THIS IS A TRUE “BUCKET LIST” EXPERIENCE
This incredible encounter with giant Manta Rays is an adventure you can only find in Hawaii on the Big Island! You will be out on the ocean enjoying the Hawaiian sunset, then as night falls, you’ll get into snorkel gear and slip into the water with these harmless and docile creatures. Manta Rays feed on plankton and we attract them with simple lights and the Manta come to feed. Then with a guide in the water, you will witness this amazing phenomenon safely while you create lifelong memories.
-
$175 USD
-
5 yrs+
-
1.5-hour
-
Kawaihae South Basin, Big Island, Hawaii
Snorkel with Manta Rays Tour Features
Gear and Guidance Provided
We provide wetsuits and snorkel gear to get in the water while the Manta Rays are feeding. Our expert guides will talk with you about the mantas, their significance to the Islands, and some knowledge about their behavior. Some of your group may have concerns about getting in the water with these huge creatures and our guides will put them at ease. Mantas are truly gentle giants.
Close Up and Personal
These harmless and docile creatures need to eat 10 percent of their body weight, the plankton they feed on are attracted by our lights and with a guide in the water, you will get to see them up close. The Mantas appear out of the darkness and somersault close enough for you to feel their wake as they glide by. Drinks and snacks are in the boat upon your return, and you will enjoy the beautiful starlit sky as we head back to the pier.
Incredible Nighttime Sky Views
The Big Island is the best place to see the stars and you will love views from the boat! This is a dark-sky friendly community, and lighting regulations in Hawaii County are designed to keep the night sky clear and the stars visible. In addition to preserving the rare natural beauty of the island, dark-sky friendly lighting allows astronomers at observatories to see astronomical bodies like stars and planets. You can even see the Galactic Center of the Milky Way!
Snorkel with Manta Rays Tour Details
Highlights
-
Enjoy the sunset on the way out
-
A safe way to see manta rays in their natural environment
-
Stargazing on the way back
-
Upper viewing deck
-
Manta sightings guaranteed
-
Expert Staff
Description
Come aboard the Malaialena, a 30-foot rigid inflatable boat – the type of boat used by the Coast Guard and known as one of the safest. You’ll have a comfortable ride with padded seats, shade, and an upper viewing deck.
We provide wetsuits and snorkel gear, then you’ll get in the water to witness Manta Rays feeding. Rays need to eat 10 percent of their body weight and our lights attract the plankton the Manta Rays feed on so it’s only a matter of time before the Rays approach.
Watching these amazing creatures somersault in front of you, close enough to where you can feel the currents from their immense wingspan, is immensely satisfying. It’s impossible to describe the feeling of watching a massive fish the shape of a stealth bomber coming into vision!
With two ladders on the back, guests can easily climb back onto the boat after a fantastic snorkel experience. Drinks and a snack will be waiting for you on the boat upon your return, and on the way back to Kawaihae South Basin, you’ll enjoy the beautiful starlit sky. Fun Fact: Mauna Kea on the Big Island is the best place on earth to study the stars and the universe.
Price & Availability
1.5-Hour Evening Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Kawaihae South Basin
AdultsAges 13 yrs+ | $175.00 |
ChildrenAges 5-12 yrs | $150.00 |
Evening departures daily (some late evening options also shown at booking)
Included
- Snacks and drinks
- Wetsuits and snorkel gear
- Safety guide
Instructions
- Departure point: Kawaihae South Basin, Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
- Meet time: Changes with the sunset time. Current meet time is published in the booking details or check with our shop.
Cancellation
We require at least 24 hours’ notice on individual tours, or 72 hours for group cancellation before your tour to avoid a full charge penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Great Big Island Manta Ray Tours
Hawaii Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour Reviews