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Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides
Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides
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78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
800-677-9461
808-322-2788
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
Snorkeling
Swimming
Boat Tour
Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides Description
The Big Island is the one of the only places in the world where humans can view mantas upclose in an underwater nighttime snorkeling adventure. Perfect for intrepid teens, you take a boat off shore where scuba divers set up lights that attract the enormous plankton-eating creatures. Hang on to a "manta float" as waves buffet you in the black waters, and watch the mantas feeding right underneath you. There's a 90 percent chance that you'll see these wild marine creatures; when you do you won't believe your eyes: their open filter-feeding mouths look large enough to swallow a small child.
Kid Tips
School-Age Kids: Technically children older than 5 who know how to swim are welcomed on this adventure. "It was sort of scary and it was really fun," said one fearless 8-year-old. However, parents should be aware that you are snorkeling in the dark, that there will be a lot of other people around (elbowing your child and vying for a spot on the float) and that the sight of enormous sea creatures within inches of your face may be too much for young children.
Pre-Teens & Teens: A perfect activity for the pimply set, as long as they feel comfortable in the water. Teens will be intrigued to know that mantas are closely related to sharks with skeletons made of cartilage not bone.
Planning Notes
- Bring a towel. You'll need one when you get out of the water.
- Use their gear or bring your own. You'll be given a wet suit, snorkel, mask, and fins if you need them.
- Bring a jacket. No matter how hot it is, you'll be snorkeling after sunset and you'll want some kind of covering after spending an hour in the water.
- Eat before you snorkel. Hot soup, rolls, tea, and cocoa are provided after the snorkel but it's not enough to constitute a full meal.
- Go early. You need to check in at least 20 minutes before the snorkel to get fitted for a wet suit. Free parking is available but space is limited so arriving early is a must.
Just the Facts
Hours: Office hours vary. Summer office hours are 7:45 a.m.-7 p.m. In the winter the office usually closes at 5:30 p.m. Manta Cruises run Monday - Saturday in the summer and by demand in the winter. The boat leaves the harbor approximately 15 minutes before sunset. Call ahead for details.
Fees: More than $40.
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
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