The Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling with The Manta Rays in Kona

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Last Updated on April 2, 2024 by sydabroad

If snorkeling with the manta rays in Kona is on your bucket list, this article is for you!

The manta ray night snorkel in Kona, Hawaii is by far one of the best travel experiences I have ever had. If you are visiting the Big Island of Hawaii this is something you cannot miss! 

In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know before snorkeling with the manta rays in Kona. I’ll share my experience with you, link recommended manta snorkel tours, and cover frequently asked questions. Alright, let’s get into the article. 

Looking for more Hawaii travel guides? 

• The Best Things to Do on The Big Island of Hawaii
• 19 Best Things to Do in Hilo, Hawaii
• Kona to Hilo Drive: How to Roadtrip The Big Island

This post is all about snorkeling with the manta rays in Kona. 

Snorkeling with The Manta Rays Kona – The Basics 

Currency = USD

The currency in Hawaii is the US Dollar. Most places you visit will accept card payments and you can find ATMs in town.

Language = English 

Hawaii is the only US state to have two official languages, English and Hawaiian. Although Hawaiian is still considered an official language in the state, you’ll find that just about everyone speaks English. The Hawaiian language is classified as a “critically endangered” language now that there are only a couple thousand native speakers. 

Phone & Internet 

Cell service and wifi were okay throughout the Big Island. At times the service was spotty but I was working remotely from my hotel for three days and didn’t have an issue. You’ll find that more places have reliable wifi on Maui and especially Oahu. 

Daily Budget 

Hawaii is not cheap. It’s one of the more expensive travel destinations. Expect to spend around $150 to $250 per day (excluding accommodation) depending on activities and transportation. It is possible to travel on more of a budget (about $70 – $100 per day) if you are eating at local markets and doing minimal costly activities.

Tipping in Hawaii 

Tipping in Hawaii, like the rest of the US, is expected when dining out at restaurants and during guided activities. A 15% tip is standard. 

Can you Drink The Tap Water? 

Yes, tap water is safe to drink on the Big Island. 

About The Kona Manta Rays 

The manta rays in Hawaii belong to the Mobula Alfredi species. Reef manta rays are the second largest species of manta rays in the world and will grow to have a wingspan of up to 18 feet. On average the manta rays in Kona are around 12 feet and live up to 50 years. 

These mantas eat plankton and although manta rays typically migrate, the mantas in Kona don’t, they spend their entire lives around the island. Because they spend all of their time around the Big Island, they are used to people and cannot hurt you anyway. There isn’t anything to be afraid of, manta rays do not sting like sting rays. 

The Ultimate Bucket List Experience – Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona 

Snorkeling with mantas in Hawaii was truly the most magical experience. There is a spot called Manta Ray Village or “Manta Ray Heaven” near the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keahou Bay along the Kona coast. Here, you can night snorkel with the manta rays. 

The snorkel takes place at night because the manta rays eat plankton, which are drawn to light. Once out in the sea, there will be underwater lights to attract the plankton which then attracts the manta rays. 

There are plenty of reputable tour companies that take you out on guided tours to experience this. They will provide snorkel gear, wet suits, and flotation devices. You’ll hop on a boat to go out to where the mantas feed and then get in the water and float on the surface as you watch the graceful mantas feed on plankton beneath you. You’ll see the massive mantas doing flips underwater as they eat the plankton. It’s truly an unforgettable experience. The manta ray night snorkel will take about 1 to 1.5 hours. 

I did the manta ray night snorkel with the company, Eka Canoe Adventures and I couldn’t recommend them enough. It was the most amazing experience (truly one of the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii). 

Snorkeling with The Manta Rays Kona – Tours

FAQs – Snorkeling with The Manta Rays Kona

Where is The Best Place to Snorkel with Manta Rays in Kona?

The best place to snorkel with manta rays in Kona is along the Kona coast near ‘Manta Ray Village.” This is located just near the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keahou Bay. This is where many of the manta ray night snorkel tours go out. 

Is Snorkeling with Manta Rays Worth It?

100% yes. This is one of the best travel experiences I’ve had. Snorkeling with mantas in Hawaii is a must, certainly a bucket list travel experience. 

What Time is The Best to Snorkel with Manta Rays?

The mantas in Kona spend most of their time around the island and don’t venture too far out. Therefore, you’ll likely see them year-round. It’s hard to predict their season consistency but they are spotted over 80% of the time. 

As for the time of day, you’ll see them best at dusk or after dark because they feed on plankton, which are attracted to the bright lights in the water. 

Looking for the best activities on the Big Island of Hawaii? Read more here!

Is Snorkeling with Manta Rays Ethical?

Yes. Hawaii tour operators have strict standards in place to protect Hawaii’s manta rays (and other wildlife). The guides will cover the rules before your snorkel. Make sure you do not touch these animals. They are quite used to people and may rub up against you but just avoid purposely touching the mantas in Kona.  

Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona

I booked the Manta Ray Snorkel tour with Eka Canoe Adventures and it was absolutely amazing. Here are a few manta ray night snorkel tour options in Kona:

• Book a manta ray swim with hot chocolate here
• Book a manta ray watching nighttime boat trip here
• Book a manta snorkel in Kona here

Are Manta Rays Dangerous to Snorkel with? 

Although they are wild animals, they are for the most part completely harmless. These animals cannot sting you like sting rays can. They will not bite you and are very much used to people. Especially these mantas in Kona.  

Where Can You See Manta Rays in Hawaii?

You can see manta rays in Hawaii near the Kona coast on the Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii Island). This is where you’re almost guaranteed to see manta rays. However, you may see these animals on other islands such as Maui or Oahu. But the Big Island is the best place to spot mantas. 

Read all about the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii here.

What is The Difference Between The Manta Ray Night Snorkel and Diving with Manta Rays in Hawaii? 

There are tours available where you can dive with manta rays in Hawaii. The main difference between this and the manta night snorkel is that if you dive you’ll be farther out to sea and observe the manta rays from the ocean floor instead of at the surface. 

Book a manta ray dive here.

What to Bring When Snorkeling with The Manta Rays in Kona

You don’t need to bring much, your tour operator will provide everything you need. Just bring a swimsuit, cover-up, a towel, and a waterproof phone pouch, or go pro if you’d like to take photos! 

I hope you enjoyed this post about snorkeling with the manta rays in Kona. If you have any questions, please comment below or DM me on Instagram.

Recommended Tours in Kona

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