On March 12th, something pretty special happened at Fast Manta — we became the first dive center ever to teach the brand new PADI AWARE Shark & Ray Specialty course.
And we didn’t stop there.
In just a short time, we’ve already certified 7 students in this course, turning passionate divers into active ocean advocates.
What is the PADI AWARE Shark & Ray Specialty?
This course goes beyond just spotting sharks and rays underwater. It’s about understanding them, protecting them, and becoming part of something bigger.
During the course, you’ll learn:
- The importance of sharks and rays in marine ecosystems
- The threats they face globally
- How to identify different species
- How to interact with them responsibly while diving
- How divers can contribute to their protection
And most importantly — you’ll learn how your dives can actually make a difference.
What is Citizen Science?
A big part of this specialty is citizen science.
That simply means that you, as a diver, help collect real data that scientists and conservation organizations use to protect marine life.
Every time you log a shark or ray sighting, you’re contributing to global databases that track populations, migration patterns, and health of these species.
So instead of just observing…
You become part of the solution.
Why should you take this course?
Because diving is more than just a fun day in the ocean.
It’s about:
- Diving with purpose
- Understanding what you see underwater
- Protecting the species that make our oceans so incredible
Sharks and rays are often misunderstood — but once you learn about them, everything changes. Fear turns into respect, and curiosity turns into action.
This course is perfect if you:
- Love marine life
- Want to deepen your knowledge
- Care about ocean conservation
- Want your dives to have real impact
Do you need to see sharks or rays to complete it?
No — and that’s the beauty of it.
You can complete the course even without seeing one, because the focus is on knowledge, awareness, and conservation.
But let’s be honest.. When you dive with us, we take you to some of the best spots in the area to encounter sharks and rays.
From reef sharks cruising the blue to the chance of spotting something truly special — the opportunities are there.
And when it happens… it’s unforgettable.
Ready to make your dives count?
If you want to go beyond just diving and become part of protecting the ocean, this is your course.
Join us at Fast Manta and be part of a new generation of divers who don’t just explore the ocean — they help protect it.
Get in touch and book your PADI AWARE Shark & Ray Specialty today.
