![]() His company Kona Coast Divers (KCD) became the first boat operator to schedule weekly scuba night dives. In 1991, a man called Jim Robinson realized that the manta rays’ frequent visits to the resort could be turned into a touristic activity. This is how the shoreline of the Kona Surf Hotel became a favorable feeding location. Over time, the manta rays began associating light with their natural food source this process is called “classical conditioning” or “Pavlov effect”. Since a manta ray’s diet consists of plankton, it was an incredibly rich food source for the manta. Unintentionally, this attracted plankton to concentrate in the water near the shoreline. This way, guests could enjoy the beauty of the wave action at night from the rooms and public viewing decks. In the early ’70s, when the former Kona Surf Hotel opened, the resort illuminated the surf zone with bright floodlights. How did the first manta ray viewing site start? To keep manta ray ecotourism on the island safe and sustainable, commercial activity providers have agreed on tour operator standards. Although the sites are within 100 yards from shore, due to the rocky volcanic coastline, they are only accessible by boat, which makes it safe for divers and snorkelers to come and experience the magic of manta rays first-hand. At these locations, you have a 70+ % chance to see at least one manta ray during the manta ray dive and snorkel adventure. Did you know swimming this activity has been named one of the top-10 aquatic attractions in the world? What are Manta Ray Viewing Sites?Īlong the West Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, we’ve got three established viewing sites for manta rays. Travelers from around the globe visit Kona on the Big Island to swim and dive with manta rays. ![]() See Transportation Tab for Directions.Manta rays are truly remarkable and beautiful creatures, and Hawaii is one of the few places in the world where you can be an arm’s length away from manta rays. Location: Departs from Honokohau Marina Slip C-1. For the safety of our guests and crew members, all of the participants for this activity must be able to speak English or have a translator with them at all times.In the event of inclement weather or high surf conditions a scheduled adventure may have to be rescheduled via your contact phone number.If needed, we will contact you and offer rebooking for a later date. All charters must have 4 or more guests booked to go out.If you answer yes to any question, you must have a signed physician's release. Divers 65 years and older complete Padi medical Form prior to dive charter.If Snorkeling/Diving - Must be able to swim and climb boat ladder to exit the water. Snorkeling not recommended for 6 & under, 17 & under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.All guests must be able to swim 50 yards unassisted.Diver must be certified and provide proof of certification. ![]() Due to safety regulations, the weight limit for divers & snorkelers is 280 lbs.Bring sunscreen & a light jacket or sweater.Bring a towel, underwater camera (or add a GoPro Rental to your reservation.).Tour Times: Between 4:30 and 5:30 PM (exact time to be confirmed at booking).Friendly, knowledgeable and professional dive crew.Snacks, soft drinks, ice water and hot cocoa provided.Oversize swim platform and fresh hot water showers.Tank, weights, and dive light included mask and fins available on board!.85% chance of seeing Ray of come again free!.In a water depth of about 30-40 feet, both snorkelers and certified SCUBA divers are able to safely view the incredible performance by the manta rays! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will instruct you on how to encounter these amazing creatures so we can protect the mantas and their habitat. Groups of Manta Rays converge nightly off of Makako Bay (Garden Eel Cove), to feed on the Phytoplankton & Zooplankton that appear to soak up the glow given off by underwater dive lights.Įnjoy a scenic sunset boat ride along the Kona coast to the manta location. These gentle giants can grow up to 16 feet in length and weigh up to 1600 pounds, but they have nothing that bites or stings, making this the safest large animal encounter in the world. Much like a fingerprint is unique to each human, Manta Rays have distinguishing black and white markings on their underside that are used to identify them nightly. The Hawaiian Kona Coast is home to over 240 resident Manta Rays and each has been identified and named. This world famous dive/snorkel trip has been featured on numerous Travel, National Geographic and Discovery Channel programs! Mark an item off your bucket list and join us for the Manta Ray Night Dive & Snorkel EcoAdventure charter!Īn incredible encounter with the Kona Manta Rays at night.
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