THE PACIFIC MANTA RAY (Manta Alfredi)

The wing span of the near-shore Pacific Manta Ray averages 5 to 8 feet but can reach well over 14! They have no real teeth, no stinger, and a harmless disposition. Their only defense is to flee.

These huge and gentle creatures feed on a food source of almost microscopic organisms called plankton, so Mantas must work very hard to get enough of this tiny food. At night, light attracts brine shrimp, a form of plankton that ray feed on. Using their cephalic fins like big scoops, they funnel water into their wide-open mouths and filter out these organisms.

The mantas, once attracted to the concentration of plankton that gathered in the shore lights of the Kona Surf Resort (which closed down in June 2000), are now more frequently seen at a site offshore from Keahole Airport. Dive lights, if used properly, can enhance this dinner "buffet" for the rays.

These mantas are inherently shy creatures. Touching, grabbing, or simply being in their "flight path" can cause them to be more shy, avoid divers and snorkelers, or leave the area altogether. Touching the rays could also remove the protective coating on their skin and leave them susceptible to infections.

If you remain calm and passive, the rays will gradually overcome their shyness of you. If you are patient, they will often grow so trusting they will brush lightly against you as they swoop in to feed. Remember that we are the greatest threat to marine animals and this action is one of trust and gentle interaction.

In recent years, the number of divers coming to witness this phenomenon of nature has increased dramatically. As with all other forms of nature, we must adhere to certain guidelines to protect what we are sure you'll experience as the world's greatest night dive.

We believe that by combining this experience with education, we will protect and insure the existence of the Manta Ray, and help all humankind realize how fragile our existence is.

These guidelines, agreed upon and adhered to by the dive tour operators of Kona, have been developed for diver and snorkelers who wish to participate in the Manta Ray Encounter.

GUIDELINES FOR YOUR MANTA RAY ENCOUNTER:

Divers should stay on or near the bottom. Snorkelers should refrain from free-diving down and remain on the surface. An open water column is necessary to give the manta room to maneuver.

Form a circle or semicircle on the bottom. However, avoid contact with sea urchins, reef, or marine life. Dive lights should be directed upward toward the center of the group. Avoid the shallow water.

Avoid exhaling bubbles directly into the face of an approaching ray.

Do not ride, chase, touch, grab, or harass the mantas! Snorkelers, stay on the surface and do not free dive down toward the mantas. Doing so may force them to alter their flight pattern. Sometimes they leave the area and do not return.

Move lights slowly with the surge in an effort to gather a concentration of plankton in the light beam.

Photographers, videographers, and other fellow divers: Please be considerate! Stay in your group and the rays should provide plenty of photo opportunities. Occasionally the rays may be absent or not in a feeding mood. On these rare nights, there is plenty of other nocturnal marine life to be enjoyed.

Stay with your group. It is not unusual for divers from various boats to mingle underwater. Since it is more difficult to tell "who is who" underwater, you should make a mental note of your group and a distinguishing feature of your guide (chem-lite, color of fins, etc.) Most people want to return to the same boat they arrived on!

Your dive company has made every effort to provide you with the safest and most exciting night dive on earth. Please adhere to these guidelines so that we may all enjoy the wonderful experience of diving with the magical manta rays of Kona.