This September, visitors to the Singapore Oceanarium will be treated to an extraordinary celebration of the ocean’s gentle giants. From 6 to 20 September 2025, the Oceanarium is marking World Manta Day with a specially curated programme, Animal Spotlight: Manta Rays, alongside a host of manta-inspired activities for all ages.
A Spotlight on Gentle Giants
At the heart of the celebration is the Animal Spotlight: Manta Rays programme, an immersive 45-minute English-guided tour that takes participants behind the scenes of manta ray care and conservation. Limited to just 12 guests per session, the programme offers an intimate encounter with these fascinating creatures.
Visitors will discover how aquarists carefully monitor the health, diet, and behaviours of the Oceanarium’s three resident male reef manta rays consist of Manja, Mako, and Mika, who have been under professional care for more than a decade. Despite their enormous size, these manta rays feed on microscopic zooplankton, consuming around 4–5kg of krill daily. Each ray is also recognised by the unique spot pattern on its belly, much like human fingerprints.
Participants will learn about the mantas’ high cognitive abilities, including their ability to respond to visual cues during training, and gain insights into the conservation challenges these species face in the wild. Led by an experienced education guide, the session encourages questions and discussion, fostering a deeper appreciation of the role manta rays play in the marine ecosystem.
To make the experience even more memorable, each participant receives a manta ray plush keychain and an Animal Spotlight lanyard set as keepsakes of their journey.
Practical Information at a Glance
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Dates: 6–20 September 2025
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Timeslots: 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM
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Duration: 45 minutes
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Price: S$28 per person (excludes general admission)
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Language: English
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Age Requirement: 4 years and above
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Group Size: Maximum 12 participants
More Ways to Celebrate
The festivities extend beyond the guided programme. Visitors can look forward to:
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Meeting a manta ray mascot for fun photo opportunities.
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Enjoying manta-themed treats, including the Manta Ray Combo snack set and a refreshing Blue Pea Stracciatella ice cream at Tide Deli.
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Bringing home exclusive manta souvenirs available at the retail store.
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Storytime with Ocean Tales: Manja’s Adventure, a free storytelling session at the National Library on 6 September, held in collaboration with the National Library Board.
Conservation at the Core
Beyond the fun and learning, the event carries a strong message of conservation. The Singapore Oceanarium highlights simple yet impactful actions everyone can take to protect manta rays and the oceans they call home:
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Avoid purchasing manta ray products such as their gill plates.
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Choose products free from microplastics.
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Support sustainably sourced seafood with labels like the MSC logo.
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Practice responsible tourism by keeping a safe distance from wild animals and keeping marine environments clean.
A New Chapter for Singapore’s Marine Story
The Oceanarium itself is a wonder to behold. Reopened in mid-2025 after an extensive transformation from the former S.E.A. Aquarium, it now boasts 22 immersive zones, one of the world’s largest Open Ocean habitats, and a cutting-edge Research & Learning Centre powered by renewable energy. This makes it not just a place for discovery but also a hub for marine science, education, and sustainability.
The Animal Spotlight: Manta Rays programme is more than just an attraction, it’s an invitation to step closer to the ocean’s mysteries. By celebrating World Manta Day within the awe-inspiring Singapore Oceanarium, visitors leave not only with unforgettable memories but also with a renewed sense of responsibility toward protecting the seas.
For families, nature lovers, and curious minds alike, this event offers a rare chance to connect meaningfully with the ocean’s most graceful giants. For more information, please visit https://www.singaporeoceanarium.com/en.html
