Snorkeling in the ocean at night wasn’t always at the top of my list. I’m a maaaajor scaredy cat and the ocean is terrifying to me. BUT, when we visited the Big Island for 3 days, I knew I had to swim with the famous Manta Rays!
If I’m being 100 percent honest, we did not have the best experience. We went on an extremely wavy day, ate too much food before the tour, forgot all motion sickness medicine, and only saw one Manta Ray. But that’s wildlife and travel for ya. It’s all about the experiences! Which is why I’m excited to share everything you need to know about a Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel.
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Table of Contents
About Manta Rays
Manta rays, also known as devil rays, are captivating creatures that belong to the family Mobulidae. These gentle giants can grow up to 23 feet (yes 23 feet!!!!) in width and weigh as much as 3,000 pounds.
Unlike their cousin, the stingray, manta rays are harmless to humans. They have a unique appearance, with their triangular-shaped pectoral fins and wide mouths that filter-feed on plankton. Manta rays are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, and the Big Island of Hawaii is one of the best places to encounter them.
Manta rays are known for their graceful and elegant movements, as they glide effortlessly through the water. They are highly intelligent and social creatures, often seen in groups called “ballets” or “fevers.” On a good day, these gatherings provide a unique opportunity for snorkelers to witness their mesmerizing synchronized swimming patterns.
See Big Island Manta Ray Tours here!
The Big Island’s Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience
The Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its diverse marine life and offers an exceptional opportunity to witness manta rays in their natural habitat. The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a unique experience that takes place after sunset, when these gentle giants are most active.
As the sun goes down, snorkelers gather at popular sites such as Keauhou Bay or Kona Coast, where underwater lights are used to attract plankton, the main source of food for manta rays.
Once in the water, you’ll be surrounded by a magical (and only slightly terrifying) underwater world. The combination of darkness and the glow of the underwater lights creates a surreal atmosphere, enhancing the beauty of the manta rays as they gracefully glide through the water.
Best Time to Go Manta Ray Night Snorkeling
The best time to go manta ray night snorkeling is during the summer months, from May to September, when the waters around the Big Island are generally calmer and visibility is at its best. (We went in February and were met with some roughhhhhh seas and limited sightings).
This also coincides with the peak season for manta ray activity, making it more likely for snorkelers to have close encounters with these majestic creatures.
It’s important to note that manta ray night snorkeling is a weather-dependent activity. Strong winds or rough seas can affect the visibility and safety of the experience.
It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and consult with your tour operator before booking your snorkeling adventure (If we would have had more time on the Big Island, I would have changed our tour date to a calmer day).
Choosing the Right Tour Operator
When selecting a tour operator for your manta ray night snorkel, it’s essential to choose a reputable and responsible company. Look for operators that prioritize the well-being of the manta rays and follow guidelines to ensure a safe and sustainable experience.
A good tour operator will provide knowledgeable guides who can educate you about the manta rays and their behavior, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of these incredible creatures. They will also provide top-quality snorkeling equipment and prioritize your safety throughout the excursion.
Reading reviews and testimonials from previous customers can give you insight into the quality of service provided by different tour operators. (I’ll share some of the popular Big Island Manta Ray Tours and their reviews below).
Additionally, consider the group size and ensure that the tour operator follows guidelines for responsible wildlife interactions, such as maintaining a respectful distance from the manta rays and minimizing impact on their natural behavior.
Preparing for Your Manta Ray Night Snorkel
From experience…I learned a few things I would do differently… 🙂
First and foremost, make sure you are comfortable swimming in open water and have basic snorkeling skills. (You’ll have a wet suit and noodle, but it can be a bit intimating jumping into the cold and dark water).
You’ll also have to hold on to the raft. I’m sure on a normal calm day this wouldn’t be too difficult, but the massive waves made it tiring.
Pack appropriate swimwear and a towel for the chilly ride back. It’s also fun to bring a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture the magical moments underwater.
It’s also essential to stay hydrated and well-rested before the excursion. Snorkeling can be physically demanding, and you’ll want to be in good shape to fully enjoy the experience.
If you can, check the weather forecast before booking and book your night snorkel on a calm and sunny day!
And maybe most importantly, if you are prone to motion sickness, bring some medication and take it before leaving the dock! Trust me, it will make your experience much more enjoyable.
What to Expect During the Snorkeling Experience
After arriving, the guides will hand out wet suites and snorkel gear.
