Diving and Snorkeling with the Manta Rays of Kona could possibly be the highlight of your vacation. It is the most famous dive in the Hawaiian Islands. Rated also as one of the top ten dives in the world, it is often described as surreal. The dive/snorkel is conducted in a calm, protected bay in shallow water. The dive boats park around the perimeter of a sandy area which is about thirty feet deep. All the divers gather together and sit on the bottom. The snorkelers float above. The plankton can now be concentrated in one area because it is attracted to our lights. The Mantas, who feed on plankton, cruise between the divers and snorkelers doing continuous flips and scooping up mouthfuls of plankton at their nightly buffet. Kona's local Mantas can reach 15 ft. wingspan and over 1000 lbs.
We offer two Manta trip options:
Night Manta Snorkel or Dive from 5:30-7:45pm
check in time 5:30
This Manta trip is great for if you have both divers and snorkelers in your party, if you are bringing younger children, or if you are just hoping to catch the beautiful Hawaiian sunset over the ocean from a boat. We all go out on the same boat. Our cruise up to the site takes between 20-30 minutes depending on conditions. We watch the sunset while briefing you about these incredible animals, and get in the water when the sun is down. In water time is 45 minutes. We are back between 8-8:15pm
Late Night Manta Snorkel from 8:00-10:30pm
check in time is 8:00pm
This Manta trip offers a special opportunity to go and see Manta rays with a lot less of the crowd. Being one of the most popular activities in kona the Manta ray site does tend to get busy. However we are one of the few boats that offers a second trip, which means a lot less people and more mantas to ourselves! Often times we have the whole site to ourselves. This trip is perfect for individuals or groups that don’t mind staying out a little late. We also recommend this trip as a private trip for even more seclusion to soak up all the incredible Manta viewing!
What we provide:
All your snorkeling equipment, floatation devices, light snacks, soft drinks and water, and the incredible boat ride and activity!!! Wetsuits are available for a $5 rental!
Not provided: Transportation
We offer two Manta trip options:
Night Manta Snorkel or Dive from 5:30-7:45pm
check in time 5:30
This Manta trip is great for if you have both divers and snorkelers in your party, if you are bringing younger children, or if you are just hoping to catch the beautiful Hawaiian sunset over the ocean from a boat. We all go out on the same boat. Our cruise up to the site takes between 20-30 minutes depending on conditions. We watch the sunset while briefing you about these incredible animals, and get in the water when the sun is down. In water time is 45 minutes. We are back between 8-8:15pm
Late Night Manta Snorkel from 8:00-10:30pm
check in time is 8:00pm
This Manta trip offers a special opportunity to go and see Manta rays with a lot less of the crowd. Being one of the most popular activities in kona the Manta ray site does tend to get busy. However we are one of the few boats that offers a second trip, which means a lot less people and more mantas to ourselves! Often times we have the whole site to ourselves. This trip is perfect for individuals or groups that don’t mind staying out a little late. We also recommend this trip as a private trip for even more seclusion to soak up all the incredible Manta viewing!
What we provide:
All your snorkeling equipment, floatation devices, light snacks, soft drinks and water, and the incredible boat ride and activity!!! Wetsuits are available for a $5 rental!
Not provided: Transportation
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Please note that the Manta Rays are wild animals and we cannot guarantee their presence. If you do not see a manta on your night out, you can go again on another night on a space-available standby basis. Keep in mind that standby spaces may be extremely limited, especially during the busiest times of the year. This offer never expires, but is nontransferable and has no refund or cash value.
We are typically very successful in finding mantas for you; however, if they are not around, the costs involved with setting up the charter and getting all our guests to the location will not allow for us to offer you a refund.
Requirements to participate in the Manta snorkel/dive:
- Everyone in the group can swim 50 feet without additional floatation
- Everyone has prior snorkeling experience and considers themselves to be an intermediate to advanced snorkeler
- Everyone in the group can climb a short ladder to re-board the boat
- No one in the group is pregnant or has shoulder, back, or neck issues.
- Everyone must understand that due to the nature of the boat and ocean conditions, it can be a bouncy adventurous ride
- Everyone must have read and understood the Manta Guarantee and cancellation policy
- Everyone in my party can converse in English
- Everyone will arrive on time and you acknowledge the forfeiting of your seat/s will occur if arriving 15 minutes past check-in. No refunds will be offered.
FREquently Asked Questions:
What is the water temperature?
The temperature varies seasonally, but year-round our water temps are relatively warm. During the winter months, it may dip down to 74 degrees. Late summer will be around 80 and the rest of the year somewhere in between!
Do I need swimming and snorkeling experience ?
Yes, swimming skills are required (swim/stay afloat without assistance) to enter the water on all the tours. Beginner snorkelers are welcome on all daytime tours.For the manta snorkel, you should be able to swim 50 yards without additional floatation. You should have prior snorkeling experience and consider yourself an intermediate snorkeler as this is a nighttime open ocean activity. In the event of an emergency would be you able to get yourself back to the boat?Non-swimmers can join the morning snorkel trip to enjoy the iconic Kona coastline from the boat, but will not be permitted to enter the water. Non-swimmers are not permitted on manta ray charters. This is for your safety, the crew’s safety, and courtesy to the other guests onboard. Wearing a life jacket is not a replacement for no swimming skills. This is for everyone’s safety.
Do you provide equipment?
