Night swim with manta rays kona7/2/2023 Located just off the coast of Keahole Point (near the Kona International Airport), it attracts scuba divers for the abundance of manta rays. Ī popular site is just off the coast of Hawaiʻi Island called Garden Eel Cove, as well as the Kona Surf Hotel. While diving, scuba divers shine lights up while snorkelers shine them down creating a column of light which attracts millions of minuscule plankton, which in turn attracts the manta rays. Some days no manta rays are seen while on days with high plankton levels upwards of a dozen may be present. Our first time out (5yrs ago) was really smooth and this time it was super rocky.Two manta rays feeding at night Description ĭepending on the amount of microscopic plankton present, the number of manta rays will vary. No one said a word!! Then we go to get in the water and some people are like oh wait just kidding we aren’t really confident and can’t swim we just didn’t want to tell you!! FOR REAL PEOPLE, your going into the ocean in the dark!! Just be honest! These guys are more than happy to take a non-swimmer out there and some boats won’t even bother, so please just be honest and don’t lie to them! They really are trying to help you but you have to be straight with them upfront!! If you get motion sick at all make sure you wear a patch or a bracelet or take something well ahead of time because it will rock you around. There were some people aboard who didn’t swim… folks tell the crew ahead of time if you can’t swim! For real, they will spend more time with you and help you out! Don’t wait till your getting in the water!! They asked at the very beginning if anyone wasn’t a confident swimmer and every single person was like ya I’m good… the crew even said, please tell us now so we can help you and spend extra time with you if your not. This was our second time, the first time for my teenager and it was incredible! There were several Mantas the night we went. Manta sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour.ĪMAZING! This is a must do if your on the Big Island. Interactions with the manta rays take place in a passive, respectful manner. Manta rays have no barbs or teeth, a wing span of 4 to 12 feet (1 to 4 meters) and weigh between 4 lbs (180 and 545 kg). You'll be in 30 to 35 feet (9 to 10 meters) of water, within sight of the shoreline, and supervised by your experienced guide to ensure your comfort and safety. Spend about 45 minutes snorkeling using a customized light board with one of the brightest lights in the water, showcasing the graceful ballet of the giant mantas as they careen through the water in search of food. Buoy yourself with a flotation device your guides will set up lights to see the mantas clearly. Slip into your wetsuit, don your snorkel, and jump in. Reach your destination in time to watch the colorful Kona sunset from the boat's top deck, then start getting ready for your manta ray encounter. Hop on your tour boat and head out to sea your spacious vessel is equipped with a top observation deck, a large cabin, and an onboard bathroom. Make your way to the tour offices on Honokohau Harbor in Kona, where you'll check in and get fitted for gear.
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