Learn about these vulnerable animals through a limited time programme, expert sharing and themed activities from 6 – 20 September
PHOTO CREDIT: Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa
Singapore Oceanarium (新加坡海洋生态馆) is diving deep into ocean education with the launch of Animal Spotlight programmes that coincide with global awareness movements. Its latest programme, Animal Spotlight: Manta Rays, is timed to coincide with World Manta Day on 17 September and will run from 6 to 20 September 2025, overlapping with the September school holidays. The experience will feature a two-week period of curated activities highlighting the ecological importance of manta rays and the conservation challenges they face in the wild.
Join an exclusive guided session to learn about manta ray care and ecology
The specially curated Animal Spotlight: Manta Rays programme is a 45-minute English-guided journey that takes visitors behind the scenes of manta ray care and conservation. Running three times a day throughout the two weeks, participants will uncover first-hand how the aquarists monitor their health, diet and behaviours, learn more about their crucial ecological importance and leave with an understanding of how they can play a role in protecting these vulnerable species. The programme includes opportunities to interact with a Singapore Oceanarium education guide, providing space for questions and deeper discussion, making for an informative and engaging experience that fosters a love for marine animals and the desire to protect the oceans.
Each participant of the Animal Spotlight: Manta Rays programme will receive a complimentary manta ray plush keychain and an Animal Spotlight lanyard set as a token of their experience. This programme is available exclusively from 6 – 20 September as an add-on experience to Singapore Oceanarium’s one-day ticket and is priced at $28 per person (ages 4 and above).
Gain insights from a global expert, Mr. Daniel Fernando, on manta rays
Image credit: Pixabay
Among the programme highlights is the Expert Sharing Session by Mr. Daniel Fernando, Co-Founder of Blue Resources Trust and Associate Director at the Manta Trust, held on 13 September 2025 at 4pm. The session is available both online and in person at the Research and Learning Centre for Singapore Oceanarium ticket holders.
Blue Resources Trust is a Sri Lankan non-profit focused on the research and management of marine resources. Mr. Fernando serves as the Director of their Fisheries and Policy Programme, with a focus on sharks, rays, and chimaeras.
The Manta Trust is a UK-registered charity that coordinates global manta and devil ray research and conservation efforts. The organisation comprises of a diverse group of researchers, scientists, conservationists, educators, and media experts who facilitate knowledge and expertise sharing and transfer.
Mr. Fernando is a renowned marine conservationist with a string of impressive credentials, making significant impact in the field. His experience includes serving as a ministerial advisor to Sri Lanka’s Minister of Wildlife, Vice Chair of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) Scientific Council’s Sessional Committee, Regional Co-Vice Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Shark Specialist Group (SSG) for the Indian Ocean, and New England Aquarium Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) Fellow.
Mr. Fernando will share his insights into the lives of manta and devil rays, including how overfishing and international trade threaten them, as well as the global conservation strategies that drive their protection. This session embodies Singapore Oceanarium’s mission to increase scientific knowledge, promote education, research, and conservation, that inspires advocacy for the oceans.
Explore family-friendly activities, storytelling and themed experiences inspired by manta rays
Guests can also enjoy a host of manta ray-themed activities and offers during the two-week long series, such as:
- Manta Ray Mascot Meet-and-Greet: Daily at 3pm in the Open Ocean Zone.
- Limited-Time F&B Specials: Manta Ray Cupcake Combo (Explorer’s Nook) and Blue Pea Stracciatella Gelato with Sea Animal Mini Cookie (Tide Deli).
- Exclusive Retail Collection: Souvenirs and treats inspired by the graceful marine animal.
- Family Storytelling – Ocean Tales*: “Manja’s Adventure” storytelling session hosted at the Children’s Biodiversity Library by Singapore Oceanarium, presented in collaboration with the National Library Board (NLB).
o The storytelling will take place on 6 September, 11am – 12pm at The Submarine. Admission is free and registration is not required – subject to a first-come first-served basis.
*Note: Storytelling sessions are held at the Children’s Biodiversity Library by Singapore Oceanarium, which is located at the National Library Building’s Central Library, complementing the oceanarium experience off-site.
“Singapore Oceanarium’s mission is to inspire knowledge, love and care for our oceans, fostering public appreciation for marine species through interactive learning, themed events and engaging onsite activities,” said Lam Xue Ying, Acting Senior Vice President, Singapore Oceanarium & Destination Experience (林雪盈, 代高级副总裁，新加坡海洋生态馆, 品牌体验策划部). “We hope that when visitors come to experience our public programmes, such as Animal Spotlight: Manta Rays, they leave with a deeper appreciation and sense of stewardship for the oceans.”
The Animal Spotlight series represents Singapore Oceanarium’s commitment to inspiring deeper understanding and appreciation of marine biodiversity. The series is designed around both global awareness movements and the oceanarium’s own evergreen programmes. Other editions include Animal Spotlight: Sea Jellies and Animal Spotlight: Corals. These spotlights provide fresh ways for visitors to engage with different marine species while reinforcing a love and advocacy for the oceans. Tickets may be purchased here and visitors may sign up for the Expert Sharing Session by emailing here with their full name, ticket number and attendance mode at least three working days in advance.
In addition to the Animal Spotlight series, Singapore Oceanarium offers many other immersive programmes that families and students may enjoy during the September holidays, such as:
- The Singapore Oceanarium Insider Experience which gives guests exclusive access and comprehensive insights through an immersive tour of the oceanarium and its support areas
- The Ocean in Focus: Into the Abyss, an in-depth guided tour which offers a closer look into how these deep-dwelling animals have thrived in the harshest of conditions. Apart from engaging with a dedicated guide for a select zone within Singapore Oceanarium, this tour offers private access to support areas where specialised care is provided to these deep sea animals.
- The Fossilist Workshop, a two-hour masterclass on fossils where participants can study these storied relics up close and engage in a hands-on excavation activity, where they can unearth and take home their very own fossil.
By combining hands-on learning with immersive encounters, Singapore Oceanarium continues to offer enriching ways for families and students to understand and advocate for the protection of the oceans.
September School Holiday
It is the one-week September school break. Do check out our compilation of things to do this September School Holidays 2025.
Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 6 October this year. Remember to check out our list of Best Mooncakes and Best Bak Kwa in Singapore 2025.
Looking for what to do during the Mid-Autumn Festival? Read Mid Autumn Festival 2025.
