Note: you DON’T need to be a strong swimmer to go on a manta snorkel tour. There are many manta ray night dive and snorkel tour options in Kona.
In this case, it’s worth it to take a tour! The Mantas are located a long (and dark) swim from shore and you run the risk of being hit by a boat being out in open water at night. NOTE: We don’t recommend trying to swim out to see the manta rays on your own at night. The main difference between the two locations is that Keauhou Bay is a very short boat ride (5 minutes) to the manta viewing site, while Garden Eel Cove requires a 30 - 45 minute scenic boat ride along the Kona coast from Honokohau Harbor. Garden Eel Cove, off the coast of the Kona airport Keauhou Bay, 4 miles from My Hawaii Hostel
Manta Rays gather in two main areas at night to feed off the Kona coast: Read more about their cultural significance. Historically, manta rays have been revered by native Hawaiians and are mentioned in the Kumulipo - the Hawaiian creation chant. Manta rays can be found feeding in very shallow water but also are known to dive down to great depths of more than 1,000 ft.Īccording to some guides, mantas are attracted to singing…so bring your best karaoke voice. The Manta Pacific Research Foundation has identified and named the 300+ manta rays in Kona’s waters using their distinct spots and scars. Manta rays only have 1 pup every 2-3 years. We refer to them jokingly as ‘ballerinas’ because mantas appear to ‘dance’ in the water as they turn graceful somersaults and pirouettes during feeding. The lights from boats at night attract the plankton which attract the manta rays to feed. Manta rays are filter feeders who dine on billions of plankton with their giant vacuum-like mouths. Manta rays have wing spans of up to 15 ft and can weigh up to 3,000 pounds. Read on to learn more about Kona’s magical manta rays, where to see them, and our favorite manta tours in Kona. Related to sharks, these “gentle giants” are toothless and totally harmless. Massive vegetarian ballerinas of the sea, Manta Rays, or ‘Hahalua’, feed on plankton at night, offering up a spectacular underwater show. So, if you want to experience the thrill of swimming with manta rays, book a manta ray night snorkel in Kona today.“Big Bertha”, “Baby Huey”, “Elvis”, and “Calamity Jane” are just a few of the names given to the 300+ manta rays that call Kona’s waters home. If you are lucky enough to see a manta ray swimming through the water at night, be sure to take a moment to appreciate its beauty. This makes them easy to spot in the water, and it is an amazing sight to behold. This will bring the manta rays to the surface of the water so you can see them up close and personal. When the tour guides shine the lights down into the water it attracts microplankton which the manta rays feed on.
#Manta ray big island skin#
This is because they have naturally shiny skin that reflects light. Manta rays are one of the few creatures that can be seen at night. They do not have stingers or teeth so you are safe to swim with them. RELATED: Private Whale Watching in Maui: Everything You Need to Know
So, while it is always important to be cautious around any type of marine life, manta rays should not be cause for alarm. Manta rays are generally shy creatures that will only attack humans if they feel threatened. There have been very few cases of manta rays attacking humans, and those incidents have been attributed to either carelessness or misunderstandings on the part of the humans involved. In fact, they are known to be quite docile and gentle. If you’re ever lucky enough to see a manta ray, you’ll never forget it! These amazing creatures are truly one of a kind. Manta rays are not considered endangered at this time, but they are threatened by pollution and overfishing in some areas. They give birth to one or two babies at a time, which are born alive and able to swim on their own. Manta rays have a lifespan of about 20 years. They are graceful creatures and are a popular site for scuba divers. Manta rays are harmless to humans and are often seen swimming close to the surface of the water. They often congregate near coral reefs, where they can find plenty of food. Manta rays can be found in tropical and subtropical waters all over the world.
RELATED: What to Do in Sainte-Agnes: The Highest Coastal Village in Europe
0 kommentar(er)
