What Should I Know Before Snorkeling With Manta Rays In Kailua Kona?

Of late, millennials across the globe are looking for out-of-the-box ideas when it comes to pursuing various activities during their vacation and that is why places like Kailua-Kona in Hawaii is crowded with thousands of people this touring season who are eager to try their hands at snorkeling with Manta Rays.

However, if it is your first snorkeling tour that too with the majestic Manta Rays then here in this article we will discuss a few things that you must know before you embark on your snorkeling tour.

Mantas Are Gentle Creatures

Now, there are huge misconceptions among the majority of people regarding Manta Rays and it is important to address these misunderstandings & primary among that is many think Manta Rays are dangerous creatures and might harm them when they go snorkeling with them.

Well, it is important to note that Manta Rays are completely harmless creatures and you mustn’t be frightened by seeing their size. No doubt Manta Rays are certainly very big but due to their docile behavior they are considered gentle giants and it is absolutely safe to snorkel with them in Kona.

In addition to that, Manta Rays feed on plankton and there is absolutely no threat from them to humans. Moreover, you will find that some Manta Rays will swim up close to you even when you are maintaining distance from them as they are very curious and will touch you.

Things To Bring On The Tour

The most important thing to consider when going for a snorkeling tour is the essential things that you must pack for the trip. Apart from the general things that you will need for your traveling and staying, you will require snorkeling gear for the tour without which it is not possible to pursue your adventurous tour.

Snorkeling doesn’t require any advanced gear and the moment you book your tour, the tour operator is going to provide you with all the details of the tour. Now, people have this habit of ignoring the document completely only to realize afterward that it contains the list of essential things required for the tour.

Most of the time the snorkeling tour operator is going to provide you with everything you will require for the tour, however, there are a few things that you have to carry on your own like the swimming suit and a few towels that you will require during your snorkeling trip.

Pay Attention To The Safety Briefing

Often, it is seen that in all the excitement of jumping in the waters, people don’t pay any attention to the safety briefing that is given out by the experienced guides accompanying you on your snorkeling tour. The safety briefing given to you ensures not only your safety but also that of the Manta Rays.

There are several hand signals that you need to learn which are essential for communicating with your fellow swimmers and also with your guide when underwater. Now, if you aren’t paying attention then you might misinterpret the meaning of the various hand signals & this will cause inconvenience underwater.

Besides that, the information provided by the experienced instructors will also help you in negotiating any strong currents you might encounter while in water and you will also learn the ways to negotiate dimly lighted areas underwater.

Practice Beforehand

Most of the time it is seen that people struggle to keep themselves afloat when they get into the water and this happens because of lack of prior experience in swimming. No doubt initially you might struggle but keeping yourself afloat in water is the key to a successful snorkeling experience.

That is why before you start with your snorkeling expedition immediately it is better to practice for some time so that you can master the basics required for efficient snorkeling. Furthermore, wearing all the snorkeling gear for the first time might become uncomfortable for you.

That is why getting into gear and practicing swimming in the waters of Kona before your actual adventure starts is necessary.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the essential things that you must know beforehand while going for a snorkeling tour with Manta rays. In addition to that, don’t touch or feed anything to the Manta Rays or for that matter any marine creature you might encounter because there are strict laws & regulations in place which prohibits these activities.