National Parks with Easy Access for Seniors and the Disabled.Surrounded by the Spirit of Christmas in a Connecticut Castle.How to Plan a Storybook “Christmas in Connecticut” 2022.Photos © Judy Bayliff, shark picture by Wayne Bayliff, Manta Ray pictures courtesy of Sheraton Kona. To read about all the services offered by the company that operates the Hula Kai Manta Snorkel, click * here.* The top of a ray feels like sandpaper, and the underside is as smooth as velvet.įor nature and adventure lovers, snorkeling with the manta rays in the back of the Hula Kai in Kailua, Kona is right up there with diving with the reef sharks in the Bahamas, and snorkeling or diving with the sting rays at Stingray City in the Caymans.Ĭlick * here* to read our story and see pictures of the beautiful Sheraton Kona Resort on the Big Island, and * here* to check out the resort’s website. Frequently, one or more of the rays did a graceful roll just under a snorkeler and purposely pressed its sleek white underbelly along the length of the viewer’s body – an exciting encounter that will be remembered by anyone that experiences it. The same rays tend to return for evening dining and playing with the snorkelers and divers.įor a period of about one-hour we watched these graceful giants do underwater summersaults just below us – performing like rolling acrobats with gray tops and white underbellies.Īlthough touching the mantas is not allowed, the creatures have no such restrictions. Each ray has distinctive “spots” that make identity possible. Manta rays are often given names by the crew of the Hula Kai. However, they do have size – up to 2,000 pounds – which they use in a very good-natured way. Mantas are fish related to the shark, but have no bones, teeth, barbs, or stingers. They, like the whale, are filter feeders. Manta rays are big, but harmless to humans. It did not take long before the first of six manta rays appeared from out of the shadows – and the fun began. Our bodies were made buoyant by the wetsuits, so maintaining our balance was not difficult. We looked down into the clear bay water and breathed through our snorkels. We entered the water by ladder and positioned ourselves around the floating pipe. Soon darkness was upon us, and the Hula Kai engaged underwater illumination used to attract plankton to the site. We were given a quick course on manta watching, which is done from a horizontal position floating on one’s stomach and holding fast to a length of 3” diameter buoyant pipe – set out from the stern of the boat much like a floating rectangle. We donned wetsuits, googles, and a snorkel provided by the concessionaire. We boarded the nearby Hula Kai at sunset and moved just off shore of the Sheraton Kona. The plankton are attracted to light and that is the secret to successful manta viewing from the Hula Kai. The resort can also organize a water adventure to view the manta rays up close from a local tour boat named the Hula Kai – an opportunity we eagerly welcomed. Guests can also attend a complimentary lecture about the manta rays arranged through the resort’s front desk. The Sheraton Kona Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii pays homage to these gentle giants by providing a viewing area for visitors at the resort’s Rays on the Bay restaurant.įrom the restaurant’s lookout, the magnificent and mysterious creatures can be seen gliding in the night ocean far below. People are fascinated by their opposing nature of ominous looks, and sweet dispositions. Manta rays are amazing and curious creatures. Snorkeling with the Manta Rays at the Sheraton Kona Resort Keauhou BayĬoming face to face with a giant manta ray is the thrill of a lifetime.
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