Join the ‘Queen of Mantas’, Dr. Andrea Marshall in Ecuador on an exclusive research expedition to ‘The Island of Silver’ to promote the conservation of the world’s largest population of giant manta rays.

While in Ecuador guests will learn about our research program, get private lectures from our researchers about manta rays and other species of megafauna, and help our scientists in the field as we collect tissue, mucus and plankton samples, measure the mantas with lasers, and deploy tags and listening stations around the island.

Our Ray of Hope Expedition to Ecuador is our most ‘manta ray focused’ expedition yet. Every single dive of our itinerary is to manta ray aggregation sites, so the chance of incredible encounters is very high. If you love manta rays and want to participate in legitimate research on them, this is the trip for you (not to worry, we also have regular sightings of Mola mola, green sea turtles, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, and humpback whales!!). This is the very definition of a learning based holiday – filled with hands on citizen science, detailed lectures, training courses in marine fieldwork, even underwater photo and video tips from our experts.

Each of our expeditions will run for 7 days, with 6 days of diving. The diving conditions are suitable for advanced divers only and we recommend that you be in good health in order to capitalize on the experience. Certification cards will be required on arrival. Expeditions are limited to 6 guests to ensure that you get the most out of your time with us. A minimum of two divemasters will be available at all times so that groups can be broken down even further to ensure better encounters with the manta rays. Participants will share ocean front accommodation at the Pacifico Hotel.

Sound like the trip of a life time? Please don't hesitate to contact me at calum.murie@marinemegafauna.org you do not want to miss out on some of the best diving in the world with some of the world's most prominent marine researchers!

• http://www.queenofmantas.com/ray-of-hope-expeditions/