Diving with manta rays was highlight from Big Island
06.05.2021
Diving and snorkeling with the manta rays is big business with companies booked solid for weeks in advance; Lee and Matt did the night snorkel with the mantas at the Sheraton near Kona which was the first place to offer such an activity on the Big Island
A dozen boats gathered in the bay next to the airport for the nightly show; the tour companies place underwater lights here to attract the plankton which then attract the manta rays
The Big Island is home to 200+ reef manta rays which tend to live in shallower, coastal areas compared to their larger relatives, the oceanic manta rays
Each manta ray has a unique pattern (like zebras) and have been given names; even though mantas exist around each Hawaiian island populations tend to not move between the islands
Manta rays have a long, whip-like tail but don't have a poisonous stinger; mantas can live 50+ years but moms only have one pup every 2-3 years
The manta rays would swim towards us with their huge mouth agape; reef mantas are a vulnerable species (despite few natural predators) because of overfishing, late age for sexual maturity and long gestational period
My photos don't do justice to our experience but you can see professional photos of our dive (take by our divemaster) at https://aliveunderwater.zenfolio.com/p903277166
The water got chilly after not moving for 45 minutes despite wetsuit; I'm surprised more tropical destinations around the Indian and Pacific Oceans don't have this type of activity since you just need portable, underwater lights to attract the plankton
The manta rays would fly over us from behind and brush against top of our heads; we'd also get hit by their wings as they turned right in front of us which was so cool
Our one tank dive where we sat on the bay bottom for 45 minutes cost $175; it is the number one ranked activity on the Big Island by TripAdvisor and was my favorite as well
Posted by VagabondCowboy 01:59
