Manta Ray Kuredu
Ever wondered what causes a 2 tonne giant ray to propel itself clean out of the water to an incredible 2 meters into the air? Why do Mantas have the name ‘Devil Ray’ when they are one of the ocean’s most majestic and graceful creatures? Did you know that Mantas are being slaughtered across the world’s oceans by large scale fisheries?
Around a year ago, Prodivers teamed up with the Maldivian Manta Ray Research Project, helping them to extend their Manta Ray sighting database and subsequently find out more about them. Until recently very little was known about Mantas, and through research projects such as this, the missing pieces are starting to fall into place.
The results of the research so far are throwing up some great findings, which were the trigger for the development of this Manta Ray Specialty Course as we would like to share the incredible insights with you. In addition to new behaviors being discovered, we have also learnt a lot about two of our sites where we see Mantas regularly. Its amazing to see that two very distinct populations can be found at Fushivaru and at Dhanifaru.
The course, which runs out of Kuredu, is currently aimed towards snorkelers and includes a full day snorkel trip in the price. The full day trip heads down to the south of the atoll, where, in addition to some great snorkel sites, regular checks are made at Dhanifaru throughout the day to see whether there is any feeding activity taking place. If there are Mantas present, be ready to grab your mask, fins and snorkel and check out what you heard on the course!
Check out the special Manta Ray Specialty Course page for more information.
Tags: MantaRays, Snorkeling, Specialty Courses
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This is a great initiative. Well done to all at Prodivers.
Conservation, research and education go hand in hand and this course combines all of these elements with the amazing experience of snorkeling with one of the most spectacular creatures in our oceans.
This is an amazing video. It is so great that the Prodivers are doing this as the Manta is the most graceful creature I have ever seen, I feel very lucky to have swam with them. I was also able to show the video to my friends who were most envious!
Thanks for enabling me to do this.
‘ Thought Neil & Sarah were good and very instructive; but extra talk by Ludvick most informative; it, being both in English and German at the same time; bril.
Days out with both Korola and Ludi great.
‘ have lovely video but this was taken on trip with Keredu s own tour guide, so canot send it.
What ever Ludi studies at college, please keep up the Photography; (Underwater specials),
then we might see even more of Maldivian and world sea life in the future with the Prodivers.
Prodivers Productions?
This would make money for the Mantas study + Prodivers. (might have to borrow a Monsoon ship though)
Ian buying a Canon Camera with underwater covering.
On 25th March 2010 we (my husband Adrian and I) went on the manta course for the day and it was the most A-M-A-Z-I-N-G experience to share the water with so many huge and spectacular manta rays. I was truely lost for words at how beautiful and graceful they were.
Thank you very much Prodivers for the fantastic opportunity that I will remember for the rest of my life!
I too was on the same boat trip as Melissa and Adrian above and completely agree with the comment. It was one of the most amazing days of my life and I will truly never forget it. Big thanks to Sofia, Darren and the Dhoni crew for putting us ”on” the Mantas on the day. It looks like I will be back next March with my girlfriend again but also bringing her parents too so I will make sure I participate again.
Thanks again Prodivers
Great … we we’re also on this boat on 25th March. There’s nothing left to say … amazing, awesome, a perfect day, nice people, a wonderful experience …. and a great video, which we have already shown to many of our friends!!! thx again also from us to Sofia, Darren and the whole crew!!! Greetings from Vienna, Ronny and Andrea
How did your pictures come out guys? Facebookers?
One of the great features of this blog is that is very easy to keep in touch with people that you might meet while here on the island. If there is a picture showing next to a persons comment, then they have a Facebook account.
To see all the community members with Facebook accounts, simply head over to:
http://www.prodivers.com/blog/?fbconnect_action=community&pos=0
But please remember, only try and reconnect with people you know!
Hope this helps and that you can track down the people you did the course with!