As you ride to the snorkel spot, the expert guides will then provide a safety briefing and instructions on how to snorkel with the manta rays. They will also explain the guidelines for responsible interactions, ensuring that both you and the manta rays are respected.
We left slightly before sunset and had a 45 minute boat ride (it’s usually shorter, but this depends on the season and conditions). It was still light out when we arrived, so we hung out in the boat for a bit while waiting for the sun to completely set.
Once in the water, you’ll be surrounded by darkness, illuminated only by the underwater blue lights. It may take a few moments for your eyes to adjust, but soon you’ll start to see the graceful movements of the manta rays as they approach the lights to feed. (Or you might have to be a bit patient).
The guides will position the group in a way that allows for the best viewing opportunities, ensuring everyone gets a chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. Because we went on a bad day, our guides worked hard to find the best spot.
Floating on the water’s surface, you’ll feel weightless as you watch the manta rays glide effortlessly beneath you. The sensation of being so close to these gentle giants is nothing short of magical. If you are lucky, you may even hear the sound of their wings flapping, a unique experience that adds to the overall enchantment of the moment.
Even though we only saw one manta ray, I would definitely book another Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour during peak season in the future!
Book your Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel here!
Safety Measures and Guidelines
Snorkeling with manta rays is a safe and enjoyable experience when proper safety measures and guidelines are followed. The tour operators prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the excursion, providing high-quality snorkeling equipment and knowledgeable guides.
It’s important to listen to the safety briefing and follow the instructions provided by the guides. They will explain how to use the snorkeling equipment, including the mask, snorkel, and fins. They will also provide guidance on how to swim alongside the manta rays without disturbing them or getting too close.
Responsible snorkeling practices include maintaining a respectful distance from the manta rays, avoiding touching or chasing them, and refraining from using flash photography. These guidelines ensure the well-being of the manta rays and protect their natural behavior.
Keep Reading:: The Best Big Island Hotels
Big Island Manta Ray Tours
Alright time for the good stuff! It’s time to book your Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel tour! Here are some of the most popular on the Big Island + what recent reviews have stated.
- Hang Loose Boat Tours: One of the most popular Manta Ray tours in Kona, Hang Loose Boat Tours has almost 3,000 5 star reviews on Viator. Reviewers rave about the friendly and entertaining guides. They also guarantee Manta Ray sighting or you get to take another tour at no additional cost.
- Sea Quest Hawaii: Another great option for swimming with these gentle giants! This tour also includes hot cocoa and cookies for after your swim!
- Iruka Hawaii Experiences: Iruka Hawaii Experiences offers two tours (one at sunset and one after dark) to choose from. They do offer a ride along ticket price if you want to watch the manta rays from the comfort of the boat.
- Dolphin Discoveries: With 540 5 star reviews, Dolphin Discoveries offers a top notch night snorkel tour. After meeting, you’ll have just a 5 minute boat ride to the snorkel site. There’s a maximum of 16 snorkelers on every tour.
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel FAQs
For those of you who do not want to read the entire blog post here are some quick facts to help you plan the ultimate Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel experience!
- Where do the tours depart from? Kona. So be sure you plan your tour during your time in Kona otherwise you’ll have a pretty long drive from Hilo or Volcano.
- What do I need to bring with me? Swimsuit, towel, motion sickness medication, snacks (if tour doesn’t provide any), underwater camera
- When is the best time to see Manta Rays? May to September
- How much does a tour cost? starting at $95+
- What if I do not see Manta Rays? They are wild animals, so sightings are not always guaranteed. Most tours offer the opportunity to take another tour for free if no Manta Rays are spotted.
Other Must-Do Activities on the Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii offers a plethora of activities and attractions for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It’s truly one of my favorite places I have ever been.
After your manta ray night snorkel, take the time to explore the island’s unique landscapes and cultural heritage.
- Go day time snorkeling(Here’s the best spots!)
- Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Chase waterfalls in Hilo
- Have a beach day in Kona
- Attend a Luau with a dinner buffet
If you need a complete itinerary, check out my 3-day guide or more cheap and free things to do on the island!
Is a Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel worth it?!
Swimming with giants during a Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel is an experience that will stay with you long after you leave the water. This unforgettable adventure offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to the conservation of these magnificent creatures.
Even though we were met with choppy waters and limited sightings, I would still book another manta ray night snorkel on a future trip to the Big Island!
Other Big Island Resources
- Big Island Beaches to Add to Your Bucket List
- 3 Day Big Island Itinerary
- One Day in Volcano National Park
- Where to Stay near Volcano National Park
- Best Things to do on the Big Island
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