![]() After sunset, the Kona manta rays come into the shallows to feed. While I have been to the Big Island several times, I have always done so on a cruise ship. It’s been on my bucket list for quite some time to swim with manta rays. In Kona, travelers must be able to swim and feel comfortable in the ocean. Globally, there are lots of places to dive, but few places to snorkel with manta rays. Whether you choose a night dive or a snorkel, swimming with manta rays in Kona is a memorable experience. ![]() In Kona, Hawaii, thrill-seekers have the opportunity to swim with them in their natural habitat. I highly recommend this adventure to all ages, it is an experience not to be missed on your next visit to the big Island.Manta rays are gentle giants who feed on plankton. This is how they feed, and as they get closer and closer to you, sometimes even touching you ever so slightly - I guarantee your senses will go wild.Īs the travel channel has said - This is one of the top ten things to do in your lifetime. They perform countless somersaults as they scoop up the plankton, mouths wide open. ![]() When you are gazing down to the bottom of the sea, about 35 feet below and then all of a sudden like ballet dancers the mantas come gracefully onto the scene. Words cannot describe the experience you will have on this adventure. The whole trip is about 1.5 hours in length and there are both divers (these spots fill up quickly) and snorkelers accommodated on the tour.īecause these creatures are in their natural environment there is absolutely no touching allowed as we could hurt their protective membrane. We were told that the biggest manta that has come to these feedings is a male measuring almost 18 feet in width! This night we were graced by the appearance of two females both with a wingspan of about 8 feet in width. And as expected they came for their feeding. So now that we are at sea, donned with our wetsuits, off we go into the ocean awaiting the entrance of this night's showstopper - the mantas. It was a quick 5 minute boat ride to the point just beyond the Sheraton (a prime place for the manta's to feast at), but within this short ride several people got sea sick - so if you are prone to sea sickness take your Dramamine so you can enjoy the show!Īt first I was a bit unsure of how we were all going to snorkel in the darkness of the Pacific Ocean, but we were advised that we would actually all be holding onto a floating contraption (made of floating noodles) - ahhh, much better - no lost snorkelers at sea is a good thing! We went with Sea Paradise, which is located in Keauhou near the Sheraton Keauhou Resort. There are a couple of places in Kona that have exceptional viewing and most of the tour companies go to these spots. Now the manta does not appear everywhere to feed. The only way to witness these magnificent giants is to go on a night dive/snorkel adventure because when lights are shone on the water from above and under the surface of the water pointing up - voila, you see plankton. You see, manta rays are actually part of the shark family.but again they eat Sponge Bob's friend - plankton! These graceful giants have no stinger (unlike sting rays, eagle rays, spotted rays). ![]() These magnificent creatures feast on plankton (you know, from Sponge Bob Square Pants!). On my recent visit to the amazing Big Island I knew I had to snorkel with the Manta Rays.
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