Manta Rays of Lady Elliot Island

Fly to Lady Elliot Island and be greeted by your island guide for an orientation of this extraordinary coral cay. Enjoy a buffet lunch in the beachfront dining room before joining your guide for a behind-the-scenes tour of the island, discovering how this remote eco-resort, 80km from the mainland, operates entirely self-sufficiently. As the day winds down, make your way to the iconic lighthouse for sunset with a beverage of your choice, followed by a buffet dinner overlooking the ocean. Overnight at Lady Elliot Island Resort.

Meet your Project Manta researcher guide for an introduction to the expedition and an overview of citizen science and its vital role in marine conservation. The day's centrepiece is a private boat charter to search for manta rays and turtles in their natural habitat, contributing directly to data collection alongside a trained researcher. Keep watch for humpback whales on their seasonal migration. Back on shore, an educational presentation covers the biology and ecology of manta rays and the work of Project Manta, established in 2007 at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Optional snorkelling and scuba diving are available at your leisure. Overnight at Lady Elliot Island Resort.

Another private boat charter takes you back to the water in search of manta rays and turtles, with photo identification and data collection continuing under the guidance of your researcher. On shore, an in-depth session covers manta ray identification techniques and the history of individual animals sighted in these waters. Participate in the Tag-free Turtle Project with a lagoon snorkel, contributing to non-invasive data collection on these important reef species. The evening features a fascinating presentation on the Leaf to Reef project — investigating the relationship between the island's revegetation program and its impacts on surrounding reef health, groundwater, and nesting bird populations. Overnight at Lady Elliot Island Resort.

Explore the reef lagoon at low tide on a captivating guided reef walk, using reef walking poles and sea scopes to discover sea cucumbers, starfish, sea urchins, coral, clams, crabs, and colourful fish at close range. A final private boat charter continues the manta ray and turtle data collection program before your researcher guide farewells the group in the afternoon. After sunset at the lighthouse and dinner, join the Night Explorer Tour to discover Lady Elliot's nocturnal world — ghost crabs, land hermit crabs, frogs, and roosting seabirds — finishing with a breathtaking stargazing session on the island's airstrip. Overnight at Lady Elliot Island Resort.

Enjoy a final buffet breakfast before checking out and taking a last opportunity to snorkel the lagoon or simply soak in the beauty of this remarkable island. Flights take you home with a deeper understanding of manta ray conservation and an extraordinary contribution to citizen science on the Great Barrier Reef.