Vicky Ray 'n' Rich

We had a fine old laze around by the pool in the morning, whiling away the time in the shade of the umbrellas before heading off for our second manta night. 

On leaving the harbour, someone shouted 'monk seal' and sure enough, popping her head out of the water to wave us off was one of the world's most endangered mammals; a real treat. After watching the spinner dolphins in the bow waves of the boat and doing a few circles outside the harbour to encourage them, we were on our way and off to a fabulous start.

The format was the same as last time which made for a relaxing evening.  The wildlife just got better!  

During the first dive, we were busy scouting around for creatures and what should pop up? Another monk seal! Two in one night was extraordinary and it swam right in between us to check us out before scooting off. I did take a photo but had to switch off my flash so it was a little way away (see Extras). We’ve heard different stories as to how many there are on the whole of Big Island but it seems to be from three to a couple of dozen.

The manta dive went on to be magnificent. There were 19 identified mantas (the dive guides know their patterns and names) and their dance did not disappoint. We had a number of close encounters overhead and I watched Rich in front of me get a slap around the ear! 

Here's Rich with a front seat ticket and Vicky Ray cruising over his head. When she was first spotted in 2002, she had a 4' wingspan. She now has a substantial wingspan of 12-14 feet.

I didn't notice this on the last night dive, but, on getting back to the boat, I looked into the water as I removed my fins and spotted sparkles in the ocean... Bioluminescence - nature's underwater fireworks; a little magic dust to finish off the night.

It's been yet another special encounter with nature. 

Dive 1: garden eel cove
24.2m
57mins


Dive 2: Garden Eel Cove
10.6m
50mins