Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a reservation in an email and how far in advance should I book my charter?
We can answer most questions via email but when it comes to the time for actually checking on availability and securing your spot(s) on the boat you need to call us. Our toll free number is 888 333-4668. During the busy times of the year (anytime school is out) a week advanced notice will greatly improve your chance of getting on board for your desired dive dates. Top
What is your check in policy?
All customers are required to come by the shop to complete their liability releases, try on gear, and arrange for payment prior to their first dive charter. Top
How do I get to the shop or boat?
We have printable directions and clickable maps to our locations on our web site at Our Locations. Top
When do we have to be at the boat and when do we get back?
The morning charters leave the harbor around 8:30. We request that our divers arrive at the boat by 8. The boat gets back to the harbor around 1 p.m.. For our night (a.k.a. Manta) charters we ask that you arrive at the boat at 4. The boat leaves around 4:30. During the winter months our evening charters leave 30 minutes earlier so please arrive at the dock at 3:30. The boat returns from the night charter by 9. Top
On the night/manta charter do we do two dives or just one?
We now offer both a one tank and two tank option for the Manta Ray Night Dive. The one tank charter is three hours long and is suitable for non divers as well. Snorkeling on this charter is a very popular activity. On our two tank charters we arrive at Keahole Bay in the late afternoon. We enter the water on our first dive and do a full tour of the reef and get our divers oriented to the site in preparation for the night dive. After our first dive we have a solid hour of surface interval during which time you can have some sandwich, chips, and drinks. Your dive guide will give a detailed briefing during this time. When it gets good and dark, we get in for the night dive. The night dive is conducted in 35' of water while kneeling on a sandy bottom with mantas swimming directly overhead. Outstanding! Top
When is the best time of year to see mantas?
Our mantas are here all year. They don't even migrate between islands. We have identified over 135 different animals here in Kona and had a record number of 36 rays on May 19, 2008. Nobody knows when or how many mantas will show up on any given night. We get at least one animal on 80% of our charters. The most common theory about mantas not showing up on or near a full moon has been discounted by the sighting data. I think their behavior is more closely related to the performance of the stock market ;-) Top
Which nights do you do the manta dive?
We do the Manta Ray Night dive almost every night. During our busier times of year we are going out every night and often times offer both the 3 hour one tank and 5 hour two tank options. Top
Do I have to be certified to dive on the manta charter?
Although we offer the Discover SCUBA experience on our morning charters, you have to be a certified diver to dive at night and this includes the Manta Ray Night Dive. Snorkeling with the mantas is a very popular activity. Snorkelers are welcome on all our night charters but we recommend the shorter 3 hour charter. Top
How deep are your dives?
A typical dive profile for the first dive of either a AM or PM charter is 60' for 50 minutes. Our second dive is usually a little shallower and a little shorter. We do not force everyone to surface when the fastest breather needs to surface but allow our more experienced divers to complete their dives as air supplies allow. We do require divers to be back on the boat with a minimum of 500 psi in their tanks. Top
Do you do air/hotel/dive packages?
Unfortunately, we don't do air and hotel arrangements. We do have very competitively priced dive packages for people who are diving on multiple days and or nights. Click Package Pricing to get the latest prices. Top
Where should I stay?
Our completely unsolicited favorites are:
Special Diver condo www.frogfishcondo.com
Vacation homes and condos Sun Quest Hawaii
Upscale hotel Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Moderately priced hotel Sea Village Resort
More modest hotels Kona Seaside or Kona Tiki
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Can you pick me up or do I need to rent a car?
We can pick you up if your hotel is close into town. We charge $10 per round trip per person. Cruise ship passengers who need a lift from the pier once they come ashore are provided with free shuttle service. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the geography of the "Big Island", most of the upscale resorts are up on the Kohala coast and outside of our range for shuttle service. The Kona Seaside and Kona Tiki are good choices for accommodation if you don't plan on renting a car. Top
What is Discover SCUBA Diving and how old do you have to be?
The minimum age for participating in Discover SCUBA Diving (DSD) is 10 years of age. You must be in good health and at least comfortable in the water. We make two dives. On the way to the first dive, the student(s) (max. of 3 students to 1 instructor) review a flip chart that describes some basic SCUBA knowledge and 4 skills. Once at the dive site, the students enter the water under the direct supervision of the instructor. The students proceed to the bow line where they decend one at a time with the instructor and demonstrate the skills after they have watched the instructor perform them. Once the skills have been satisfactorily demonstrated, the students are escorted on a short dive. After relocating to a new dive site the students then dive under the direct supervision of the instructor with the only limitation being a 40' maximum depth. Friends or relatives who are accompanying the student on the charter may chose to join them on this dive for pictures or just to enjoy the experience together. Top
How can I get more diving for my dollar?
We offer considerable savings on our multiple charter packages. Check Package Pricing to get the latest prices. Top
What should I bring on the boat?
On morning charters, sun screen, hats/sun glasses, and light boat shoes are good items to have. Bring what ever dive gear you have and we will have the rest waiting for you assuming you arranged for us to provide it while you made your reservations. On the night trip many people bring something warm to wear in between dives. If you get motion sick some preventative medication is a good idea on both morning and night charters but is more important on the night charter. Towels are not supplied so most people bring one along as well. Top
Feel free to contact us via email or at the phone number below if you need any additional information and we hope to dive with you soon!
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