Written by Jasmine Corbett, the Manta Trust’s media and communications manager, an award-winning underwater photographer, scuba instructor, and marine scientist.
The sensation of water—its coolness, its weight, its embrace—resonates deeply with our emotions and memories. It evokes the nostalgic joy of summer holiday swims and the awe of encountering marine life in its natural habitat. For those of us fortunate enough to have ventured into the ocean, these moments often become treasured memories, forging a deep connection to the blue spaces of our planet.
But what about those who have never had the opportunity to explore the sea? Or those who face barriers such as fear, societal stigmas, aesthetic ideals, or gender norms? How can they connect with the underwater world and the gentle giants, like manta rays, that call it home?
This is where we at the Manta Trust, a charity dedicated to the conservation of manta rays and their habitats, step in.
Through innovative educational initiatives, we’re bridging the gap between people and the ocean, making the wonders of marine life accessible to everyone, whether they are seasoned divers or have never set foot in the sea.
One of the most captivating aspects of our outreach is the use of virtual reality (VR), allowing participants to experience breath-taking underwater encounters with manta rays without ever stepping into the water.
The sensory journey of virtual reality
Our VR experiences are not just substitutes for real-life dives; they are portals to a world that many would otherwise never have the chance to explore.
By engaging our senses, these VR journeys bring the ocean’s beauty and its inhabitants directly to people, no matter their location or physical abilities.
VR technology simulates the feeling of being underwater, engaging sight and sound to create a fully immersive experience. There’s a psychological state of perception called "presence" that activates during a VR simulation, making you feel as though what you’re experiencing is real.
Although your brain knows it’s a simulation, your perception and memory process it as vividly and tangibly as anything in the physical world.
The virtual dive allows people to explore the ocean as if they were physically there, transforming a simple educational session into a sensory adventure.
Our VR footage is filmed using 360-degree cameras at manta ray cleaning stations in the Maldives—coral reef blocks where manta rays congregate to have their bodies cleaned of dead skin and parasites by tiny fish, a process akin to an underwater spa.
As soon as participants put on the VR headset, they are instantly immersed in a magical underwater world.
A colourful coral reef bursts into view, teeming with life as small, shimmering fish hover and dart in the glowing light above. Then, suddenly, a huge 4.5-metre manta ray swoops in and passes overhead, ready to be cleaned by the small fish. Screams of elation and fear often escape participants as they perceive the majesty of a full-grown manta ray swooping above them, a reaction that evolves into pure awe. As someone who has had the privilege of swimming with and falling in love with mantas in the wild, nothing brings me more joy than sharing this feeling with those who may not otherwise have that opportunity.
Jennifer Spacagna, our Education Manager at the Manta Trust, has shared with me how transformative these VR experiences have been for her outreach efforts, especially with children. "Using virtual reality headsets with school children in the UK has revolutionised our outreach sessions," she said.
"Instead of merely talking to children about tropical coral reef habitats, we can now immerse them in this vibrant environment."
This immersive experience not only sparks a sense of wonder but also deepens their understanding and appreciation of marine ecosystems. For many of these children, who have never snorkelled or experienced tropical marine habitats, the VR headsets offer a rare and eye-opening adventure.
Perry Sharman, a four-year-old who tried the VR experience, described it in simple but poignant terms: "I saw the manta rays fly by in front of my eyes, and I felt like I was underwater just like my daddy who is a diver." For Perry, the VR dive allowed him to share in his father's experiences and feel part of the underwater world he had only heard about before.
Connecting coastal communities to the ocean
The impact of VR experiences extends far beyond classrooms. We've used VR technology at community events, such as in the Maldives, where the ocean is central to life. Many coastal communities depend on the ocean for survival, yet many have never seen its depths. This is especially true for women and girls in tropical coastal areas, where fear, societal stigmas, and gender norms often prevent them from swimming or engaging with the sea.
With two-thirds of women worldwide unable to swim, their connection to the ocean is further limited.
Providing these communities, with a way to experience the ocean's beauty through VR is more than a gift—it’s a bridge. It fosters deeper bonds with the sea, breaks down societal barriers, and strengthens community ties. Nuha Rasheed, Education Manager for the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, has witnessed how VR helps overcome barriers to ocean exploration: "VR technology has enabled individuals who fear the water or have never snorkelled to explore the sea’s wonders without entering the water."
This accessibility is a key strength of VR outreach. For those unable to swim due to fear or physical limitations, VR offers a safe way to experience the ocean. It’s a chance to connect with the marine world in a personal and meaningful way.
Fostering a sense of stewardship
By engaging people’s senses and transporting them into the ocean’s depths, our VR experiences are doing more than just entertaining; they are fostering a sense of stewardship. When someone has seen the delicate beauty of a coral reef up close or the immensity of a manta ray passing overhead, even in a virtual environment, they are more likely to care about its preservation. The immersive nature of VR makes the threats to these ecosystems—such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution—feel more immediate and personal.
For children, especially, these experiences can be formative. They may leave a VR session with a newfound passion for marine biology or a determination to protect the oceans. Jennifer Spacagna noted that the VR headsets "spark a sense of wonder and curiosity amongst the children, significantly enhancing their understanding and appreciation of marine ecosystems."
This is the first step towards creating the next generation of ocean advocates.
Expanding horizons
Our use of VR technology is a prime example of how we can use our senses to connect more deeply with the world around us, even when physical barriers stand in the way. By simulating the sights and sounds of the ocean, VR can evoke the same feelings of wonder, curiosity, and respect that a real-life dive might inspire. And for those who might never have the chance to swim with manta rays in person, this technology offers a powerful way to experience—and fall in love with—the blue spaces of our planet.
As VR technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for its use in marine conservation and education are endless. For now, we at the Manta Trust are leading the way, showing that even a virtual dive can change the way we see the ocean and our place within it.
Through the lens of VR, the ocean is no longer a distant and inaccessible world but a part of our lives, waiting to be explored, understood, and cherished.
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