Of all the things I have ever done in Hawaii, this is hands down the best! I would put it in the top 5 things I have ever done in my life! This experience got me into diving and was a major factor why we purchased our condos. The diving experience (diving videos below) is for certified divers. But don't worry, if you are not a diver you can experience these magnificent creatures on a “manta snorkel trip” as well (snorkeling video below).
Snorkeling: The snorkeling video below is not with Jack’s Diving Locker (my preferred dive/snorkel outfit) so the video experience below is a bit different, but does show you the general process of snorkeling with these giant magnificent creatures. Jacks will either take you north (20-25 minute boat ride or South (30-35 min boat ride). Jacks will choose the location that evening depending on the weather and last sightings. The video said they saw 3 manta rays. I have been on trips with Jacks where we have seen over 30+ Mantas. Jacks does an amazing job to try their very best to give you an epic experience. I have taken my 6 year old grand daughter for a thrill of a lifetime and I have taken 60 yr old plus people and watched them scream with exhilaration like little children. There are normally lots of boats and you are very close to the shore. Try not to let the fact that it is at night intimidate you. There are normally lots of people around and everyone seems to have a great time. If you are prone to sea sickness you may want to plan ahead for that. If you have any adventurous bones in your body, think about taking a leap with this unreal Manta Snorkel experience. If I had one week to live I would snorkel or dive with Manta rays!
Diving: This Manta dive is a two tank dive but the focus of the trip is the second dive. The first dive is normally for the crew to get set up in the location and prepared for the Manta dive, although the first dive can be fantastic dive as well as I have seen Mantas on the first late afternoon dive. It is about a 20-25 minute boat ride to the dive spot. The actual spot is only about 20-40 yards off shore and in about 40ft of water. Once there, they take you on your first dive to familiarize you with the site. You will see a variety of reef creatures during this first dive and may even get a fly-by of an occasional Manta. If you do, you are in for a GOOD night! After your first dive, you are served a sandwich and snacks and displayed a wonderful on the water sunset if the gods are willing. The second dive, you are guided to a spot called "the camp fire" which is three or four milk crates filled with bright lights to attract the plankton. The Manta's feed on the plankton by doing a series of graceful belly rolls to filter the plankton. Manta's have no teeth or stingers and are not dangerous. The only concern is their massive size and weight. The dive guides will brief you how to stay out of their way and the do's and don't of this dive. It is an awesome briefing, please listen to them and respect this incredible natural resource so we can preserve it for many generations. These wonder creatures, as they belly roll and feed, can some times come right up on you providing a breath taking experience. One of the videos below is actually my dive buddy and I am filming his first experience. You can see the exhilaration in his eyes as these creatures fly by.
The Manta's are not there absolutely every night. I would say they are there about 70-80% of the time. It is a risk well worth taking. I have been dozens of times and only been skunked a few times. Jacks Diving Locker offer a guarantee that if you do not see a Manta on your dive, they will let you go standby on another dive if there is room. So if you are going to do this dive, do it early on in your trip in case you do get skunked, you may be able to give it another try for free. My favorite dive company on the island is Jack's Diving Locker. Jacks Diving locker is a professional dive shop and my dive shop of choice! I have dove hundreds of times with Jacks. They are super friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. They do it right at Jacks! The boats are comfortable. The crew is the best I have ever dove with and they are a full-service dive shop. They set up your gear, change over tanks and wash your equipment. You should also get a good site briefing before each dive. The instructors and crew are helpful and friendly. If you do dive with Jacks, please tell them Chad sent you and said hi! If you are a diver, please do this dive and also check out a few other morning dives. They also have some advanced dives and a Magic Pelagic Black Water dive that is spectacular and unlike any other dive in the world. Check out their site below and dive as much as you can!
Please Note: There are other dive companies on the island you can use like Pacific Rim Divers and Kona Honu Divers and others, but I don’t have much (if any) experience with them. I personally prefer to use Jacks. However, you are welcome to call around and do some research on your own for the best Dive/Snorkel/Rental company that fits your needs. The important thing is that you try and experience all the wonderful water activities the Big Island has to offer….:)