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Snorkeling with the Manta Rays

Night Snorkel with the Manta Rays

Travel Channel says it’s one of the Top 10 things to do in your lifetime

Snorkeling at night to look for Manta Rays is advertised as one of Kona’s most unique adventures, so we signed up. Just before sunset we were outfitted with “shortie” wetsuits and snorkel gear and as the sun dropped over the western horizon we were whisked away from the pier at Keauhou Bay by the Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides. A few minutes later the deluxe cabin cruiser arrived at “Manta Village”, an area 25’-deep off the coast, to observe the graceful Rays. After instructions we slipped into the cold, dark water surrounded by more darkness. It is indeed, a unique experience. Mantas are attracted to the area to feed on plankton because floodlights from the back of the boat and small lights from a floating raft light up plankton below. The lights don’t bother the Manta Rays, but allow snorkelers floating on the surface a privileged view of the 4-14’wing span of the graceful Mantas.

Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides

www.fair-wind.com 808-322-2788

Photo Credit James L. Wing

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