Manta Ray Title
Off the big island of Hawaii lives the most amazing creatures, the giant manta rays, which can have wingspans up to 15 feet. These rays feed on small fish and photoplankton; microscopic organisms that live in the sea. Photoplanton are attracted to light and are abundent at night in lighted waters. The manta ray filters the photoplankton out of the water by swooping through the water repeatedly. This graceful swooping looks like a water ballet. The Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii is one of a few places in the world where mantas can be seen.

Manta Ray front

The dives took place off the coast of Kona, right next to the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa . The Manta could be observed from shore at the Keauhou Bay Resort at night. The powerful lights shining on the water from the Keauhou Bay Resort attracted the photoplankton which attracts the Manta Rays.

To dive or snorkel with the Mantas you must use a commerical dive boat. The water appears too rough and the cliffs too steep to enter the water by the Keauhou Bay Resort at night although I have heard it is possible. On the dive boats, snorkelers are given wet suits and can snorkel in the water above the manta rays. The divers descend to the bottom of the ocean and hold bright lights to attract the Mantas. The Mantas will come quite close and sometimes touch the divers. Snorkelers have a magnificent view from up above also. It really is an unbelievable display and should not be missed.


Beautiful photos of Manta Rays can bee seen at Manta Ray Gallery.

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