tarponchik
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I liked manta snorkeling more than diving.
Honolulu to Big Island
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JamesBon92007
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I've done it two times and for me it was such an incredible, amazing experience it's difficult to put a price on it. Would it be worth a trip to Kona if all you did was the manta night dive? Probably.
The first time I did it there were only four mantas, but three of them swam back and forth the whole time so three can be a lot! The second time they counted seventeen mantas and it was even more amazing. Both times they were swimming within an inch over my head. There is always a chance that no mantas will show up, but personally I'd spend the $300 or so (island hopper, hotel) rather than pass up the opportunity. That way you won't end up some day saying "I shoulda done this or I shoulda done that."
JamesBon92007
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I have three friends who did the snorkeling and although they all said it was really great I got the impression that their experience did not have the same depth as mine.
tarponchik
Contributor
Snorkeling felt less crowded. In any case, I won't do either one again.I have three friends who did the snorkeling and although they all said it was really great I got the impression that their experience did not have the same depth as mine.
JamesBon92007
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Aloha Joe
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Here’s a link to a video I took:
Joe Marri
I just did the manta dive again - I was scheduled on a morning advanced boat that got cancelled but still wanted to dive that day. We saw something like 26 mantas. I sat front row and for 45 minutes felt like I was living in a science fiction movie. The mantas were big and plentiful, plus lots of fish, eels swimming around, etc. There were a ton of boats at the site but we were the first ones in so we got ‘front row’. The dive groups kneel on the bottom so you may end up with someone kneeling in front of you, but I don’t know that I’d care if I was second row. Still it never felt crowded to me. I think the captains keep an eye on who’s going when and try to avoid sending everyone down at once.
Joe Marri
I just did the manta dive again - I was scheduled on a morning advanced boat that got cancelled but still wanted to dive that day. We saw something like 26 mantas. I sat front row and for 45 minutes felt like I was living in a science fiction movie. The mantas were big and plentiful, plus lots of fish, eels swimming around, etc. There were a ton of boats at the site but we were the first ones in so we got ‘front row’. The dive groups kneel on the bottom so you may end up with someone kneeling in front of you, but I don’t know that I’d care if I was second row. Still it never felt crowded to me. I think the captains keep an eye on who’s going when and try to avoid sending everyone down at once.
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Aloha Joe
Contributor
I may have been incorrect - it looks like PADI has a restriction on instructors per # divers and that could be what I heard the shop operator talking about. I can’t find many HI laws on diving, other than the linked amendment.
nycjOHN170
Contributor
I'll be coming in from Oahu Hawaiian Air to do this. Thinking to bring my own gear. Are there any restrictions on rechargable Lithium batteries or weight limitations domestic? Didn't see any on their website contract of carriage. $35 extra luggage charge domestic and $100 from the US
Chris Owens
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I was also skunked when I did it. Big Island Divers offers 50% off your next trip if you don’t see mantas which is nice. Unfortunately it was the 2 nights before my trip ended so I couldn’t go again and still have 24 hours before my flight. On the other hand, we saw some really cool night creatures and the 50% off offer doesn’t expire. I will be back!
If you have the option, it is better to book a special dive or excursion early during your trip, so if you are disappointed you might have a chance to try again a few days later - but no guarantees.
I know that a liveaboard isn't attractive (or even feasible) for everyone, but that's another good reason to take a trip on the Kona Aggressor if you can manage it. They did the Manta dive later at night, after the shore-based boats had left. We were the only boat on site and there were loads of mantas and it was a fabulous experience.
I know that a liveaboard isn't attractive (or even feasible) for everyone, but that's another good reason to take a trip on the Kona Aggressor if you can manage it. They did the Manta dive later at night, after the shore-based boats had left. We were the only boat on site and there were loads of mantas and it was a fabulous experience.
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