The Manta dive or snorkel is an exhilarating underwater experience that is unique to the Kona Coast and one of the top night dives of the world! We start our adventure at Honokohau Harbor in the afternoon and cruise the Kona coast up to Garden Eel Cove. Divers and snorkelers enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian marine life during the day and come back up for a 1 hour surface interval where we serve light refreshments and sandwiches as we enjoy sunset. After nightfall our knowledgeable crew will take you back into the water to see these gentle giants loop, somersault, and cruise in the beams of light as they funnel the plentiful plankton into their giant mouths.
The divers will settle down on the bottom of the ocean floor and shine their dive lights up to attract the plankton. Snorkelers, on the surface, will surround a snorkel board, led by a snorkel guide, with lights pointed down.
What is included?
We provide tanks, weights, and dive lights for our divers. During your surface interval sandwiches, snacks, and water will be provided while you enjoy the Kona sunset. After your second dive hot chocolate or tea will be available for the boat ride home.
For our snorkelers we have mask, snorkel, fins, and a 5mm wetsuit available for your use. You will also have a professional snorkel guide with you in the water for the duration of the activity.
Dive Requirements:
Certified Divers: Divers are required to have their Open Water Certification and to bring their certification card (no card = no diving). We would be happy to help you find your certification, but sometimes we find them and sometimes we don't (which means no diving and no refund) so please let us help you early. We would love for you to come talk story prior to your dive, but if you would like to go directly to the boat please make sure you have your certification card on your person or have emailed us a copy of your c-card and have signed the electronic waiver. Remember no c-card = no diving.
You are expected to have been on a recent dive, at least within the past 2 years. If you have been dry over 2 years we do require a check out dive to be done prior to this activity.
Junior Open Water Divers are welcome to join on the dive, but ages 10-11 are required to have a private guide. Divers ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or private guide.
Those with a PADI Scuba Diver rating are welcome to join on the dive, but are required to have a private guide. A PADI Scuba Diver Certification is given to those that only complete the first 2 check out dives of their open water certification.
Snorkel Requirements:
For safety reasons all snorkelers must be 8 years of age or older, be able to swim, and have prior snorkeling experience. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Recommended to bring:
Been on a boat before? Did your stomach get upset? Never been on a boat? Get car sick? Preventative measures like ginger or motion sickness medication, may make your trip more enjoyable.
Bring a towel and something warm to wear for the boat ride home.