On the trip back from east side of the island, we used Saddle road again. It was a breeze and we were back at the condo before 4:00 PM. Mom was up so we spent some time talking about the sights on the other side of the island. We had an early dinner, put on our swimsuits and headed out the door for Kailua-Kona.

On the way, we stopped at Target to pick up a visor for Price. He needed one for the morning fishing trip. Even with the stop, we were still early and got to watch the sunset.

After we signed our waivers, we discovered that Skylar was going to be with our group. It was cool to see a familiar face. Before we went out on the boat, they told us that it was very important that we don't touch the manta rays. Apparently, they might get close enough to touch or they may not. They can never be 100% sure how the manta rays will act. 

For this trip, we would not need fins. We were given a pool noodle with our snorkeling mask. Instead of swimming around, we'd be holding on to a light board with our hands. The pool noodle would be under our ankles so we'd be floating on top of the water. In addition to the snorkeling gear, they provided us with wetsuits.

The dive sight known as "Manta Village" is located in the Keauhou Bay. Back in the early 70's, one of the resorts shined lights on the water so their guests could see the waves at night. As a result, the lights attracted plankton and the manta rays came to eat it! If you want to read more about the manta rays, check out the Manta Ray Advocates website.

The bay was crowded with an assortment of different vessels full of tourists waiting to see the mantas. We got in the water and set ourselves up on the light board. When I looked down in the water, I could see some scuba divers with their own lights. It wasn't long before a manta ray passed over the light.

The divers were there for a while and some of the other spectators left. As soon as the divers were gone, the manta rays came up to the surface to visit us. At first, it was scary! 

These gentle giants were so close to us that I was sucking in my stomach. It felt like one manta ray skimmed my stomach just before bumming into Matt!  The other Sea Quest group joined us and connected their light board to ours. We really had an awesome experience. 

Prior to leaving, we talked to Skylar and he said it was one of the best "shows' he'd seen. We were so fortunate to have this experience.

Each manta ray has markings. We could use the Manta Pacific website to identify the three manta rays that we saw. I still need to do this! 

The three of us agreed that this was one of the most remarkable things we'd ever done. Price compared it to his visit with Daxx - a baby white tiger.

It hard to verbalize what it was like floating on the surface of the water with the manta rays. Breathtaking, Exhilarating. Fantastic. Words can't really do it justice. So, I made a short video.

On the way home, we stopped at Baskin Robbins for ice cream. It was so delicious!

By the time we got back to the condo, it was late! Price and dad had to be up super early for their fishing trip. Before we went to bed, we watched a little of the video. Unbelievable!

We had quick showers and got into bed. Every time I closed my eyes, I could see the manta rays. I think I went to sleep smiling!