![]() (One woman in our group actually went back in the boat within the first 3 minutes.) Even though you’re a 5 minute boat ride off shore it’s very rocky when you’re in the swells in the water and you’re bobbing up and down constantly. I found it very disorienting to be in the dark, in dark water, looking down for 45 minutes into blue nothingness with twinkling plankton. The experience was incredible, but please keep in mind that this might be a panic-inducing for some people. I really don’t know how they kept tabs on all of those people or how they even get alerted if someone wanted to get out of the water. There were many other boats out there- and some were literally packed with people like sardines. I felt very safe and was very happy we were on this boat. There was also a captain on the boat and another staff member keeping an eye on everyone and helping people get in/out of the water. He frequently checked in on all of us to make sure we were doing ok. Justin was in the water with us the whole time and told us all about the mantas and their behavior while positioning and repositioning our board in the ideal locations. ![]() The staff was fantastic, professional, and personable. I’m VERY happy our family booked with Hawaii Oceanic for a few reasons. This was a once in a lifetime, unforgettable experience. This is a bucket list item - check it off!!! We had several people panic before we had even seen a ray and had to go back to the boat. ![]() You have to be confident snorkelling in the ocean - not a pool. I would have liked to ask more questions but I was too busy with my head down looking at the rays.Ĭaution: do not lie about your snorkel experience. The boat ride is so short that we didn’t get much time with Captain Justin and Caspian but they were helpful, friendly and willing to answer any questions. Lexy was super friendly and helpful greeting us. The entire team at Hawaii Oceanic made us feel welcomed and safe. And she is apparently notorious for having no personal space. One of the females (our guide, Brent, said her name is Chloe) had a 13-15 ft wingspan. Captain Justin moved the boat (and us) a bit and then the real show began. We were stoked thinking that was pretty awesome. We saw a male pretty quickly and he came right up, flipped on his back and skimmed the ‘surfboard’ we were hanging on to. In theory we knew how big manta rays get. Wetsuits and hot chocolate are provided to help stay warm, as well as flotation devices and snorkel gear (including prescription masks) to ensure proper viewing.This experience blew our minds. Although warm in comparison to other places in the world, the nighttime water temp can be a bit chilly. In addition to an experience of a lifetime, this tour provides all the fixings for a comfortable nighttime adventure. In Hawaiian, manta rays are called “hahalua”, and the Kona coast is the only place in the world where you can view these graceful giants via tour at night! What’s Included Despite being so huge, mantas feed off of microscopic organisms called plankton. These creatures can weigh up to 1,000 lbs and have a wingspan of up to 16 feet. Manta RaysĪlthough massive, manta rays pose no threat to humans. Accompanied by a Coast Guard-certified crew, guests simply float above these mammoth creatures and watch the unforgettable show. Once you arrive at your swimming destination outside of Keauhou Bay, spotlights are pointed into the deep to attract plankton, which in turn attract the rays. Aboard one of Kona’s most unique tours, guests are shuttled into the night seas for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with graceful manta rays. ![]() After sunset, immerse yourself in warm Pacific waters for an experience unlike any other- a feeding frenzy among gentle giants. This Kona manta ray snorkel tour is one of the most popular activities on the Big Island.
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