Has anyone snorkeled with Manta Rays on Hawaii?
 

Hi there!!<BR><BR>My husband and I have finally decided on a trip to Hawaii. We will be on &quot;The Big Island&quot; and have heard of great opportunities to snorkel with Manta Rays at night.<BR><BR>Has anyone done this, and can you tell me about your experiences?<BR><BR>Thanks so much - we can't wait to hear about it!! :)

We saw several manta rays just doing some casual snorkeling by our hotel (the Mauna Lani). So they are easy to find! And an awesome sight. Sorry I don't know anything about the night program itself. Sounds interesting.

My husband and I did the swimming with the Manta Rays on the Big Island last July. It was amazing. Would highly recommend it.

I tried to snorkle with the Manta Rays, but the masks kept sliding off their slippery little heads.<BR><BR><BR>Sorry.....couldn't resist. It's been one of those years....

Have not done it in Hawaii, but have in Tahiti and Grand Caymans. They are very friendly and feel like velvet. Just don't touch their tails as that is where their stinger is. Have not snorkeled at night......

We went on a manta Ray night dive in november with jacks diving locker(www.jacksdivinglocker.com)i believe they also do snorkeling as well.Itt was awesome they are the most gracefull creatures and they come right up to you(do not confuse them with stingrays they have no stingers) the guide who too us out was called keller and he and his wife run a charity to help protect the mantas so you can be sure all is done to make sure these creatures are not harmed or harrased.<BR>do try JDlocker as they treated us fantastically and they are right in kailua-kona.<BR>let me now if you have any questions.

topping for lovetravel

My husband did this dive a couple of years ago and it was the highlight of his BI visit! He still talks about it. I think he signed up with a place that is located right in the King Kamehameha Hotel shops. The boat left right from the Hotel.

Thanks so much for all of the replies!!<BR><BR>Any other companies you would recommend?<BR><BR>Just want to know so I can compare as much as possible!!<BR><BR>Thanks a million!!

post your question at www.konaweb.com, go to the visiting the Big Island forum-very helpful folks there!<BR>

Thanks Maw - it's very helpful!! :)