Big Island Divers invites you to explore Kona’s legendary waters alongside a crew that lives and breathes the sea. US Coast Guard–licensed captains, PADI-certified pros, and rigorous safety drills keep every adventure secure, whil...
With a 4.8 rating across thousands of reviews, this operation consistently delivers memorable diving experiences. The crew really stands out here. Names like Fernando, Kaitlin, Natalie, Bree, and captains like Tanner, Matt, and Chad get repeated praise for being knowledgeable, safety-focused, and genuinely caring. Multiple families and first-time ocean divers mention feeling watched over without being hovered over, which is exactly what nervous divers need to hear. The shop goes above and beyond with thoughtful touches like washing and storing personal gear between multi-day trips, keeping equipment clean and organized, and providing detailed marine life briefings after dives. The manta night dive is clearly the star attraction and seems to live up to the hype. Reviewers describe it as mesmerizing and once-in-a-lifetime, with the crew expertly organizing groups and providing lights for the experience. Fair warning though: the boat ride out can be extremely choppy, and several reviewers mention seasickness being an issue. Taking Dramamine beforehand is strongly recommended. One recent review detailed frustrations with incorrect weight setup and unfulfilled dive log promises, suggesting occasional lapses in attention to detail. However, this appears to be an outlier given the overwhelming number of glowing reviews from repeat customers who've done multiple dive trips over the years.
Absolutely amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Jasmine was a pro and had a lot of firsts tonight, she did an amazing job driving the boat, telling us about Manta Rays, leading the snorklers to the mantas and cracking jokes! Fernando was friendly and professional and made sure everyone stayed safe and the Mantas safety were a priority. Mark did a great job driving the boat safely back to harbor. The entire crew was warm and welcoming. The Mantas were magical and just breathtaking to watch. We had three at one time doing somersaults and getting incredibly close to us without touching. They are truly gentle giants and it was an honor to be able to see them so close. I was a little nervous, but once I was in the water with the mantas, I was transported to another world of wonder and beauty so serene, I was relaxed and enjoyed every minute of it. The boat ride on the way back was illuminated by the moon and it was a magical experience in itself. You will not be disappointed in Big Island Divers for your manta ray night dive 💜
Jenny Harris
July 7, 2025
Absolutely amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Jasmine was a pro and had a lot of firsts tonight, she did an amazing job driving the boat, telling us about Manta Rays, leading the snorklers to the mantas and cracking jokes! Fernando was friendly and professional and made sure everyone stayed safe and the Mantas safety were a priority. Mark did a great job driving the boat safely back to harbor. The entire crew was warm and welcoming. The Mantas were magical and just breathtaking to watch. We had three at one time doing somersaults and getting incredibly close to us without touching. They are truly gentle giants and it was an honor to be able to see them so close. I was a little nervous, but once I was in the water with the mantas, I was transported to another world of wonder and beauty so serene, I was relaxed and enjoyed every minute of it. The boat ride on the way back was illuminated by the moon and it was a magical experience in itself. You will not be disappointed in Big Island Divers for your manta ray night dive 💜
Jenny Harris
July 7, 2025