![]() ![]() The proposed changes and rules, to be added under Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapters 13-230 and 13-256, would apply only to commercial activities and would not stop the general public from manta ray viewing on stand-up boards, kayaks and other vessels or swimming out from the shoreline, as many people do.Īfter testimony Thursday from a number of tour operators and others, the Board of Land and Natural Resources gave DOBOR the green light to move forward with the rule-making process, including public hearings that have yet to be scheduled. Additionally, operators would be limited to a maximum of 60 passengers within any 24-hour period.Īnother rule would ban manta tours within 7 miles of the two zones, preventing unpermitted operators from running tours just outside the boundaries and drawing mantas away from authorized viewing sites.įirst-time rule violations would result in permit suspension for up to 30 days, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders. Other proposed rules allow no more than 24 commercial manta ray viewing permits for each designated zone and set viewing hours in two-hour shifts from 4 p.m. The new permit and other rules governing the tours would be in effect at two designated manta ray viewing zones in the West Hawaii Ocean Recreation Management Area - at Makako Bay, more commonly known as Garden Eel Cove, and Kaukalaelae Point, near Keauhou Bay.ĭOBOR said that for now, only those two spots are being proposed as viewing zones since they are the most established and can serve as pilot sites for refining future regulations. Sixty to 70 vessels - ranging from outrigger canoes to boats carrying 50-plus passengers - are currently engaged in manta ray viewing tours off Kona, according to state officials, resulting in overcrowding, safety concerns and user conflicts that the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is hoping to curb by drafting Hawaii’s first-ever manta ray viewing regulations.Ĭompanies running the tours already must possess commercial use permits issued by the state, but the proposed rules would require an additional permit created specifically for commercial manta ray viewing that would come with a monthly fee of $300. The boat is equipped with lifevests and we would be willing to get you in the water if you are comfortable floating.Tours offering close encounters with manta rays have become a must-do activity for many Hawaii visitors, especially at two sites off the Kona Coast where vessels deposit hundreds of snorkelers and scuba divers nightly to observe the graceful marine creatures as they feed on thick columns of zooplankton attracted by artificial lighting. We do ask that they are comfortable in the water floating for up to 40 minutes. I have young children, are they able to join? We want to do everything possible to not disturb them and simply observe their majesty. ![]() It is important to remember they are wild animals in their natural environment. Approximately 40 minutes in water.Ībsolutely not. Spend the time you paid for in the water with the Mantas. The boat ride is less than 5 minutes from the dock. You can add a private lesson to your tour when you check out. You can fit up to 6 people in your group. We will send a certified lifeguard to the location of your choice for a one-hour private lesson to walk you through the basics of breathing through a snorkel. If you have never snorkeled before we will teach you how. ![]() You will be floating and don’t want to risk kicking the Mantas. We provide you with a wetsuit, snorkel masks, and a pool noodle to stay afloat.Ībsolutely, but please no fins. ![]() No-shows will be charged the full price.Īll you need is your bathing suit and a towel. Please use the contact information on our confirmation email to cancel your trip. We require a minimum of 48 hours notice for a full refund. ![]()
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