I have to admit my expectations where not too high given the unpredictable nature of such encounters....close to an guarantee to see the Manta Rays...really? Do these guys control wild animals or simply know where to find them?
My skepticism was about to be blown away from the face of earth.
Chris and Budda (sorry if I got the names wrong) gave us a warm welcome at Honokohau Harbor and carefully explained the drill. After a 20 minute drive we approached the Manta Ray spot south of Kona. Many boats, yelling from the groups who spotted a Manta Ray, choppy sea and not easy to know where to place the surfboard and lights. Chris and Budda got us into the water and we all did what was been told, hold on to the surfboard, relax and be sure to float flat in the water with no movement at all.
It took less than a minute until the show started. At most we had 4 Manta Rays circling the board, and twice we had the biggest one doing 5 loops so close to our board and faces is was terrifying fun. Never ever would I believe to experience such a thing, a few centimeters from my face. And it never stopped. Budda swiped his torch like a true Jedi and used his “force” to pull the Mantas toward our board. It was pure magic....our own personal Manta Ray master :-)
Finally we had to finish off and get back to the boat. Guess we could have stayed there for hours, but time to leave the Mantas alone..or share them with the rest of the fleet.
Off with the wetsuits, dry off with the towels and a nice calm ride back to the harbor...digesting the experience. Me, my wife and my son (he is 11) had a truly magical experience delivered by Chris and Budda whom went above and beyond to make sure it was a success. Thank you so much for an experience of a lifetime!!
Now we are heading back to cold Norway with a GoPro loaded with memories only a video can prove is right ;-)
Mahalo 🤙