Have an Up Close Dive with Kona Manta Ray Snorkel

The uniqueness of manta rays
There are approximately about 200 manta rays on the Kona coast, and they are among the largest animals you find in ocean. Just like the ears and nose of humans, these creatures have extremely flexible bodies.

Mantas are made of cartilage and they possess no bones. They are cousins to sharks and one thing about them is that they are completely harmless to humans. Manta rays don't have stingers like the stingrays and while they have teeth, in most cases, they are hidden and rarely used, ergo they cannot bite people in any way.

The creatures are filter feeders and they cruise through ocean waters with the mouths open so that planktons can drift inside where they are sifted out of water. This is just like the way in which you use colander in draining pasta. An average adult manta would consume about 2 percent equivalent of their body weight every day mainly consisting of the planktons.

Another amazing thing about these animals is that they have sixth sense, which humans lack. This is the electro-reception and they sense movement through tiny cells found on their heads. The animals swim near surface by flapping pectoral fins, which propel them. They can cruise or swim over 15 miles per hour.

What is the best time to have Kona manta ray snorkel
While you could see manta rays during the day, the best time to have a dive is at night because it provides the best viewing experience. You can view during day hours but because they feed at night, that is the best time since they are most active.

It would be exciting to see them feeding and active rather than observing them when they are docile. At night, it is when planktons rise upward towards the surface of sea thus the manta rays use this opportunity to have their favorite meal. In order to attract the planktons at night, lights are used which makes the mantas to come close and feed those organisms.

A manta ray night snorkel Kona experience
When darkness approaches, it is time to get ready for the rare treat of seeing mantas in ocean. You enter the waters under the guidance of experienced divers who are trained on how to organize and explore the oceans to find and see these creatures. Divers will position themselves at the bottom in between 25 to 34 feet and the lights are shone upwards facing the surface of ocean waters.

Snorkelers are also guided to the areas and shine lights downwards. It is an experience, which makes you feel as though you are in a totally different world. This is one of the unique environments that not many have or will ever see. With your waterproof digital camera, you can capture the amazing photos of mantas in actions as they feed and swim gently in the waters.