
Their night manta ray snorkel tour has a duration of 1.5 hours, with 45 minutes floating with the mantas. Perks: Unique to this list of charters, Manta Ray Dives also offers the option to SCUBA dive at the same location for certified divers ages 12+ with additional cost to rent gear.Ĭontact Info: (808) 325-1687 Sea Quest Hawaiiįor over 30 years, Sea Quest Hawaii has launched countless snorkel tours directly from Keauhou Bay, which is mere minutes away from Manta Village. 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.

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.
