How to Snorkel with Manta Rays: A Night Adventure You Won’t Forget
Imagine floating in the warm Hawaiian waters at night, surrounded by darkness, when suddenly, graceful manta rays glide beneath you in a mesmerizing underwater ballet. Snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Hawaii. If you’re planning to try this unique night adventure, here’s everything you need to know to make it a safe and magical experience.
Why Snorkel with Manta Rays?
At its core, aloha means more than just “hello” or “goodbye.” It embodies a way of life and a set of values that include love, peace, compassion, and mutual respect. The word alo means presence, and ha refers to breath—together symbolizing sharing the breath of life. Locals live by the spirit of aloha, which promotes kindness, harmony, and a deep connection to others and the land.
Understanding this broader meaning can help visitors approach their stay with greater awareness and appreciation for local customs.
Where to Snorkel with Manta Rays
The Big Island is one of the best places in the world to snorkel with manta rays. There are three primary locations where guided tours operate:
Manta Point (Kona Coast)
Located near the Sheraton Kona Resort, Manta Point is one of the most popular spots for manta ray night snorkeling. The lights from the resort attract the rays, making it an ideal place to observe them.
Garden Eel Cove (near the Kona Airport)
Known for its clear waters and frequent manta ray sightings, this location provides excellent visibility, enhancing the overall experience.
Keauhou Bay
This bay offers calm waters and a high chance of encountering manta rays. Many local tour operators launch their boats from here.
What to Expect on a Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour
1. Pre-Tour Briefing
Your guide will give a short briefing on what to expect, how to behave around the manta rays, and safety precautions. You’ll learn about manta ray behavior and why they gather at these specific locations.
2. Getting Equipped
You’ll be provided with snorkeling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and wetsuit. The wetsuit helps keep you warm and buoyant in the water. It is highly recommended to wear a wetsuit because the water can be pretty chilly at night!
3. Entering the Water
Most tours take you to the snorkeling site by boat. Once you arrive, you’ll enter the water and hold onto a floating raft equipped with lights. The lights attract plankton, which in turn draws the manta rays.
4. Watching the Manta Rays
As you float on the surface, manta rays will approach and glide beneath you, sometimes coming within inches of your body. They perform graceful loops and barrel rolls as they feed on the plankton. The experience typically lasts about 30-45 minutes.
5. Returning to Shore
After your snorkeling session, you’ll head back to shore, where you can warm up, share stories, and reflect on the incredible experience.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience
Book with a Reputable Tour Operator
Look for operators with experienced guides, high safety standards, and positive reviews.
Stay Calm and Float
Keep your body relaxed and float on the surface. Avoid kicking your feet, as it may startle the manta rays.
Avoid Touching the Manta Rays
As tempting as it may be, never touch the manta rays. Human contact can harm their protective mucus coating, which helps them resist infections. Check out
Wear a Wetsuit
Even in Hawaii’s warm waters, it can get chilly at night. A wetsuit will keep you comfortable and buoyant.
Bring a GoPro or Waterproof Camera
Capture the magical moments, but make sure your camera is securely attached to your wrist or gear to avoid losing it.
We recommend to press record and then focus on enjoying what you can see with your eyes. You can always watch your video back later to re-experience or capture screenshots!
Listen to Your Guide
Follow all instructions given by your guide. They know the area and how to keep you safe while ensuring the manta rays are not disturbed.
Is It Worth It? Absolutely!
Snorkeling with manta rays is often described as a life-changing experience. The combination of the serene night ocean, the graceful movements of the manta rays, and the otherworldly atmosphere create a magical adventure that few other activities can match.
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, this is one adventure you won’t forget. So, if you’re visiting the Big Island, make sure to add manta ray night snorkeling to your must-do list. It’s a unique way to connect with Hawaii’s marine life and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Mahalo for reading, and happy snorkeling!
