manta ray diving kona

Watch on. Although friendly and tempting to touch, it is very important that you dont and always obey the manta ray dive guidelines. Call to inquire. If you are diving with us for multiple days, we try to rotate through different dive sites so you can see new things on each dive as long as the conditions of the water are desirable. Whale Watching with our sister company, Kona Snorkel Trips! Professional snorkel & dive guides, dive lights (for night dives only), tanks, soft weights, a variety of snacks, filtered water, and the best customer service in Hawaii! The air is usually dry enough to be comfortable and hot enough for a variety of sun-orientated activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and beach visits. And thus, a show was born. 32GB SD card and float handle included. Manta rays are gentle giants- filter feeders with no barbs, stingers or teeth. You may even see an extra visitor! https://bigislanddivers.com/testimonials/incredible/. We truly appreciate your review and recommending our charters! We agree with the experts and think that swimming with manta rays is one of the Big Island activities that you shouldn't miss. Before sunset, dive guides put a crate of the brightest lights available (currently 33,000 lumens) to accumulate plankton. Observe in awe as Kona's famous Manta Rays glide in from the darkness to feed on the microscopic plankton attracted to your light. Jeff made this dive very comfortable for us in the water by setting rocks around us to keep us from moving too much and set lights up right around our group for a full blown Manta Theatrical Experience. Kona Coast is one of the worlds best places to spot big manta ray. Kona Honu Divers has been offering the manta ray night dive since 2002. This is a longer trip for certified divers only. Go ahead and jump in, the water's fine. Divers 12-17 years of age must be accompanied on the charter by their parent or guardian at all times. 1. An incredible sunset on a Hawaiian beach becomes even more special when you know you will later head out for a manta ray night dive. I preferred a little later. https://bigislanddivers.com/testimonials/one-of-the-top-10-dives-in-the-world/. The rays are incredibly graceful and gentle and watching them swim is more like watching a bird in flight than a . Must be 12 years of age or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian, You must be able to dive in a group and not need more attention than what is normally provided on a guided dive, You must remember there are other guests onboard that are looking for a premium experience so our standards MUST be met. With wingspans that can reach up to 18 feet across, they are among the largest fish in the sea. We also proactively maintain our dive rental equipment with regular checkups to help avoid unnecessary malfunctions. Defend. Great Service, Good Selection, Decent Prices!I've been to this shop a few times for different things. Thank you so much for joining us! Keahou Point. Come dive with us and see why divers choose Kona Honu Divers. If you've been certified with PADI, SSI, SDI, NAUI, or any other valid agency, we can take you diving. What to bring: any personal dive gear, certification card, camera, towel and sense of adventure. Float in the pelagic among some of the strangest critters. Or try our advanced blackwater night dive, a true Kona original. The mysterious giant wild manta rays are one of the worlds largest fish that swim in the oceans. In addition of the amazing experience to observe the Manta rays in their natural environment, the crew was just perfect, always helpful and offers us a warm hospitality. . They took care of all of the gear and equipment and reminded us that we were on vacation. Day SCUBA Diving and Night Black Water Diving are quite popular as well as swimming with the Wild Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Sea Turtles, Monk Seals and many more ocean reef critters. They tell you all about manta rays before you dive/snorkel so you know what to expect. We also provide filtered water and a variety of snacks. We would absolutely go a third time if we make it back to Hawaii and would use the same company again. Their in depth dive planning always made me feel secure as it was my first night dive. You'll slowly poke along one of our favorite reefs looking for some night time activity. Come up from your dive or snorkel to enjoy a beautiful Hawaiian sunset, relax, and have a bite to eat. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae21d438435836945021cfb8f45fb5eb" );document.getElementById("jeb77a652f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Although great in size, these gentle giants are actually quite friendly. Learn more about our carbon offset. While their wingspans can reach up to 18 feet, most manta rays around Kona average between 10-12 feet in wingspan. However, like all things in nature, sightings are never a guarantee. Exposure protective clothing, and only non-aerosol reef-safe sunscreen. I felt safe and well informed by the staff. Manta rays are wild animals, and their presence isn't guaranteed. We love hearing you had an awesome with our crew and enjoyed our services! What will I see on the dives / what are the dive sites like? | Dive Packages + Free Nitrox, Starts 2:45pm-4:00pm till 7:45-9:00pm (varies with This is