Manta Tour Participant Guidelines

 

Below are guidelines that were first established in 1993 by manta dive operators in Kona, Hawaii.  These guidelines were reviewed and updated in 2013 by manta tour operators that included dive, snorkel, kayak, and glass bottom boat operators. 

 

1. Observe Only:

No touching. Resist the urge to “pet” the mantas. This will only rub off their protective mucus coating. Do not chase, grab, or try to ride the mantas. This does not benefit the animal in any way. 

 

2. Diver Position

Divers must stay on or near the sand, rubble, or boulder bottom. An open water column is necessary for the mantas to maneuver.  Avoid contact with the coral, sea urchins, or other marine life.  Form a semi-circle with your group.

 

3. Snorkeler Position

Snorkelers must stay on the surface and keep legs horizontal.  Do not dive down into the water column. 

 

4. Lights

Divers shine lights up into the water column to attract plankton.  Snorkelers shine lights down.

 

5. Bubbles

Divers try to time your breathing so that you do not blow bubbles up into the manta if it passes over your head.

 

6. Taking photos or video

When taking underwater photos or video, be considerate of people and mantas.  Minimize your equipment in the water column and let the mantas come to you.