters with mantas. It always makes me so happy when things come together like this. Such a great group and such a wonderful trip. Thanks to all that participated, particularly the mantas :) -Andrea Marshall

08/11/2023

Reconnecting with nature is a must these days and this may be just what you need to start 2024 off with a bang!

Join the 'Manta Queen' herself, Dr. Andrea Marshall for a unique and unforgettable research expedition offshore Mexico to one of the greatest dive destinations on earth.

There are only a couple of spots left open on her January Ray Of Hope Expeditions trip to the Revillagigedos archipelago (which includes Socorro and San Benedicto) in the Mexican Pacific. Please see the link below for more information and contact us immediately if interested.

This is a super special and unique opportunity to join Andrea, her cameraman husband Janneman Conradie and manta researcher Madalena Cabral from Pelagios Kakunjá as they embark on a new collaboration to expand research on giant oceanic manta rays in the region.

The team will be doing all sorts of research on the trip, including satellite tagging. Participants will have access to multiple field researchers specializing in manta rays who will provide evening lectures, help with wildlife photography and make the trip super exciting for budding citizen scientists.

The expedition supports the on-going work of the Marine Megafauna Foundation's manta ray department around the world and is a great alternative to an 'ordinary dive holiday'.

The Revillagigedos archipelago is one of the premier pelagic dive destinations in the world and January is peak season. Experience up-close encounters with manta rays, sharks, tuna, humpback whales, dolphins and more... It is truly a destination not to be missed but also a fan favorite that can be visited over and over again. Bonus- it is close and easy to travel to from the US and Canada.

See details here: https://www.queenofmantas.com/ray-of-hope-expeditions

17/09/2023

Highlighting tourism on I want to encourage those who are fortunate enough to enjoy encounters with in the wild to help accelerate important research efforts by uploading critical identification images of their “belly prints” like this to local or global databases 🌍 including Manta Matcher - the Wildbook for Manta Rays, an open sourced online database from or from the

Imagine if all of the divers of the world were working to support science on threatened marine species how much faster we would reach our goals. Citizen science is revolutionizing our ability to study manta rays. Thank you to all that take the time to contribute, you are making a difference!! 🙏🏼

17/09/2023

The theme this is , which is an important topic. I certainly believe in the power of personally connecting with these amazing animals in their natural environment but there is a time, a place and a way to do it correctly.

There has been a lot of research into the negative impacts of tourism. We need to acknowledge that our desire to interact with these animals can cause them distress and even harm. Love them, but love them responsibly. Learn more about best interaction protocols, support responsible wildlife viewing operators and always put the animal first!

For interactions with mantas in the best aggregation sites in the world…

Marine Megafauna Foundation
Ray Of Hope Expeditions

17/09/2023

Happy World Manta Day!

It has been one of the privileges of my life to study this bizarre, beautiful, ocean icon. There is nothing quite like a manta- graceful, bold, curious, gentle, intriguing. Hands down my top ten ocean experiences have all been with mantas. One on one or in masses, they will take your breath away.

There is something very special when this animal intentionally approaches and looks straight into your eyes without fear or apprehension. Connecting with a wild animal like this will change you. Almost 30 years on from the first time I laid eyes on one, I am just as awestruck and just as humbled by every encounter, particularly when an individual chooses to investigate or interact with you of its own accord.

After two decades of research, I maintain there is still so much left to understand about mantas. Join us at as we continue to unravel the mysteries of these ocean enigmas. Feel free to ask your burning questions about mantas today and I will do my best to answer them, as we spread manta love across the 🌍.

As always, thank you for following and supporting our work…🙏🏼

28/08/2023

If you have not joined on one of our popular Ray of Hope Expeditions before you are missing out. Come see some of the best manta ray aggregation sites in the world with us, get lectures from top manta field researchers, support scientific missions and contribute to on-going studies by the Marine Megafauna Foundation and our collaborators. Travel doesn't just have to be a vacation, choose to give back while abroad and support meaningful work while having an experience of a lifetime. For more information and for a list of our upcoming trip options check out:

https://www.queenofmantas.com/ray-of-hope-expeditions

12/07/2023

Is there a more consistent place to dive with marine megafauna? Likely no. This is the place of big animal dreams, with water so blue it is almost indigo. Mantas, sharks, dolphins, whales, tuna it is almost a who's who of iconic species. We are running a unique expedition in January 2024 to the Revillagigedos Archipelago offshore Mexico (which includes Socorro, San Benedicto, and Roca Partida) where we will be collaborating with Pelagios Kakunjá to support giant oceanic manta research with Madalena Cabral. This is such an incredible dive destination, one of the best in the world. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national treasure of Mexico a visit should be on everyone's bucket list. For more details on this very special expedition please click on the link below.

www.queenofmantas.com/ray-of-hope-expeditions

Bespoke tours with manta rays all over the world Dive with Andrea Bazaruto Seascape, Mozambique MAY-OCTOBER 2024 / 2025 In a highly anticipated new offering, Andrea Marshall and Janneman Conradie want to welcome you to their base of operations in Vilanculos, Mozambique to share the secrets of the Ba...