Partners

Explorations Company Partners With LOVE BRAND & Co. To Raise Awareness About Manta Rays In The Seychelles

We are delighted to collaborate with luxury British swimwear brand, LOVE BRAND & Co., on a special capsule collection of limited-edition swim shorts designed to raise awareness about manta rays in the Seychelles. 

The exclusive ‘Which Way To The Tropics’ collection features two bespoke designs by Founder and CEO of LOVE BRAND & Co., Oliver Tomalin. The collection aims to raise awareness of the need to protect our oceans, whilst supporting marine conservation and research efforts in the Seychelles and the vital work being undertaken as part of the Seychelles Manta Ray Project (SMRP).

Manta ray populations have suffered drastic declines over the past 75 years due to by-catch and targeted fishing practices. The impact of these unsustainable pressures on the population has put the species at risk of extinction. Thankfully, mantas are not targeted in the Seychelles, and resident populations in the Outer Islands present an opportunity to understand more about this enigmatic megafauna species. 

Through the vital project work of the SMRP (a project established by Alphonse Foundation, Save Our Seas Foundation and Manta Trust), 470+ manta rays have been photo-identified, as well as collecting additional data using satellite and acoustic telemetry, highlighting important habitats and interesting behaviours. Through vital funding and sustainable tourism, the SMRP is expanding its understanding of this species to conserve them by informing local area-based management and national policies such as Marine Protected Areas. Guests visiting the Seychelles with Explorations Company are encouraged to experience (and play a part in) the crucial work being carried out here, participating in weekly manta surveys, swimming with mantas and better understanding the behaviours of these magnificent creatures.

Our founder Nicola Shepherd commented: ‘Conscious travel that allows one to make a direct contribution to the region is at the core of what we do at Explorations Company. We’re committed to protecting our planet and therefore it’s a joy to join forces with a like-minded, responsible brand like LOVE BRAND & Co. to help raise awareness of the brilliant work currently being undertaken as part of the Seychelles Manta Ray Project.’ 

For each trip booked to the Seychelles through Explorations Company, the firm will donate 2.5% of the trip value (booked in the next 12 months) to the Alphonse Foundation for the Seychelles Manta Ray Project. Likewise, LOVE BRAND & Co. has pledged to donate a minimum of £1,000 this year.

Find out more about visiting the magical Seychelles with us here, and read our interview with marine biologist Elle Brighton from Blue Safari Seychelles and the Alphonse Foundation here.  

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and wild lands as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961 to focus on Africa’s conservation needs, they articulate a uniquely African vision, bridge science and public policy, and demonstrate the benefits of conservation to ensure the survival of the continent’s wildlife and wild lands. The Explorations Company are honoured to be an AWF partner.

AWF’s conservation leadership continues to grow and expand with a focus on tackling threats to Africa’s wildlife and wild lands by improving community livelihoods, restoring degraded ecosystems, and curbing illegal wildlife trade.

In the UK, Brunel Insurance are an independent broker providing quality insurance. They have access to all major UK insurers offering a range policies to suit most needs and can also provide cover for various types of activity holiday. Call them on 01934 643 400 or email on [email protected] stating that you are a client of the Explorations Company for an immediate quote and cover, or go to the Brunel Insurance website to start an online quote.

In the USA many clients have recommended the services of Best Travel Protection the owner, Jim Best, can be contacted via [email protected] or Best Travel Protection’s website. Best Travel Protection will tailor quotes to suit individual travellers but note that insurance should be taken out within a short time (14-21 days) of finalising the vacation if pre-existing medical conditions or financial cover is to be included. We can make the initial contact with Jim on your behalf otherwise please let them know that you are a client of ours to access negotiated discounts.

For those travelling from other origins in the rest of the world we have links for travel insurance with global providers, please ask us for further details.

It is a condition of booking with us that you have current, travel insurance at the time of travel. This should include repatriation in case of emergency and should also be valid from the time of booking to cover any unforeseen event that might incur a cancellation and loss of deposit or full holiday cost. Please always check inclusions and exclusions, maximum holiday cost limits, activity limits and other details before finalising your insurance – annual travel insurance and family policies can often be much cheaper than taking out more than one single trip policy in a 12 month period.

Global Rescue provide unmatched medical and security services whenever and wherever they’re needed. They are a membership-based travel risk and crisis management company founded in 2004. For the last 20 years, they have set the bar as the leading provider of critical lifesaving services with members that include leisure and business travellers, NGOs, academic institutions and governments worldwide. Whether travelling overseas or near home, their members always receive the best-in-class field rescue, medical evacuation, security extraction, travel risk management and virtual health services.

Find out more about Global Rescue on our partner portal.