Personalized Boat Excursions on the Kona Coast of Hawaii

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Diving and Snorkeling with the Manta Rays of Kona could possibly be the highlight of your vacation. It is the most famous dive in the Hawaiian Islands. Rated also as one of the top ten dives in the world, it is often described as surreal. The dive is conducted in a calm, protected bay in shallow water. The dive boats park around the perimeter of a sandy area which is about thirty feet deep. All the divers gather together and sit on the bottom. The snorkelers float above. The plankton can now be concentrated in one area because it is attracted to our lights. The Mantas, who feed on plankton, cruise between the divers and snorkelers doing continuous flips and scooping up mouthfuls of plankton at their nightly buffet. Kona's local Mantas can reach 15 ft. wingspan and over 1000 lbs.

The dive is conducted just after sunset, which usually falls between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm depending on the time of year. We do the Manta Ray dive and snorkel charter 7 nights a week. We offer two options. The first is a 4.5 hour charter that includes a late afternoon dive or snorkel followed by snacks during sunset, and then the Manta Ray dive or snorkel. The cost for this tour is $130 for divers and $99 for snorkelers. Lights, mask and snorkel, fins and wetsuits are all provided. BCD's and regulators for divers can be rented for $20. The second option is a 3 hour charter. We meet before sunset, cruise up to the dive sight, while enjoying the sunset and then dive or snorkel with the Manta Rays. This trip is also includes snacks and beverages. The cost for divers is $89 and for snorkelers is $79. It also includes lights, mask and snorkel, fins and wetsuits. BCD's and regulators for divers can be rented for $20. The shorter trip is recommended for those that have morning dives or snorkeling activities already booked, those who tend to get cold easily or those who have tendencies toward sea sickness.

Many dive and snorkel companies in Kona offer this trip but few offer a hot, fresh water shower afterwards. Also, few offer complimentary (and optional) Ono fishing on the way there. Ono (also known as Wahoo) are so delicious and rarely take more than a few minutes to reel in. When we get lucky and catch one, Captain Mike will filet it for us and everyone gets to take a piece home for the grill. Want to fish on the way there? Just ask Mike!