I’ve had some really dope adventures in my life and the night dive with the manta rays ranks high up there.
Day 2 on the Big Island and I snagged the last spot on the 4:45pm boat – 4 divers and 9 snorkelers. I timed a short hike at the nearby national monument prior because it dumped out at the marina for this late day excursion. After a quick briefing, we jetted out onto the water just north of the main city to a protected cove.
We watched the sunset hit the horizon but I was more consumed by trying to not feed the fish. Of course I forgot my Dramamine back at my lodging, so I opted to suck on Fritos in hopes the salt would hold me over until we jumped in. Three mini bags later (and add in a bag of cool ranch Doritos too), we finally suited up and took the plunge.
It had been 1.5 years since my last dive and this was my first nighttime feat, but I settled in quickly as we explored the underworld en route to the “campfire”. Our guides set up fluorescent glow sticks in a circle and positioned us right along the shift in current where the plankton were abundant.
And sure enough, we had the best seats in the ocean when the 5 manta rays swooped in for a magnificent show. It was breathtaking and so freaking exhilarating to see them whizzing around just a few feet above our heads, as we all were just in awe at these beautiful creatures gliding along. Did you know each animal has its own unique spotted marking pattern on their bellies and if you find one that is undocumented, you get to name it?!
What a rush! Incredible experience! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
FearlessAdventures 