Big Island Divers (Olapa,Luu, Kahanuola)

"This was an EPIC EPIC DIVE! We booked a 2 tank manta ray dive with Big Island Divers after reviewing numerous dive outfits in the Kona coast area. And now I feel that we picked the right one. They made the check in process easy. One of the DM's, Fernando, help kit my wife and I up with the correct size BC's and 3mil full wet suits at the dive shop right after checking in. Then we gave him our regulator sets and masks. This was so they could have everything ready on the boat prior to departure. The boat had 10 divers, 2 DM's, and one captain, so it wasn't a crazy jammed up boat. We had adequate room to gear up when it was time to go. Time from harbor to the dive location was about a 20-25 minute boat ride and wasn't that bad. My wife is susceptible to sea sickness so she usually takes some meds prior to boat dives but didn't take anything for this trip. At no time did she even feel queasy. Capt. John did a great job of being involved and helped every diver finish kitting up and to the side of the boat for their giant stride entry. Once in the water, we divided up into 2 groups, each with their own DM. On the first dive, we explored the reef around the manta ray area (still daylight) and got to see a white tipped reef shark (approx 5-6'), 2 mantas, and a white eel. It was a great dive with good vis. Back on the boat, they covered the dive plan for the next dive which is the night dive with mantas. Capt John also gave a great educational course on mantas. Once we hit the correct time, we began the dive. Pretty simple, get to your assigned spot, sit down and get ready for the show. On this particular night (12/24/23) the show was amazing. Fernando said he counted a total of 12 rays that night. At one time, I counted 6 just in my field of view over the camp fire (basket of lights used to attract the plankton). I had just purchased the Oceanic Iphone housing and this was my first dive with it, I'm glad I brought it. Because I was able to capture some fantastic pictures and videos with it. Time on bottom was close to 40 minutes. Trust me though, it goes by fast. Capt John, DM Fernando, and DM Cosmo did a fantastic job of all the logistics with these dives. We had a few newer divers that consumed air quicker than the others but it didn't shorten the dives for the rest of us. The DM's would just help them back to the boat to Capt John and the rest of us could continue. So if you're a newer diver, don't be afraid to dive with this outfit, they'll look out for you. Capt John also did a great job taking care of your tank and BC when exiting the water. They also switched the tanks over between the dives which is always a nice touch on dive boats. At no time did we see anything sketchy or unsafe with Big Island Divers. Great rental gear, great dive outfit, great capt, and great DM's = one EPIC dive with manta rays. Highly recommend."

"Manta magic! This is my second time diving with big island, (the last time was a decade ago) and they still deliver top notch experiences! We managed to see a couple of mantas this time and it was a lot of fun seeing them glide through the water. While they aren’t guaranteed, the dive team:Taylor, Holly, and Rosalind did their best to make sure we had a good chance of seeing them!"

"Great time with a very professional crew! Got to see three Mantas at our “campfire” very pleased with our experience. Would definitely recommend!!"

"Kate, Cosmo and Capt. Ryan were phenomenal. We did the two tank Manta Ray dive and were extremely happy. Great crew and they set us up right in the middle of everything. Saw the Manta's up close and personal. Fantastic video footage. Our boat was the last one there and even had the Manta's follow us to the surface. Thank you very much for a fantastic first dive on the big island."

"If you get the chance, DO the dolphin swimming outing. I booked from air bnb.... inexpensive, and incredible life changing experience! Thank you so much! Staff was kind, funny, helped calm fears and ease nervousness. They even provided snacks, water and a light lunch to tide us over after swimming with the dolphins for an hour. We then went snorkeling at a local reef and were able to see many more incredible sights of the big island! A must experience. ****"