BUDGET AND LUXURY
30
A big highlight in Hawaii is the nighttime manta
dive and participating in this event comfortably from
the Kona Aggressor II is a huge advantage. Anchored
in calm waters, first you enjoy one of the best meals
served on any liveaboard by the accomplished chef,
who has been awarded best in the fleet. As the sun
descends and day boats arrive, it is time to gear up,
prepare cameras and lights and jump in. This is an
incredible experience, with snorkellers lighting “the
stage” and divers circling a large light system. The
mantas start to appear, attracted to the plankton
soup, which is in turn attracted by the lights. When
the day boats drift home the liveaboard advantage
comes into its own as at least 10 large, graceful
mantas dance and flow above the divers’ heads.
But Hawaii also has so much more to offer:
dolphins, often with calves, football-sized frogfish,
II anchored off the west
coast of Big Island,
Hawaii
31 Brilliant blue boxfish
feeding along the reef
WHEN
Hawaii is a year-round diving
destination, although the winter can
produce lar