Night Diving with Manta Rays in Kona!

Imagine kneeling on the ocean floor in complete darkness… when suddenly a giant manta ray with a 12-foot wingspan glides inches above your head.

That was our night dive with Jack's Diving Locker in Kona, Hawaii and honestly, it felt surreal from the moment we dropped beneath the surface. We were shown ahead of time pictures on how to identify the mantas. How we have thumb prints they have spots on their belly that identify them.

Kona is known as one of the best places in the world for manta ray night dives, and now I completely understand why. After descending into the dark Pacific waters, our group settled near the ocean floor while bright lights attracted plankton to the area. Within minutes, the manta rays began appearing out of the darkness like underwater birds in flight.

Over the next hour, eight manta rays circled, swooped, and barrel rolled gracefully through the water as they fed. Some came so close I could see every detail on their bellies and wings as they glided overhead. Despite their massive size, they moved so peacefully and effortlessly that the entire experience felt calming instead of intimidating.

As I was headed to the surface I had a light dangling from my bcd that was still on. A ray flipped over and over right at my fins as I slowly went to the surface. Unforgettable.