Diving with the Queen of the Manta Rays

St Austell, United Kingdom, October 13, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The BBC mega series Ocean Giants, Blue Planet and more recently a repeat of Natural World’s programme Queen of the Mantas, are inspiring more and more of us to wish we were marine biologists.

A new holiday experience with Aqua-Firma can enable you to be just this, by joining a team of marine scientists which includes Queen of the Mantas, Dr Andrea Marshall, on a new Manta Ray Research & Conservation experience in Mozambique. This is where Dr Marshall has been studying manta rays since 2003 – work which has led to the discovery that there are two separate species of manta: a ‘standard size’ and a giant manta which can reach more than 7 ½ metres wing tip to wing tip.

There are many reasons why joining Aqua-Firma’s research trip is the best way to experience diving with manta rays. For a start, manta ray researchers know where to find them. Secondly, you will be diving with experts who know manta rays better than anyone and whose inspiration can help you to get far closer to these marine giants than seeing them alone can do. Thirdly, Aqua-Firma organises these kinds of trips so that you can rest assured that you will be diving with manta rays in a responsible way; and in a way that helps to fund the work of scientists dedicated to the conservation of these stunning marine animals.

Aqua-Firma is a company that specialises in small group and tailor made wildlife and marine life experiences; so for those keen to explore more widely in Southern Africa, contact them on 01428 620012 or visit www.aqua-firma.co.uk .

Notes to Editors

For further details about this experience please visit:

www.aqua-firma.co.uk/countries/Mozambique/

2012 dates are 31st March – 9th April and 24th November – 3rd December.

Prices from £1,855 per person sharing starting and ending Johannesburg airport in South Arica. Price includes all transfers, international flights from Johannesburg – Mozambique, accommodation in Mozambique and Johannesburg, diving and charitable contributions to Manta Rays research in Mozambique.

Just before the April trip starts, leader, Aqua-Firma director and former dive instructor, Ralph Pannell, will be taking those interested on a walking safari in the Kruger National Park. After the manta ray trip, he will also be taking a dive safari to the Protea Banks, Aliwal Shoal and coastal forests of southern Natal.

October is when Aqua-Firma runs its Whale Shark Research & Conservation experiences in the Seychelles. For details please visit:

www.aqua-firma.co.uk/countries/Seychelles/

Aqua-Firma specialises in expert led tailor made and small group exploration of wilderness and wildlife where land meets water. Their modes of exploration include inspiring combinations of:

a. Wildlife & marine life safaris
b. Snorkelling & scuba diving
c. Polar sailing and small ship voyages
d. Expert led photography holidays
e. Canoe and lodge safaris
f. Rafting expeditions
g. Yacht charters
h. Conservation in action experiences
i. Family adventures

For further press information and photography please contact Ralph Pannell at Aqua-Firma Worldwide Ltd. on +44 1428 620012 / 0844 412 0848 (UK local rates) or email ralph@aqua-firma.co.uk

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