Snorkeling with manta rays on Kona, Big Island, Hawaii is one of my most incredible adventures. Nothing quite compares to a manta ray night dive in Kona. Everyone should try snorkeling with manta rays at night in Kona if possible. Let me tell you why you have to go on a night dive with manta rays on Kona Island!
One of the most breathtaking spots to witness these majestic creatures is in Kona, Hawaii. From the crystal-clear waters to the vibrant sea life, Kona is truly a paradise for any ocean enthusiast. In this blog, I’ll share my top tips on where, who to go with, what to bring, and what to expect while swimming with manta rays in Kona.
Snorkeling with manta rays tips & advice
- Arrive early for your manta ray guided trip
- Bring your own snorkel gear if you want, but almost all manta ray snorkel companies provide appropriate snorkel gear
- Bring a GoPro or underwater phone case to take photos and video – this is essential! You’ll regret not having manta ray footage if you don’t bring appropriate photography gear
- Consider a wet suit jacket which most companies offer if you get cold easily; if they offer it grab one even if you don’t end up using it
- Bring money to tip for your guide, if you feel it’s appropriate
- Bring a towel
- Bring a change of clothes
- Wear a bathing suit
Night manta ray swimming highlights:
- Time: Approximately 3 hours duration from start to finish
- Gear: Gear is provided, bring underwater camera
- Clothing: Bring your swimsuit and a change of clothes – you’ll get cold
- Costs: Prices vary based on tour guide, but $100 to $130 is typical
- Reservations: Make reservations at least 2 days ahead of time
If you have more questions about swimming with manta rays on Kona Island after reading this blog, please drop me a message or respond to this informative article.
HISTORY OF SNORKELING WITH MANTA RAYS ON KONA ISLAND
It all started in the 1970s when a group of local divers discovered that manta rays regularly came to feed on plankton in the area just offshore from Kona. These gentle giants, weigh up to 2,000 pounds and have a wingspan of up to 20 feet.
Manta rays were already a popular attraction for scuba divers in the 1970s who marveled at their graceful movements. But one diver had a brilliant idea: what if we turned off our dive lights and watched the manta rays in the moonlight? And so, the first manta night dive was born.
Over the years, as the word spread about the incredible experience of swimming with these magnificent creatures at night, more and more visitors came to Kona, Big Island, Hawaii to witness it for themselves.
Today, several tour companies specialize in manta ray snorkeling and diving experiences, and it has become one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting the island.
However, the popularity of swimming with manta rays has also brought some challenges regarding sustainability and preservation. In 1991, Hawaii declared the manta rays a protected species, making killing, capturing, or selling them illegal.
There are over 290 manta rays on Kona Island. Each manta ray is worth approximately $1 million to the eco-tourism industry of Hawaii. That means the manta ray tourism industry is worth over $290 million!
When you go on a manta ray snorkel, your guide will inform you not to touch manta rays. Touching them could damage their protective slime layer, resulting in disease and worse, death. So, keep your hands to yourself and enjoy the manta rays with your eyes.
WHERE TO SEE MANTA RAYS ON KONA ISLAND?
If you want a truly unforgettable experience, swimming with manta rays in Kona is a must-try. There are several outfitters to choose from, here’s some of our recommendations:
WHAT HOTELS ARE NEAR MANTA RAY SNORKELING ON KONA ISLAND?
One of the best ways to view manta rays if you do not want to snorkel is the Outrigger (formerly the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa) at Keauhou Bay. The hotel shines a giant beam of light into the ocean which attracts plankton.
This plankton attracts manta rays, which feed right in front of the hotel. Grab a cocktail or dinner and enjoy watching the manta rays from the hotel’s balcony,
This bay is home to a large population of gentle manta rays that come to feed on zooplankton at night. The tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants of the sea.
WILL I SEE MANTA RAYS ON KONA ISLAND IF I HIRE A GUIDE?
When it comes to night swimming with manta rays in Kona, Big Island, Hawaii, it’s essential to choose a tour operator that prioritizes the safety of both the participants and the manta rays.
One of the best options is the tour group Sea Paradise. They provide a safe and comfortable experience with highly trained and knowledgeable guides with extensive manta ray experience.
WHAT TO BRING SNORKELING WITH MANTA RAYS ON KONA, BIG ISLAND?
Before hitting the waters, make sure you have all the necessary gear. Bring your snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit or a rashguard to protect you from the chilly waters.
Additionally, make sure to bring a waterproof camera to capture the experience and a towel and change of clothes for after the excursion. You can also bring your own snorkel gear, but your charter does provide them. I brought my own SeaDive mask simply because I have confidence it fits me well and won’t fog up.
WHAT TO EXPECT SNORKELING WITH MANTA RAYS IN KONA, BIG ISLAND?
As soon as you enter the waters at Keauhou Bay, be prepared to be awestruck by the sight of the manta rays gracefully gliding through the water. The manta rays are a sight with their wingspans reaching up to 20 feet.
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO SNORKEL WITH MANTA RAYS?
As you plan your next trip to Hawaii, snorkeling with manta rays at night
The best time to snorkel with manta rays on Kona Island is during the summer months, from May to September. During this time, the water is warmer, and the visibility is better, making it easier to spot these graceful creatures.
Additionally, the moon phase is an essential factor to consider. The best moon phase for this experience is during the new moon or just before and after it. During this time, the water is darker, making it easier to see the mantas.
When planning your trip, it’s also essential to consider the tide. The best time to snorkel with manta rays is during high tide, especially during the first hour of incoming tide.
This period allows the plankton to accumulate, which attracts the manta rays. Snorkeling during low tide is less likely to give you the best experience, as the plankton may be less concentrated.
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME OF THE DAY TO SEE MANTA RAYS?
The best time to see manta rays is when the sun goes down. Manta rays are attracted to light, which is why nighttime snorkeling tours are so famous for witnessing these creatures feeding.
Lights on boats and in the water attract plankton, which attract manta rays. Some operators have even installed underwater lights to attract more plankton to the area.
When feeding, manta rays swim close to the surface, with their mouths wide open, moving slowly to capture as much plankton as possible. Swimming with these gentle giants while they feed is an unforgettable experience.
WHAT TIMES ARE THE MANTA RAY SNORKEL TOURS?
Most guides have two manta ray trips per night: One at sunset and one after the end of the sunset trip (each trip lasts about an hour and a half).
WHAT DO MANTA RAYS FEED ON WHEN YOU’RE SNORKELING?
Plankton is a microscopic organism that floats in the water column and serves as the base of the aquatic food chain. Manta rays are:
- Filter feeders
- Meaning that they use their giant
- Open mouths to filter water and capture plankton
Some species of manta rays have been known to consume up to 13% of their body weight in plankton every week! They swim with their mouths open, creating a vortex that pulls water and food in. Their gill rakers filter out the plankton while letting the water pass through.
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SNORKEL WITH MANTA RAYS?
As you swim closer, you’ll be met with a flurry of motion as these giants feed, and you may even see them performing their acrobatic flips and twists. The experience is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will leave you feeling in complete awe of the beauty of nature.
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Swimming with manta rays on Kona Island is truly an experience of a lifetime. From the gentle giants of the sea to the crystal-clear waters, Kona is the perfect spot for any adventure seeker.
Remember to choose a reputable tour operator, bring all the necessary gear, and come prepared for an unforgettable experience. So, dive into the adventure next time you’re in Hawaii and swim with the manta rays on Kona Island!
