Get your Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty on Koh Tao
Why Manta & Ray Ecology?
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Rays and their close relatives, sharks, have been around for hundreds of millions of years. Some species emerged long before the dinosaurs roamed the Earth, yet we know surprisingly little about these majestic creatures including how old they get, when they mature, and how far they migrate.
When you think of a ray, what image comes to mind? Is it a southern stingray lurking beneath the pearl white sand, or a majestic spotted eagle ray hovering over a large coral block? Perhaps it’s the grandfather of them all, the giant manta ray, which can measure six meters from fin tip to fin tip and glides through the open ocean like an owl cutting through the silence of an evening chill.
In this program, you’ll explore what makes a ray a ray, distinguish how they differ from sharks, locate where they live, discover what they eat, and learn how to identify one ray from the next.
5,000 THB
This is how you become a Manta & Ray Specialist:
It only takes a day to complete the Manta & Ray Specialty Course. It can be spread out or combined with other course parts as well. In general, these are the parts of your training:
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Part 1: Theory
We begin the Manta & Ray Ecology course with a friendly introduction to your instructor and completing the necessary paperwork. Once formalities are out of the way, you’ll dive into the theoretical component, guided by self-study on your app or browser. This allows you to explore fascinating information about these majestic marine creatures at your own pace.
What You’ll Learn in Theory
1. Biology and Anatomy of Rays
- Understand the unique anatomy of rays, including their cartilaginous structure, wing-like fins, and specialised gills.
- Learn how manta rays and other species differ within the ray family.
2. Behaviour and Social Structures
- Study the behaviours of rays, such as their feeding techniques, migration patterns, and cleaning station habits.
- Explore their social structures and how they interact with other marine life.
3. Habitat and Distribution
- Discover the preferred habitats of mantas and rays, from coral reefs and sandy flats to open ocean.
- Learn about their global distribution and how different species adapt to various marine environments.
4. Importance in Marine Ecosystems
- Understand the critical role manta rays and other rays play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Explore their relationships within the food chain and their influence on biodiversity.
5. Threats and Conservation
- Dive into the challenges manta rays face, such as bycatch, habitat destruction, and climate change.
- Learn how sustainable tourism and conservation efforts can protect these species for future generations.
6. Dive Planning and Safety
- Prepare for encounters with mantas and rays by learning proper dive planning, including buoyancy control and non-intrusive observation techniques.
Once you’ve completed the self-study, your instructor will review the material with you, answering questions and filling in any gaps. This collaborative session ensures you’re fully equipped to understand and appreciate manta rays and other rays during your underwater experiences.
This course not only enriches your diving adventures but also deepens your appreciation for these extraordinary creatures and the marine ecosystems they inhabit.
Part 2: Open Water Dives
After lunch, we board one of our custom-built dive boats and head out to explore Koh Tao’s stunning underwater world during two dives. These dives allow you to put your newly acquired knowledge about manta rays and other rays into practice in their natural environment.
As you descend into the warm, clear waters of Koh Tao, you’ll visit prime locations such as Hin Wong Pinnacle or South West Pinnacle, where rays are often spotted gliding gracefully along the seabed or through the open water. With your instructor’s guidance, you’ll focus on observing the anatomy, behaviour, and movement of these fascinating creatures.
You’ll learn to recognise different ray species, such as blue-spotted stingrays and their larger cousins, and observe their unique feeding habits, interactions with cleaner fish, and their graceful swimming techniques. Your instructor will also highlight important safety protocols, ensuring you maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing these majestic animals.
These dives not only enhance your understanding of rays but also provide unforgettable encounters with one of the ocean’s most captivating inhabitants.
The Manta & Ray Specialty Prerequisites:
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Minimum Age
To enroll in the Manta & Ray Specialty, you will have to be at least 10 years of age.
Minimum Certification Level
To begin this Manta & Ray Specialty you will need to be a certified diver.
Medical Statement
You need to be medically fit for diving. You will find the medical statement for scuba diving here to download. If in doubt, please check with your physician or ask us before booking your dive experience with us.
Insurance
To comply with our dive insurance requirements, you will need to have proof (logbook etc.) of a dive within the last 6 months otherwise you will need to take part in our Crystal Dive Scuba Review before taking part in the course to receive our insurance cover.
MANTA & RAY ECOLOGY SPECIALTY
Price: 5,000 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 10yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation & Theory
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s included?
Our Marine Ecology Specialty package includes:
- Marine Ecology Specialty (max. 4 students per Instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Standard E-learning (Diamond Access upgrade available, read more)
- Certification
- Crystal Dive T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- Discounted accommodation option for the course duration, read more
- 10 % discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC rooms with huge discounts.
When you´re learning to dive its important that you get a good night of sleep. During the length of all courses you can check in to our accommodation with big discounts! Have a look at our latest deals and prices here.
Message us to look at upgrades and for more info click here.
Book Now
The Manta & Ray Specialty course at Crystal Dive will give you valuable knowledge about the underwater world around Koh Tao and anywhere in the world.
In the Manta & Ray Specialty course you will learn how to identify the characteristics of local Ray species, enabling you to use it anywhere in the world.
Enjoy your dives even more as you can recognize and identify Manta & Ray species whenever you go diving!
฿5,000
Manta & Ray Ecology
FILM YOUR DIVES, KEEP THE MEMORIES
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Our underwater videography team, Crystal Images, is available to provide you with personal and lasting memories of your experience and offer unique underwater video and photo services for your course. You can choose from a 10 minute land and underwater based video or 10-15 high resolution photographs.
These options are available for your course and can be booked by clicking the button below and choosing the ‘video & photo’ option, in addition to your course booking.
Please ask us about group bookings and additional options on other courses.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Manta & Ray Specialty Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Manta & Ray Specialty Course online here. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Manta & Ray Specialty Course?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Manta & Ray Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Manta & Ray Specialty Course?
For your Manta & Ray Specialty Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 1 night. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Manta & Ray Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Manta & Ray Specialty Course are listed here. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Manta & Ray Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Manta & Ray Specialty Course personal in groups of max. 4 students per Instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple Instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Manta & Ray Specialty Course?
We have 2 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily base, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Manta & Ray Specialty Course. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Manta & Ray Specialty Course?
You can take your own camera on any of the dives. Be aware though, that you may be busy with the tasks at hand. A better option may be to arrange for our in-house video & photo company Crystal Images to either take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on your two dives on the Course. Please contact us or check out your options here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Manta & Ray Specialty Course?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after or together with your Manta & Ray Specialty Course. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