where the mantas and divers congregate. She really made sure all were having a good time. These guidelines are in place for your safety as well as the safety of our crew and the other divers in the group so concessions cannot be made. Our captain, Dave, and guide, Holly were both great. On a snorkel tour, most of the time is spent either cruising or in the water. It was a bit hard to stay still so Brooks gave us a huge rock to put on ourselves so we could just relax for 45 minutes and watch the mantas feast on plankton. Swim with Mantas The 3 Manta Ray Viewing Sites in Kona, Hawaii Snorkeling & Diving Manta Rays in Hawaii Swimming with Manta Rays 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. Mask, fins, a dive light, tanks, and weights. Manta Ray SCUBA Dive | Big Island Divers The Original Kona Manta Night Dive Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were snorkeling, so we had Natalie as our guide and Captain Cory manning the helm. Come abroad the Manta and join our crew for the best Scuba diving, Dolphin snorkels, and the world famous Manta Ray Night Dive & Snorkel EcoAdventures on the Big Island! 3. The mantas had not been showing up in their usual location so we went further south down the coast and were rewarded with at least 3 manta rays making several passes and barrel rolls right past us. Divers sit by the lights on the ocean floor while snorkelers float flat on the surface, leaving the water column open for mantas to swim and feed- often swimming directly over our divers heads or underneath our snorkelers bellies! Thank you again and we hope to have you on board again soon! This is because the bottom topography and protection from ocean swell is better here. $59/day. You can visit http://www.seatemperature.org to check out the water temperature for your visit. Friendly & professional - would highly recommend! What Marine Life Can I See in Kailua Kona? Book Now . Your manta ray night dive will be 60 minutes long. Another threatened but regular visitor to the Kona Coast is the large tiger shark which is thought to migrate there for birthing. Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling with our sister company, Kona Snorkel Trips! You will experience this phenomenon during the crepuscular dive. We were told to wait under an awning, they checked us in with all the waivers and we were assigned a boat. All while educating people of the threats our marine life and oceans face every day and what we can do to help defend it. Traveling light? If you tend to run on the cold side, a full wetsuit is recommended, even a hooded vest. COPYRIGHT © 2023 | CMS Version: 4.6.4.1 | If youd prefer to get straight to the main attraction, we run single tank charters that launch closer to sunset. Book a Dive this month for a Chance to win a Free Dive Trip! Learn more about the 2 tank manta ray night dive with Kona Honu Divers. It is, therefore, important that you make sure you talk to the local dive center about any preparations you need to make. For safety reasons, all guests joining any of our vessels must be able to understand and communicate with our crew in English. Even though we may see mantas around 90% of the time, we must remember that they are wild. I don't know how this also happened, but [More]. If youre a newer diver who would like a more personal experience, or an experience diver who prefers more time to observe their favorite critters, a private guide might be an appealing option for you. Book a Dive this month for a Chance to win a Free Dive Trip! Sea Paradise is an original manta ray tour expert in Hawaii, helping its guests get up close and personal with these majestic creatures since 1985. https://bigislanddivers.com/testimonials/manta-night-dive-lives-up-to-the-hype/. Please call us for more details. The manta rays used to show up at the Sheraton hotel south of Kona, with the first night dives happening around 1991. Once we got in, we immediately saw a massive manta ray. I would definitely do it. This means snorkelers would spend 1-3 hours more on the water on a dive tour than a snorkeling tour. well ask you to sit the dive out. Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii See all things to do Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii 5 1,815 reviews #34 of 186 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Kailua-Kona Scuba & Snorkelling Boat Tours Private Tours Dolphin & Whale Watching Closed now 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Write a review See all photos About The rays are attracted by the light that is placed in the water so they see their food easily. In addition to the manta ray night dive Kona Honu Divers also has some other dives that are unique to Hawaii. First, explore the reef and visit the colossal colony of swaying Garden Eels as the sun begins to fade. The Original Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Float above divers and bubbles while giant manta rays swim gracefully below you. For a single dive, a minimum of 12 hours is suggested. If you cannot find your dive card, we may be able to look up your certification in your dive agency's online database. 