Take Your SSI Manta and Ray Ecology Specialty Course on Koh Tao
From the open ocean to shallow reef flats, rays appear in a variety of habitats, each species revealing unique clues about marine biodiversity and environmental health.
In your SSI Manta and Ray Ecology Specialty course, you’ll learn what makes a ray a ray, how they differ from sharks, where they live, what they eat, and how to identify rays and other species by their features and behavior.
Why Should I Learn About Manta and Ray Ecology?
These fascinating filter feeders and bottom dwellers have evolved a wide range of behaviors, body shapes, and habitats, and yet many divers still know very little about what makes them unique.
By learning about manta rays and studying stingray behavior and ecology, you’ll gain deeper insight into their evolutionary adaptations, movement patterns, and role in marine ecosystems.
5,500 THB
This is How You Become a Manta and Ray Ecology Specialist
The SSI Manta and Ray Ecology Specialty course takes just one day to complete and includes theory and two open water dives. You can take it as a standalone marine ecology course or combine it with other marine specialties as part of your conservation training. Your learning experience typically looks something like this.
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Part 1: Theory
Your manta and ray ecology training begins with a meet-and-greet with your instructor and a short paperwork session. After that, you’ll dive into the theory via the SSI digital learning platform, giving you the flexibility to explore these incredible animals at your own pace before reviewing the material together in person.
What You’ll Learn in Manta and Ray Ecology Theory
Biology and Anatomy – Understand the defining traits of rays and mantas, from their cartilaginous skeletons and flattened bodies to their spiracles, gill placement, and fin structure.
Stingray Behavior and Ecology – Explore how stingrays interact with their environment, including burying behaviors, feeding techniques, and their role in benthic ecosystems.
Manta Ray Identification and Social Habits – Learn how to identify manta rays by markings, size, and fin shape. Learn about manta rays by studying their social behavior at cleaning stations, migratory patterns, and feeding strategies.
Habitats and Distribution – Find out where different types of rays live, from coastal sandy bottoms to deep pelagic zones, and what environmental factors affect their distribution.
Conservation and Threats – Examine the threats rays face, including bycatch, habitat degradation, and tourism-related stress. You’ll also discover how sustainable diving and citizen science contribute to their protection.
Dive Planning for Ray Observation – Gain essential tips for planning low-impact dives around manta and ray habitats, including buoyancy control, approach techniques, and documenting encounters responsibly.
By the end of the theory portion of the course, you’ll not only understand how to identify manta rays and other species, but also how your diving practices can contribute to ray conservation.
Part 2: Open Water Dives
After lunch, we’ll take you out for two open water dives at some of Koh Tao’s best marine sites for ray sightings, like Hin Wong Pinnacle or South West Pinnacle.
These dives give you the opportunity to:
- Observe stingray behavior and ecology in real-time
- Learn how to identify manta rays and their relatives by body shape, markings, and movement
- Practice respectful and safe observation techniques
- Take note of habitat conditions and behaviors for post-dive discussion
- While manta sightings are rare around Koh Tao, you’ll likely encounter blue-spotted stingrays and possibly other local species like Jenkins rays. Even without a sighting, you’ll leave the dives with sharper identification skills, stronger dive awareness, and a deeper appreciation for ray ecology and conservation.
How the Manta and Ray Ecology Course Works
The SSI Manta and Ray Ecology Specialty Course is a one-day experience that combines theory and two ocean dives. You’ll start with self-paced learning through the SSI digital platform and then join your instructor for a hands-on review session and dives focused on stingray behavior and ecology, learning about manta rays, and reef awareness.
MORNING
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9:00 AM – Course orientation, paperwork, and instructor meet & greet
Morning session – Review your digital manta and ray ecology materials and explore topics like how to identify manta rays, stingray behavior and ecology, and the role of rays in marine ecosystems
Lunch break
AFTERNOON
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Afternoon – Head out on the boat for two guided dives where you’ll apply what you’ve learned about manta and ray ecology, observe ray habitats firsthand, and practice respectful underwater behavior
Certification – Upon successful completion of the dives, you’ll receive your SSI Manta and Ray Ecology certification
If your holiday plans require flexibility, we’re happy to adjust the schedule or spread the course over multiple days. Just contact our team to discuss your ideal timing.
