Join renowned manta researcher, Dr. Madalena Cabral, Scientific Director of the Oceanic Manta Project at Mares de Mexico and professional photographer & conservation storyteller, Jay Clue, for a very special manta research expedition to Socorro and the Revillagigedo!

This is your chance to not only witness some of the most cutting-edge manta research firsthand, but also to get involved and help support the science behind protecting oceanic manta rays! Dr. Cabral's work focuses on trying to answer one of the ocean's greatest mysteries: where and how do oceanic manta rays reproduce in the wild? Her work uses specialized technology to ultrasound pregnant manta rays to see how they develop, as well as satellite tagging and more! This incredible research is already leading to several scientific publications, with more currently in development—an exciting step forward for both science and conservation.

Only 6 lucky guests will be able to join this special expedition as part of the research team alongside Dr. Cabral and Jay Clue. If you would like to take a more active role, you can be assigned duties to help with the research project. Or for those who prefer to experience the project from a more relaxed perspective, the trip offers a rare opportunity to witness the research firsthand while also diving the Revillagigedo within a small, focused group of just 8 divers (with only two groups on board). And, thanks to the vessel’s speed, we reach the archipelago in approximately 24 hours (most ships take 30 hours), which often allows for additional dives and maximizes time in the water at some of the most extraordinary sites in the world.

Your trip purchase also directly contributes to manta research by helping fund satellite tags for the expedition, research logistics and more. So you are not only getting to be involved in the research, but also helping support the research and protection of manta rays in the Revillagigedo. Dive Ninja is solely providing a booking platform and taking no funds or profits from this trip, so 100% of every dollar you spend goes directly toward the research project.

Beyond the diving, guests are invited to become part of the story. Many choose to contribute to the project through onboard activities such as the organization and curation of photo-identification data—an essential component of our research. These contributions have proven incredibly valuable. This unique combination of exploration, contribution, and discovery allows participants not only to witness these animals in the wild but also to play a part in uncovering their story.

Please note that while Dive Ninja is offering this trip through our booking platform, this is not a Dive Ninja trip. It is a manta research expedition being led by the incredible Dr. Madalena Cabral. Jay Clue of Dive Ninja will join the project as the research photographer and will also give a special talk on the power of photography in wildlife conservation.

The trip boards the ship at 10 am on February 17, 2027, so we highly recommend you arrive the day before and stay at a local hotel. Dive Ninja can also help you set up some local dives in Cabo before your trip if you'd to check out the local area or get comfy in your gear before the trip.

All participants must meet standard liveaboard requirements for Revillagigedo, including Advanced Open Water (or equivalent), having valid dive insurance, Nitrox certification, and a minimum of 50 logged dives.

Please note that this trip takes place on a different vessel from Dive Ninja's normal Socorro trips. The Sun Rider “Adventure” is of the utmost seaworthiness and carries all permits and approvals from the Mexican Coast Guard. It is equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and all required safety equipment.

The Adventure is 100’ long and can accommodate 16 guests with 8 air-conditioned cabins that sleep 2 guests each. All cabins have a vanity with hot and cold water, a large drawer for each person and extra space under the bed for larger items. The rooms do not have en-suite bathrooms. Instead, the “Adventure” has 2 large air-conditioned restrooms. The women’s restroom has 3 toilets, 2 full-size showers and 2 vanities. The men’s restroom has 2 urinals, 2 toilets, 2 vanities and 2 full-size showers. The bathrooms are shared by all the passengers, and each bathroom has its own soap and shampoo dispensers. The crew cleans the rooms and bathrooms throughout the day and provides fresh, clean towels.

The galley is air-conditioned and can accommodate all passengers. It is equipped with comfortable seating for eating and relaxing, as well as a TV and a computer desk.

On the second deck, there is a large, shaded sundeck with lawn chairs for relaxing in between dives.