big island hawaii manta ray night snorkel

Tour guides are expert watermen and women who can assist you, too. All tours provide flotation devices so you can float on the surface of the water comfortably. Note: you DON’T need to be a strong swimmer to go on a manta snorkel tour. There are many manta ray night dive and snorkel tour options in Kona.

In this case, it’s worth it to take a tour! The Mantas are located a long (and dark) swim from shore and you run the risk of being hit by a boat being out in open water at night. NOTE: We don’t recommend trying to swim out to see the manta rays on your own at night. The main difference between the two locations is that Keauhou Bay is a very short boat ride (5 minutes) to the manta viewing site, while Garden Eel Cove requires a 30 - 45 minute scenic boat ride along the Kona coast from Honokohau Harbor. Garden Eel Cove, off the coast of the Kona airport Keauhou Bay, 4 miles from My Hawaii Hostel Manta Rays gather in two main areas at night to feed off the Kona coast: Read more about their cultural significance. Historically, manta rays have been revered by native Hawaiians and are mentioned in the Kumulipo - the Hawaiian creation chant.

Manta rays can be found feeding in very shallow water but also are known to dive down to great depths of more than 1,000 ft.Īccording to some guides, mantas are attracted to singing…so bring your best karaoke voice. The Manta Pacific Research Foundation has identified and named the 300+ manta rays in Kona’s waters using their distinct spots and scars. Manta rays only have 1 pup every 2-3 years. We refer to them jokingly as ‘ballerinas’ because mantas appear to ‘dance’ in the water as they turn graceful somersaults and pirouettes during feeding.

The lights from boats at night attract the plankton which attract the manta rays to feed. Manta rays are filter feeders who dine on billions of plankton with their giant vacuum-like mouths. Manta rays have wing spans of up to 15 ft and can weigh up to 3,000 pounds. Read on to learn more about Kona’s magical manta rays, where to see them, and our favorite manta tours in Kona. Related to sharks, these “gentle giants” are toothless and totally harmless. Massive vegetarian ballerinas of the sea, Manta Rays, or ‘Hahalua’, feed on plankton at night, offering up a spectacular underwater show. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience with Kona Snorkel Tours.“Big Bertha”, “Baby Huey”, “Elvis”, and “Calamity Jane” are just a few of the names given to the 300+ manta rays that call Kona’s waters home. The tour lasts approximately one hour, depending on weather conditions and wildlife activity.

The RIB Zodiac Navy Seal speed boat adds to the excitement of the tour, providing a thrilling ride to and from the snorkeling location. The tour follows strict wildlife guidelines, including no touching, feeding, chasing, or harassing the manta rays. You’ll have the opportunity to hang onto a raft dive light board while observing the manta rays in their natural habitat. Please note that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the excitement of the adventure is worth it alone. Snorkel gear, wetsuits, and floatation devices are all included, so all you need to bring are towels and warm clothing. With a maximum of 14 customers per tour, you’ll have an intimate and personalized experience. This tour is perfect for thrill-seekers who want to witness the beauty of these gentle giants up close. Experience the ultimate adventure of snorkeling with manta rays at night on a RIB Zodiac Navy Seal speed boat with Kona Snorkel Tours.

Big island hawaii manta ray night snorkel