LOTS to tell, read this... We went on a night manta experience on June 1st, next to Kona airport. Bill was our captain with Sam (Samantha) and Chris as our deck hands. AMAZING crew, amazing experience. For starters, Bill is VERY committed to SAFETY FIRST. This was a very nice starter to put in a customer's mind. He covered everything as far as safety and what would be expected on and off the boat. How to use the restroom, sea sickness and where to "toss your cookies", (applied to me and my wife... hahaha), along with other expectations.
To those that read this, I feel it is important to reassure people that can't swim that well, what to be prepared for being in the ocean. This location is about... a couple hundred yards from shore. So you are NOT way out in the ocean. The depth of water where you see the mantas is about 25 feet. Keep in mind, this can be somewhat rough water. Take a look at the pictures on the website. You wear a 3/4 wetsuit, you are holding onto what can only be described as a PVC pipe frame, attached to a floating surfboard. VERY sturdy for all the wave action. They then have a pool "noodle" that you take out with you to put under your knees to keep your legs/feet from interfering with the feeding mantas. For me, and I am only speaking for me, even though I was WAY nervous, and also seasick, (I should have made myself puke BEFORE I went in the water.. I tried to tough it out...), when the mantas came to feed... OH MY GOODNESS it was an experience you will NEVER experience anywhere else. One manta "looped" under us close to 8 times. Mind blowing to be THAT close to such a mesmerizing creature and experience. After seeing this, I HAD to get out of the water, only because of me being seasick. I in NO way felt any danger or anything like that. I just did not want to puke in my snorkel. So, I had Sam take me back to the boat. (THANK YOU again Sam!!)
Snorkels were also provided that worked very well and were clean. They let you use your own snorkels if you have them. Our two teenagers, 13 and 14 were the last two to come in and wanted to stay out longer. We also saw two dolphins and at the end, a seal joined us.
All in all, don't hesitate at the price or experience. It is WELL worth it. We did take dramamine, but for me, I still puked... I guess I am simply not used to boats.
Lastly, as was commented on the boat, one nice thing they offer is a HOT "shower" once you get out of the water to not only keep the salt water out of the boat, but to warm you up from the chilly water. NOT cold water, just a bit chilly from lying out there waiting on the mantas. Thank you Bill, Sam and Chris. Memories forever!
Steve and the Alicea family.
Réponse de l'hôte
Sep 2021
Aloha,
Thank you for choosing Manta Adventures and taking the time to review your trip. Thank you for your kind words and such a thorough break down of the trip. We appreciate you high review and taking the time to specifically mention what you liked about the crew and boat. I (Sam) appreciate the shout out as well, you were a great family to have aboard. Please don't hesitate to give us a call for your next adventure in Kona.
Mahalo,
Manta Adventures