74-380 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740, United States (808) 325 . Your dive guide will tell you stories of manta rays and diving at night. Book Now. Integrated Scuba Systems. Should I bring my dive knife? unique invertebrates, green sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and so much more! I recently went on the sunset reef dive & manta ray night dive. Depending on which site is selected, divers can expect a 20-45 minute boat ride, each way. Garden Eel Cove also known as Makako Bay is the best site for scuba diving with the manta rays. If you join us for at least 5 trips you will be automatically enrolled in our Mahalo Club and receive 10% off all future trips! Kona Honu Divers used to take both scuba divers and snorkelers on the same boat. Sea Quest is a great option if you have young children -- their minimum age to participate is seven. They were all great. The crew is wonderful. The total dive time is up to you and your air consumption! Flying or Driving to Altitude After Diving:For multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, a minimum surface interval of 18 hours is suggested before flying or driving to altitude. It is as good a snorkel as it is a dive. | Dive Packages + Free Nitrox. Manta Ray Night Dive & Snorkel 2 tank morning scuba diving wildlife Snorkel Capt. Our crew is trained to provide the guest services you would expect from a 5 star resort or Hotel. With the lights shining bright, manta rays, coral reefs, and various fish species are illuminated. www.mantapacific.org. This is dive destination isnt only accessible to certified divers but is also great for snorkelers. PADIs recommendation for flying or driving to altitude after diving within the No-Decompression Limits (regular recreational diving) are as follows: Single dives - A minimum pre-flight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested. Manta sightings follow no specific pattern. While charters are rarely cancelled due to a lack of participants, Big Island Divers will make every effort to reschedule customers to another day or with another company. Once attracted by the plankton, certified scuba divers gather along the ocean floor and snorkelers on the surface. The number of mantas doesnt appear to vary by time of year. Manta Ray Diving - The Top 12 Best Places on Earth Top 12 Best Places to Dive with Manta Rays Guest Blogger Updated by Danielle Schofield on April 5, 2021 Diving or snorkeling with a manta ray is an unforgettable experience. Dive with Manta Rays Pelagic Blackwater Dive Private Charters 2023's #1 Dive Operator in Hawaii with a 5 star reputation One of the Top 10 Dives in the World! fantastic view of the Kona coast . There are 2 sites. The guide that goes with you does his best to move the group to different locations to increase your chances of seeing a manta ray. During the surface interval, you'll enjoy a legendary Kona sunset. https://bigislanddivers.com/testimonials/manta-ray-night-dive/. This means the divers on the boat will have maximum spaciousness aboard with the staff attending only to their needs. The information was plentiful, (but not too droning), the scenery was great, and the water "refreshing." Wildlife often appears, but isnt guaranteed. However, this is one of the most sought-after activities so spots fill up quickly. Again, thank you for joining us and high praise of our staff! Many years ago, divers discovered that light attracts plankton. I've seen tour times ranging from 6pm to 11pm and am curious if it is better to go earlier in the evening around sunset or later in the night? We saw an octopus, sea turtle, and plenty of smaller life in the sea. Observe in awe as Kona's famous Manta Rays glide in from the darkness to feed on the microscopic plankton attracted to your light. Some of the extra dive equipment that you might need include: If this is your first time night diving, then you will probably be asked to do a quick crash course on the necessary skills. You must be 10 years or older to get SCUBA certified. When he retired from diving and filming in 2014, he pivoted from production and set up the manta ray moonlight swim program with the . Tour Summary: The famous manta ray night dive/snorkel in Kona is one of the most memorable dives around the planet. He is super knowledgeable and friendly. Guests who are prone to motion sickness are encouraged to use anti-emetic such as Bonine or Dramamine before boarding the boat. If you must keep the group together you can book a 1 tank dive with our partner. Snorkeling and ride along participants that are under 18 years of age must be under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian on all charters, at all times. Cool flame fish and tons of eels. But with creatures who have a 10-12 foot wingspan swimming and barrel rolling under you, there will be more than enough entertainment! As a very popular destination for tourists, this is not the most secluded manta site but a fantastic place for taking underwater photos. You need an open water certification to scuba dive with manta rays in Hawaii. Give us a call to reserve your adventure! Hawaiian sea turtles, now classified as threatened, are commonly found on the Kona Coast, either on the beach resting or underwater. The diving begins with a reef dive led by our highly trained and experienced staff. You are then treated to an amazing show as giant mantas glide and dance in a mesmerizing way. Lastly, all Charters require a minimum of 3 participants to go. We have chosen to exclusively tailor our experience