Do two dives at Makako Bay, including a manta ray night dive with small groups
Approximately 5 hours
Up to 5 people
Tanks, weights, dive lights
Head out to Makako Bay (Garden Eel Cove) for a two-tank charter that pairs a late afternoon dive with a guided manta ray night dive using bright lights to attract plankton. You dive in small groups with up to 5 divers per divemaster.
Open Water scuba certification is required. Start time varies throughout the year based on sunset. Manta rays are wild animals and sightings are not guaranteed.
Cancel at least 72 hours in advance for a 100% refund. Cancellations within 72 hours are subject to the full cost of the charter. Full refund if the operator cancels due to prohibitive weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Private charters require 1 month notice; 6+ passengers, all classes, and private guide require 7 days.
Yes. You must have Open Water scuba certification to join this charter.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, hat, a refillable water bottle, and hair ties. Since the charter ends at night, bring warm, dry clothes to change into after your dives (many guests are comfortable with a sweatshirt or light jacket).
Air tanks, dive weights, dive lights, defog, and complimentary use of masks, snorkels, and full-foot fins are included. Rental gear (such as a buoyancy control device (BCD), wetsuit, regulator, and a Nitrox-compatible computer), enriched air Nitrox, a Nitrox certification, and a private guide are available as add-ons.
Kona Diving Company Huaka'i Boat
Kona's manta ray night dive is a bucket-list experience, and this crew delivers it exceptionally well. Guides like Cody, Bruce, Dave, Kim, and Imran come up repeatedly in reviews for being knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely fun to be around. Newer divers consistently feel supported, while more experienced ones appreciate the quality of the sites and the crew's ability to spot marine life others might miss. Warm drinks, snacks, and homemade brownies between dives are a nice touch, and the two resident dogs, Ziggy and Blue, have apparently earned their own fan base. Beyond the manta rays, guests have encountered whale sharks, tiger sharks, turtles, eels, octopus, and lava tubes, so the diversity of what's out there is real. One review stood out for a more serious reason: a guest's husband had a medical emergency on board, and the crew's emergency response, CPR, AED, coordinated communication with emergency services, was swift and effective. That kind of preparedness says a lot about how this operation is run. Captain Kirsten's team has clearly built something worth trusting, and the sheer volume of people saying they'd come back is hard to argue with.
My experience with Kona Diving Company was flawless from start to finish. Their crew was professional, safety-conscious, and genuinely passionate about the ocean. The boat was clean and comfortable, and our dive guide Kim knew the local reef and marine life beautifully. We saw so much incredible sea-life and had a blast swimming through the arches. They treat you like family on board. I wouldn't dive with anyone else in Kona!
JT Frandsen
June 23, 2026
My experience with Kona Diving Company was flawless from start to finish. Their crew was professional, safety-conscious, and genuinely passionate about the ocean. The boat was clean and comfortable, and our dive guide Kim knew the local reef and marine life beautifully. We saw so much incredible sea-life and had a blast swimming through the arches. They treat you like family on board. I wouldn't dive with anyone else in Kona!
JT Frandsen
June 23, 2026
Dive Kona’s reefs and drop-offs with site selection tailored to conditions
Explore Kona’s reefs and lava formations on two guided morning dives
Explore Kona's reef at dusk on a two-tank night dive
Explore the open ocean after dark and look for drifting pelagic life
Reach remote Kona reefs, lava tubes, and northern dive sites on a fast 2-tank charter
Build safe, efficient freediving skills through FII classroom, pool, and open-water training