Last night, during a truly breathtaking sunset, I joined 10 strangers on a 30 min boat ride to snorkel with the Manta Rays of Kona.
We floated effortlessly on the surface of the 83 degree water, hands on the light up raft, pool noodle under our ankles.
Our guide, Buddha, shone his light as well, silently calling his underwater friends to come play.
For 40 min, 4 15 foot Mantas danced and played, sometimes even brushing up against our tummies. (Did one just call me fat?)
You guys, if you can EVER get to Kona, contact C BIG ISLAND TOURS at 8009010468, and book the “Small Group Manta Ray Night Snorkel”. Ask for Buddha! He has a gift.
I booked on TripAdvisor, and the reviews convinced me to pay the 15 bucks more for this company, since everyone raves about Buddha’s ability to coax the rays to come dance.
After seeing the differences between our 11 person, small boat tour to the 40/50 person double deckers...I know it was well worth it.
No seasickness, no waiting in line, just 11 new friends hanging with Buddha and the rays for a couple hours.
most importantly: When we arrived, 8 or 9 big groups were already there, and one Ray was going around to all of them.
Buddha chose a different spot for us, used his light (more yellow, less blue, so they know it’s him), and we had 4 rays the entire time, while the other tours gave up and left.
If you want to see these beautiful creatures up close, nobody will get you more time with them than Buddha.
DO NOT MISS THIS TOUR