Ten Delicious Places to Dip into Diving

You Are Here:

Home >> Ten Delicious Places to Dip into Diving

Q&A: Climbing El Capitan with Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Ivo Ninov listen
Q&A: Maggie Anthony On Son Eric Volz listen
Q&A: Photographer Danny Clinch listen
Q&A: "Coca Is It!" Author Joshua Hammer listen
Q&A: "Strange Bird" Author Carl Hoffman listen
Out of Bounds: That '70s Guy listen

What kind of dog will make me look manlier? answer
Is there a sport that safely combines my twin passions for guns and kayaks? answer
How come most of the world's cultures enjoy eating goat, but Americans don't? answer

Why do mosquito bites itch? answer
Are elite athletes just lucky genetic mutants? answer
Can women really tolerate cold water better than men? answer

Online Favorites

Special Issues

Photo Galleries

From Away.com

Ten Delicious Places to Dip into Diving
Kona, Hawaii: Polynesian Diving

By Paul McMenamin

There's something about diving with large gentle sea creatures that has an almost universal appeal. The crystal waters of Hawaii make most anywhere an ideal diving spot. But if you're looking for a thrilling family adventure vacation, check out the manta ray night dives on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Surrounded by very deep water (about 18,000 feet), the Hawaiian Islands are a natural magnet for large sea creatures. Green and hawksbill turtles, spinner and other species of dolphins, and the occasional whale frequent these waters, as well as more than 600 species of reef fishes. However, one hotel, the Kona Surf, has discovered a way to gather some of these big pelagics, notably the Pacific manta ray, for night feeding by shining spotlights down into the water near shore. Large quantities of plankton swarm to the lit area, and of course, plankton-eaters like the manta aren't far behind. These mantas have a wing span that averages five to eight feet, but can grow to more than 14. Watching them swoop in, gliding, even somersaulting through the sea, using their enormous fins to funnel water and plankton into their open mouths is a diving thrill you won't soon forget.

Divers typically gather in a circle on the bottom, shining their dive lights into the center of the open water column, which further concentrates the plankton and allows the mantas plenty of area in which to maneuver. Non-diving members of the family may join in, as a number of the operators welcome snorkelers as well. Snorkelers remain at the surface, also at the perimeter of the circle.

Practically Speaking
All the operators who make this night dive follow established guidelines for the manta encounter. Protecting the animals is the primary focus of these rules, and touching the mantas is strictly prohibited. A number of dive operators in Kona offer manta dives, and it's advisable to make reservations, especially during peak season. Price averages $60 to $150, depending on extras, operator and season. WiSoem outfitters offer a two-tank, two-location dive that includes a light supper and all gear. Make the first late-afternoon dive at another site, then move to the Kona Surf for the main attraction. This is an excellent way to get comfortable if you haven't made many night dives before, or if it's been awhile since you were last in tanks.

On Newsstands Now:
September 2008
Tech & Design Special
Fittest Real Men
Thomas Meyerhoffer
Bike Rwanda
Southwest
HD Camera

Online Issue:
August 2008
Best Towns
Jeff Lowe
Burma Cyclone
Triathlon Training
Running Shoes
Olympics Guide

Next Page: Bahamas: Swimming With Dolphins

Paul McMenamin is the author, editor, and photo director of the original Ultimate Adventure Sourcebook.

TODAY'S NEWS UPDATE!
Bike 1, Cop 0
This July, a New York City police officer and a cyclist had an altercation of some sort. The cop claimed the man had ...