Night Snorkel with Manta Ray in Hawaii

Welcome to Hilo, Hawaii, in the United States, a paradise for underwater enthusiasts!

Nestled on the Big Island’s lush eastern coast, Hilo offers an unparalleled aquatic adventure for those eager to explore the vibrant marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes. From snorkeling in crystal-clear bays teeming with colorful fish and coral reefs to diving in mysterious underwater caves, Hilo’s underwater activities promise unforgettable experiences. For an extraordinary encounter, embark on a Snorkeling with Turtles or enjoy the thrill of Dolphin Watching as these playful creatures dance around your boat.

Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, Hilo’s waters invite you to dive in and discover a world of wonder beneath the waves.

Manta Rays

Manta rays in Kona, Hawaii, are a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike. Kona is renowned for its unique manta ray night dives, where visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

The manta rays found off the Kona coast are called "Hawaiian mantas" or "Pacific manta rays" (Manta alfredi). They are known for their large size, graceful movements, and distinctive markings. These gentle giants can have wingspans of up to 20 feet, making encounters with them a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Manta ray night dives in Kona usually take place near the coastline, in areas where these creatures come to feed on plankton that are attracted by underwater lights.  For any animal lover, the chance to encounter the diverse marine life in Hilo's waters is an absolute must, providing a deep and meaningful connection to the fascinating creatures that inhabit our oceans.

It's essential to remember that manta ray night dives are generally conducted with a strong emphasis on responsible and sustainable practices to protect these magnificent creatures and their natural habitat. Tour operators adhere to guidelines to minimize any disturbance to the mantas and ensure the safety of both the animals and the visitors.

Snorkeling Experience

After the sun sets, embark on a safe and thrilling experience and head off into the nighttime waters to see a fascinating "manta ray ballet" along the Kona coast near the mouth of Keauhou Bay. 

Admire the spectacular Kona coastline to reach your snorkeling destination. The Kona coastline is located on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii, and it is truly a sight to behold.  The deep blue of the ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a sense of tranquility and awe. With its stunning natural features and captivating scenery, it's no wonder why many people admire its beauty.

The Kona coastline is a place of natural wonder and beauty, captivating the hearts of visitors and locals alike. Its spectacular vistas, diverse marine life, and rich cultural heritage make it an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking to experience the true essence of Hawaii's breathtaking landscapes.

Once you arrive at your snorkeling spot, jump in the water and discover Kona’s underwater paradise in Hawaii, a remarkable underwater experience!

Your snorkeling guide will outfit you with all the necessary gear needed to embark on your experience including snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices. After a quick safety briefing, plunge into the dark waters and be captivated by these graceful creatures as they feast on plankton. 

Experience a nighttime snorkeling expedition. Get up close and personal with stunning manta rays as they gracefully soar through the water. Your underwater adventure will take place in clear warm waters near protected reefs abundant with marine life.

Grip onto the flotation swim ring with high-illumination blue water lights that attract the plankton on which the mantas feed. Soon afterward, rays will glide through the water almost at arm's length opening their enormous mouths to feast. 

After your remarkable underwater adventure, return to your boat and warm up with a nighttime snack of hot chocolate and cookies, yummy!

Something great about this tour is that on the rare occasion where no manta rays are sighted on your tour, the tour guys invite you to come back out on another night at no additional cost to you, or on a confirmed afternoon snorkel tour at no additional charge.

Although this is a kid friendly experience, this tour is not suitable for kids under 7 years of age.

A manta ray night dive is an unforgettable and humbling experience, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the beauty of marine life and appreciate the wonders of nature in one of the most spectacular settings in the world.