Testimonial about the Manta Ray Dive Experience

Manta Ray Dive

“After sunset, divers gear up and enter the water for an "up close and personal" encounter with the Manta Rays.  Because these are creatures in the wild, there is no guarantee they will show, but our guide, James Wing, has explained that we have an 85% chance to see them.   Prior to our entry, a light has been placed near the boat, underwater on the bottom, to attract zooplankton; the natural food source for the rays.  It is a short swim and I am amazed at how well I can see and by how shallow we are (35 ft.).  It is almost like being in a swimming pool at night.

My initial apprehension at doing a night dive in an unfamiliar area is replaced by an eerie calm, a heightened state of awareness, and an excitement I haven't experienced since boyhood.  There is a circle of stones in a sandy area.  Jim motions for us to deflate our Buoyancy Vests and settle on the bottom on the edge of the circle. In the middle of the circle is a bright light, which shines directly upwards towards the surface.  I look up to see snorkelers floating in the water overhead.  Within the beams of light I am able to see tiny specs of what look to be shrimp, crab, and fish.  It is like a colorful, mini snowstorm.  I immediately think of the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind or X Files.  Suddenly, it is as if a huge, white sheet passes overhead within inches and I feel a wake turbulence as a small, thin tail passes by my mask.

I look up and am stunned to see that a manta ray has passed over the group.  I am startled, but the part of the briefing that said, "they are harmless...no barb...no stinger...they don't bite", cascades into my mind and I feel myself relax and breath deeper.  As quickly as the manta passes by, it turns on the tip of one "wing" and in an impossibly graceful maneuver, comes directly back toward and over me with its mouth wide open. I could easily reach up and touch it, but Jim has asked us not to do so.  More mantas come "flying" in.  My senses are overloaded.  My feeling of relaxation and calm is replaced by what I can only describe as awe.  Time is compressed.  My internal clock says I have only been underwater a few minutes, but my dive computer says it has been 45.  Jim signals us to back away from the Circle of Light and we slowly ascend.  I look up to see moonlight shining down through crystal clear water.  The whole scene is surreal.  My head breaks the surface and I slowly swim towards the boat.  I am experiencing a deep, dream-like feeling of satisfaction and completeness.  Hawaii truly is paradise. When we get back to the shop they show us a video of the experience. I see myself with a manta swimming directly above me and towards the camera. I gladly order a copy of this on DVD. No one will believe this!!”