Our dive group swam underwater towards the underwater “ring” setup, where all divers would be in a giant circle on their knees for the entire dive. The snorkelers hung on to a large surfboard that had strong lights attached to it, pointing downwards. Once it was completely dark, we all got into the water. But soon I was going to find out why this was a good thing. Normally I enjoy seeing only marine life underwater. I was not excited about doing a dive with potentially 50 other divers. You can read more here about the differences. Scientists believe there many be 2 species of manta rays, a “coastal” manta ray – normally about 12ft wide, like the ones will see tonight, that live in the same area their entire life, and a larger pelagic manta, 20-25ft wide, like the kind you might see in Bali or Socorro. I was really looking forward to meeting Frank and Charlie! Scott also told us about Frank the friendly eel that might swim through our equipment, and Charlie the friendly trumpetfish who would nuzzle up close against us.
Our DM would be taking video of the dive, which would be available for purchase after the following day. Every diver will be given a strong dive light. The mantas will feed on the plankton the dive lights attract. Hold the dive lights pointing upward next to your head. Each dive boat will put uniquely colored dive lights on the tanks. There would be several other boats at the site, and the divers from all the boats will be in a large circle. Then he turned things over to our divemaster, Scott, who explained the dive.
Once the boat was ready, Captain Frank, who has been working for the shop for over 6 years, gave a thorough briefing. There was a mix of divers and snorkelers on the boat. The boat crew got everything prepared on the boat while the customers waited comfortably on shore in lounge chairs. I arrived at the Kona Honu Divers boat with my dive gear, including my gloves, hood and 3mm suit, and my camera rig – twin strobes, Nikon D300, Sea & Sea housing, Sola 600 photo light, Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens – all in my trusty AO Cooler bag.
MANTA RAY NIGHT DIVE ISO
Nikon D300, Tokina 10-17mm lens F9, 1/250th, ISO 250 The Manta Dive at night My first manta encounter of the trip while shore diving in Keauhou bay. But nothing could prepare me for the fact that we would indirectly be feeding the mantas, and how incredible that could be. I was told that the Mantas were feeding at night, and were more approachable than during the day. In preparing for a week-long family trip to Kona, Hawaii I had done some research, and I heard that the Manta Ray night dive was a good dive.
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