Manta and Ray Ecology Course Prerequisites
Before you can enroll in the SSI Manta and Ray Ecology Specialty Course, you’ll need to meet a few requirements. These help ensure you’re comfortable in the water and ready to get the most out of your dives, especially when observing stingray behavior and ecology or learning how to identify manta rays in the wild.
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Minimum Age
To take part in the Manta and Ray Ecology Specialty, you must be at least 10 years old on the course start date.
Minimum Certification Level
You need to hold an entry-level scuba certification (such as SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent from another agency) to participate in this course.
Medical Statement
All participants must be medically fit for diving. You can download the scuba diving medical form here. If you’re unsure about any conditions, please check with your physician or contact us before booking.
Recent Diving Experience
If you haven’t logged a dive in the past six months, you’ll need to complete our Scuba Review before starting your manta and ray ecology course. This ensures you’re refreshed and confident underwater, in line with our dive insurance requirements.
MANTA & RAY ECOLOGY SPECIALTY
Price: 5,500 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 10yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation & Theory
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s Included in the Manta and Ray Ecology Course
Your SSI Manta and Ray Ecology Specialty Course at Crystal Dive includes everything you need to learn about manta rays, stingrays, and the ecosystems they support, without any hidden costs. You’ll study in small groups (maximum 4 divers per instructor), giving you personal attention as you explore ray biology, ecology, and conservation.
This package provides an ideal opportunity to learn about manta rays, explore stingray behavior and ecology, and gain real-world knowledge of how to identify manta rays while diving in Thailand.
Included with your course:
- SSI Manta and Ray Ecology Specialty Course (max. 4 students per instructor)
- Personal scuba equipment for the duration of your training
- FREE use of a dive computer
- SSI digital learning materials via the Training App (Diamond Access upgrade available)
- Official SSI certification upon successful completion
- Crystal Dive T-shirt
- Multilingual, SSI-certified instructor
- Boat trips to Koh Tao’s top dive sites + onboard refreshments
- 30-day dive accident insurance for dives conducted with us
- Discounted accommodation is available for the course duration
- 10% discount on additional diver-level courses or scuba equipment purchases
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS WITH AC & ENSUITE
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC ensuite 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 Your SSI Manta and Ray Ecology Specialty Course
Take the SSI Manta and Ray Ecology Specialty Course at Crystal Dive Koh Tao and gain a deeper understanding of manta and ray ecology.
This one-day course teaches you how to identify manta rays and other ray species, explore stingray behavior and ecology, and understand their role in healthy ocean ecosystems. You’ll develop practical skills to observe them respectfully and contribute to their long-term protection.
Whether you’re hoping to learn about manta rays for conservation or to enhance your dives, this specialty offers a memorable and educational experience.
Need a flexible schedule or want to combine this course with other marine ecology specialties? Contact us and we’ll help you build the right program for your time on Koh Tao.
฿5,500
Manta & Ray Ecology
Capture the Magic Stingray Behavior on Camera
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Our in-house videography team, Crystal Images, offers professional underwater video and photo services to document your Manta and Ray Ecology Course experience. From sweeping reef scenes to graceful ray encounters, we aim to capture the highlights of your dives around Koh Tao.
You can choose from a short cinematic video (land and underwater) or a set of 10–15 high-resolution photographs. These media packages can be added to your course booking by selecting the “video & photo” option at checkout.
Please note that while sightings of rays are possible, they cannot be guaranteed.
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?
Currently, under Thai law, neither students nor instructors are allowed to use cameras during any course, except for specific photo/video courses. Our in-house video & photo company Crystal Images can 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.
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we get right back to you!
