Swim with Manta Rays in Hawaii

Located off the coast of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, swim with manta rays is an unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed year-round. As one of the most sought-after night dives in the world, this activity has gained immense popularity among snorkelers and scuba divers.

Before embarking on your journey, it's essential to book a boat tour at the harbor and meet the captain and crew. Nightly tours are offered for those interested in viewing this incredible wildlife experience. Feeding stations are specific areas of coral reefs where manta rays gather to feed on plankton attracted by coastal lights from hotels, restaurants, and the town.

As the sky turns dark, the manta rays swim over their feeding stations, creating an underwater spectacle that is not to be missed. For a more relaxed experience, consider booking mid-week tours, which usually have fewer snorkelers. It's also recommended to book in advance and early in your trip, as high surf advisories may require rescheduling.

The seasonality of manta ray swimming is another crucial factor to consider. While it's awesome year-round, high season (December to April) can get crowded. For optimal visibility, the best time for manta ray snorkeling in Kona is during fall, spring, and summer when there is less moonlight. This allows for better plankton visibility and happier manta rays.

During their nighttime feeding, manta rays can be seen coming together as they feast on their main food source, plankton. These gentle giants have unique recorded names, which can be found online. Researchers use these names to identify each manta ray individually.

Manta rays are solitary creatures during the day, but at night, they gather in large numbers to feed. Their ventral side is mostly white with black pigmentation spots, while their dorsal side is a blueish gray. With a wing span of up to 11.5 feet and a length of 18 feet, manta rays are some of the largest sea creatures found in Hawaii.

Their unique shape allows them to flap their winged pectoral fins, creating an appearance of flying underwater. In fact, 'manta' is a Spanish word for blanket or cloak, which describes their fluid body. Manta rays are also highly intelligent, with bodies made up mostly of cartilage.

Swimming with manta rays at night is an exhilarating experience that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of skill level. With the guidance of experienced captains and crew members, snorkelers can witness this incredible wildlife phenomenon firsthand. So why wait? Book your tour today and join the ranks of those who have had the privilege of swimming with manta rays in Hawaii!

Swim with manta rays hawaii