
Previous swim and snorkel experience are required, and participants must be at least 6 years of age.Ĭost: All snorkel tours, for active participants and ride-along passengers, cost $115 + Tax. Tour Details: Shorty wetsuits and all snorkel gear are included. Hours of Operation: Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii offers multiple trip options every day, except holidays, with departure times of 5:00 PM, 5:15 PM and 5:30 PM, with seasonal departure times to match sunset. Where: They are located just south of the Kona International Airport on the southern side of Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. This emphasis on a coastal cruise experience, along with the options for ride-alongs and SCUBA dives combine for a one-stop shop for families and adventure-seekers, soaking in many of the best activities that Kona has to offer. This 3-hour charter takes a little extra time to get to the swim site, preferring to chase the sunset and provide a pleasurable evening cruise before the snorkel tour. Top 5 manta Ray Snorkeling Tours in Hawaii Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii Some of the charters are minutes from Manta Village, while others may take a half-hour or more. Rather than choosing your manta ray charter based on location, it is better to choose based on the duration of a boat ride that you would prefer.

However, no matter what charter you choose, they will likely take you to Manta Village as it is the most popular spot.

There are two other snorkel locations called Manta Heaven and Manta Point along the west coast, with charter companies concentrated around them as well. There are quite a few charters to choose from for a Big Island manta ray snorkel tour, but thankfully they are all located along the west coast of the island with a large concentration in Kona, so finding the best option for you is quite convenient. Eventually, the manta rays associated the floodlights with a consistent source of food year-round, and this, in turn, attracted people from all over the world. These lights unexpectedly attracted large concentrations of plankton, which in turn attracted the manta rays that feed on the plankton, leading to the name Manta Village for this stretch of the coast. The Kona Surf Hotel (now Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa) opened in the 1970s and installed floodlights to create a beautiful, illuminated view of the ocean for its guests. The night manta ray snorkel tour has been a consistent tourist attraction for decades. As you relax into the experience and watch in wonder as the manta rays perform a silent, beautiful dance just beneath you, you fully understand why The Travel Channel has hailed this experience as one of the top ten things to do in your life. Until you remember that they are completely harmless and gentle animals.īut that’s the undeniable fun of a Hawaii manta ray snorkel tour. Admittedly, it’s a bit nerve-wracking to see the colossal mouth of a giant sea creature swimming directly at you.

As the first manta ray gracefully emerges from the darkness, your anticipation builds into an unforgettable mix of exhilaration and a bit of fear. Dim blue lights dot the area, barely illuminating the dark water beneath you. Manta sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour.There’s an incredible thrill in floating face down in the ocean at night, with only the sound of your breath flowing through your snorkel. Interactions with the manta rays take place in a passive, respectful manner. Manta rays have no barbs or teeth, a wing span of 4 to 12 feet (1 to 4 meters) and weigh between 4 lbs (180 and 545 kg). You'll be in 30 to 35 feet (9 to 10 meters) of water, within sight of the shoreline, and supervised by your experienced guide to ensure your comfort and safety. Spend about 45 minutes snorkeling using a customized light board with one of the brightest lights in the water, showcasing the graceful ballet of the giant mantas as they careen through the water in search of food. Buoy yourself with a flotation device your guides will set up lights to see the mantas clearly. Slip into your wetsuit, don your snorkel, and jump in. Reach your destination in time to watch the colorful Kona sunset from the boat's top deck, then start getting ready for your manta ray encounter. Hop on your tour boat and head out to sea your spacious vessel is equipped with a top observation deck, a large cabin, and an onboard bathroom.

Make your way to the tour offices on Honokohau Harbor in Kona, where you'll check in and get fitted for gear.
