Kona Mantas — Health & Safety Policy
Kona Mantas is committed to providing safe, respectful, and unforgettable manta-ray experiences. This policy explains the health and safety rules we follow to protect our guests, staff, and the manta rays. Our practices combine industry standards used by Kona manta operators and current local guidance.
This policy applies to all passengers, crew, guides, contractors, and visitors on Kona Mantas vessels and all water-based activities we operate out of Keauhou Bay.
Pre-trip requirements (who can join)
- Minimum age: All participants must be at least 4 years old.
- Swimming ability: Participants must be comfortable in the water and able to swim without reliance on a flotation device.
- Weight guidance: Guests weighing 250 lbs (127 kg) or more may be evaluated case-by-case.
- Health conditions: Guests who are pregnant, recovering from surgery, or with heart/lung conditions should consult a physician. Contact us for more information.
- Substance use: Guests who appear under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to participate. 
Booking & check-in protocols
- Arrival: Arrive at least 45 minutes to the check-in location before departure for check-in, briefing, and gear fitting.
- Pre-trip briefing: Crew will explain equipment use, boat and water safety rules and wildlife etiquette before water entry.
Equipment & in-water practice
- Onboard safety equipment: Vessels carry required Coast Guard gear including life jackets, first aid kits, oxygen, AED, EPIRB, flares, VHF radio, and fire safety equipment.
- In-water flotation: We provide flotation support via light boards/platforms. Life jackets are not worn during manta snorkels to ensure proper positioning. We provide ankle floats to assist in flotation.
- Wetsuits & gear: All snorkel gear is provided; we currently do not provide prescription snorkel masks but please contact us for recommendations. Wetsuits are available for rent at time of check in.
Wildlife guidelines & conduct in the water
- No touching: Do not touch, chase, or feed manta rays or other wildlife.
- Remain on the surface: Snorkelers should stay calm and flat at the surface.
- Avoid sudden movements: Minimize splashing/kicking near mantas.
- Guide ratios: We keep conservative guide-to-passenger ratios for supervision and safety.
Crew qualifications & training
- Certified staff: All guides and crew hold CPR, First Aid, and lifeguard/divemaster credentials. All Captains are USCG certified.
- Emergency drills: Crews practice man-overboard, medical emergencies, fire, and evacuation drills regularly.
Emergency response & incident handling
- Immediate care: Crew provide first aid, oxygen, or AED as needed and contact emergency services.
- Evacuation & transport: We arrange transport to medical facilities when required.
- Accident reporting: All incidents are documented and reviewed.
Weather, cancellations, and safety cancellations
- Safety cancellations: Tours may be canceled/postponed due to unsafe conditions (surf, wind, lightning). Guests receive a refund or option to reschedule.
- Guest-initiated cancellations: If uncomfortable with conditions, speak with a crew member for options.
COVID & communicable illnesses (adaptive)
We monitor public health guidance and may add sanitization or rescheduling policies when advisories recommend it.
Compliance with state guidance & conservation rules
Kona Mantas follows Department of Land & Natural Resources guidance for manta viewing, approach, lighting, and mooring practices. We update our procedures as rules evolve.
Guest responsibilities & acceptance of risk
- Guests must follow crew instructions. Our swim guides, crew and Captains reserve the authority to safely remove you if in the event they observe and deem you are not able to participate at any time during the tour. 
- Non-compliance may result in refusal without refund.
- Ocean activities carry inherent risk; joining a Kona Mantas tour acknowledges these risks.
Contact & questions
For questions or special arrangements:
Email: konamantatours@gmail.com
Phone: 808-698-5202