toward the highest quality diving experience available in Hawaii. Please remember to bring dry clothes and a jacket or sweatshirt for night charters, as the ride home can be chilly. The Mantas will often swim within inches of snorkelers and scuba divers, always managing to avoid contact at the very last minute. You may swim with the Manta Rays at Manta village or, in a few cases, watch them from the shore. Price for a 2 tank Manta Night Dive trip: 155 USD (with tax and tips, about 180 USD or 153 / 135) Price for snorkelers: 125 USD (with tax and tips, about 145 USD or 124 / 109) Learn more about the manta rays of Hawaii. @2020- Ocean Scuba Dive. Mahalo! Please call our shop directly to verify that we are able to locate your certification prior to your arrival. There are also fewer boats here on a typical night making it safer and less crowded. I do have snorkeling experience and am physically active. We were very happy and would recommend this activity with this company. And once it's dark, you'll jump back in for your manta ray night dive. This is to ensure that the mantas are not disturbed and other marine life also stays protected. Usually, this will be at around 2535 feet deep they then shine their lights up towards the surface. Our gear is pro-actively maintained on a regular schedule so we can take care of problems before they can occur. Reservations cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will be charged the full cost of the charter, unless Big Island Divers is able to fill the seat(s) on the boat. These mesmerizing creatures sometimes gracefully glide within inches of amazed snorkelers. Not only are the Hawaiian waters sparkling blue they have incredible visibility, so nighttime manta sightings are something truly unique. Manta rays are wild animals, free to come and go as they please. Dive. What is the minimum age to get SCUBA certified? Options available for both snorkelers and ride-along guests. Book now Watch the video Big Island Divers > Charters > Snorkeling > Manta Ray Snorkel $129* per person Book Now A note on tips! I was a little hesitant about my expectations because I heard so many great things and didn't want to be disappointed. Increase your no-decompression limits with enriched air. As if Kona needed another reason to be specialwe have Manta Rays! This leaves minimal time for those who are prone to seasickness to get seasick. light lunch, snacks & refreshments. Garden Eel cove and 2. The Manta Ray Night Charter and Twilight / Manta Ray Night Charter takes place at Garden Eel Cove (northern Airport site) unless ocean conditions or manta sightings dictate otherwise. Minimum age - 12 years old. Meeting these intelligent and social creatures is a fleeting yet powerful experience. If the mantas do not show up on the night you are diving or snorkeling with us, we invite you to come back and try again for a discounted rate within a 12 month period. Have you dove it all and are looking for something completely different? To join us as a diver, you must have Open Water Diver certification and recent dive experience (within the last 2 years), but its ok if this is your first night dive. A lot of divers find their first nighttime experience quite daunting so this is also great mental preparation. We did 3 dive trips with Jacks while in Kona. We head up to Makako Bay, just north of Keahole Point and do both dives at the famous Garden Eel Cove. Dive with mantas and our top-rated crew and you'll understand the hype. It is the only state located within Oceania and is the only one to be composed entirely of islands. We utilize the west Hawaii mooring system to avoid anchoring on the coral reef. On this adventure, you will leave the harbor and get to the dive site in time to enjoy a beautiful Kona sunset. Our rental gear is high quality and we select only the most reliable and comfortable brands of dive gear so that you can focus on the diving experience around you. The state coastline is around 750 miles long (1,210 km) and is the fourth-longest in the US. Note Travel to any destination may be adversely affected by conditions including, but not limited to: security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and culture, natural disasters, and climate. Mahalo Nui Loa! The tour is only 2 hours versus the 5 hours diving. You can find a list of the approved activity providers on the Hawaii Ocean Watch website. Snorkelers can book with Hawaiis top rated and most reviewed snorkel company Kona Snorkel Trips. We offer a combination of best-in-class rental equipment. Includes 2 guided dives, tanks, weights, light, sandwich/juice/water (Rental gear available), Includes 2 guided snorkels, mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, sandwich/juice/water, Private Guide: $300 plus tax plus cost of trip (Limited availabilty. Masks, fins, air tanks, weights, (and lights for night dive) are included for all divers. Divers that have not dove within the last 2 years may berequired to take a refresher course before coming to dive with us. Your doctor can advise you on the safety of these activities given your health. The Kona Coast has a resident population and catalog of more than 200 reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and we have a unique way of observing them.

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manta ray diving kona