Yes! We provide good quality snorkeling gear including masks, snorkels, and fins for our day snorkel trips. Wetsuits are provided for the manta tour and are available for 5$. Floatation devices are offered for all of our guests on the manta tour. We can provide you with either a pool noodle or float belt for the daytime snorkel to give you extra confidence, but keep in mind all guests must have basic swimming skills to enter the water. Wetsuits sizes are from kids 6-8 to adult 3X.
Can I bring my own gear?
Yes! We want you to be comfortable and have an enjoyable experience. We welcome you to bring your own snorkel gear or use ours – whatever is more comfortable for you.
Do we provide prescription masks?
No, You can rent a prescription mask at Snorkel Bobs just in town! If you plan to snorkel more than once, purchasing a mask (check out Kona Honu Divers selection) may be worthwhile with your correct prescription. For those farsighted (positive numbers), you’ll need a unique custom mask that is not easily obtained from a dive shop and needs to be ordered from www.prescriptiondivemasks.com.
How many people will be on the boat?
We limit the number of guests onboard to 18 plus 3 crew members. Our coast guard allowed capacity is more, but 18 guests fit comfortably.
What should I wear?
You’ll want to arrive wearing your swimwear, ready to go! We highly recommend a rashguard and leggings with sun protection instead of sunscreen. If you do bring sunscreen – kindly make sure it’s reef safe. At night those same items can provide a little bit of additional warmth. We know you want to have fun in the sun, but Hawaii’s sun is strong and we don’t want you to get a sunburn so covering up is your best option.
Where do I meet the boat?
We depart from the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. The easiest way to get there is to follow the Google Maps link in your confirmation email or type Tiger Shark Deli into Google Maps and follow the directions. If you know where the harbor is just turn in and stay to the left and follow the road until you come to the two-story building with a red roof and gas station. Park in the lot and meet us at the covered picnic tables. If you arrive at check-in and our boat is not there or no one is present to check you in we are either bringing the boat around or coming back from our previous trip. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to check your confirmation email for the correct date.The address for GPS or smartphone maps is: 74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua, HI 96740 or you can put Tiger Shark Deli in Google Maps.
I have mobility issues, can I still join?
While we’d love for everyone to come with us our boat is not suited for everyone. To board the boat one must take a big step up from a dock onto the boat and then a big step down into the boat. To get back in the boat, from the water, guests must be able to climb a short ladder unassisted.
Does your boat have a restroom?
Yes! We have a marine head on board!
How do I prevent sea sickness?
Bonine is your best option for sea sickness medication. It is over the counter, non drowsy, and you can find it at any longs drug store and even at jacks deli at the harbor. Please take it at least 12 hours before your trip! If you are people who are more susceptible and we still want you to have a great time so it’s always better to be proactive. Also Sea-Bands are helpful as a non-drug option.
How does weather affect the trip?
If it’s not safe we don’t go! Our team will make a determination whether or not the trip can go out safely. If we cancel, we will do our best to rebook you for another time. We will give you a full refund if we cannot accommodate you. A little rain doesn’t hurt anyone – you’re getting wet anyway!We sometimes have to cancel the trip at the last minute. While we know it is a major inconvenience for our guests sometimes the conditions change from safe to unsafe right before the charter. Or the ocean conditions are calming down and we hope they’ll be safe enough to run the tour by check-in time – and they aren’t. What is a major bummer is canceling too early and then conditions are fine at tour time. That’s the biggest bummer! We do our best with the information we have and the experience under our belt to make the best decision -we’ll always err on the side of caution for you and our crew.
The temperature varies seasonally, but year-round our water temps are relatively warm. During the winter months, it may dip down to 74 degrees. Late summer will be around 80 and the rest of the year somewhere in between!
Do I need swimming and snorkeling experience ?
Yes, swimming skills are required (swim/stay afloat without assistance) to enter the water on all the tours. Beginner snorkelers are welcome on all daytime tours.For the manta snorkel, you should be able to swim 50 yards without additional floatation. You should have prior snorkeling experience and consider yourself an intermediate snorkeler as this is a nighttime open ocean activity. In the event of an emergency would be you able to get yourself back to the boat?Non-swimmers can join the morning snorkel trip to enjoy the iconic Kona coastline from the boat, but will not be permitted to enter the water. Non-swimmers are not permitted on manta ray charters. This is for your safety, the crew’s safety, and courtesy to the other guests onboard. Wearing a life jacket is not a replacement for no swimming skills. This is for everyone’s safety.
Do you provide equipment?
Yes! We provide good quality snorkeling gear including masks, snorkels, and fins for our day snorkel trips. Wetsuits are provided for the manta tour and are available for 5$. Floatation devices are offered for all of our guests on the manta tour. We can provide you with either a pool noodle or float belt for the daytime snorkel to give you extra confidence, but keep in mind all guests must have basic swimming skills to enter the water. Wetsuits sizes are from kids 6-8 to adult 3X.
Can I bring my own gear?
Yes! We want you to be comfortable and have an enjoyable experience. We welcome you to bring your own snorkel gear or use ours – whatever is more comfortable for you.
Do we provide prescription masks?
No, You can rent a prescription mask at Snorkel Bobs just in town! If you plan to snorkel more than once, purchasing a mask (check out Kona Honu Divers selection) may be worthwhile with your correct prescription. For those farsighted (positive numbers), you’ll need a unique custom mask that is not easily obtained from a dive shop and needs to be ordered from www.prescriptiondivemasks.com.
How many people will be on the boat?
We limit the number of guests onboard to 18 plus 3 crew members. Our coast guard allowed capacity is more, but 18 guests fit comfortably.
What should I wear?
You’ll want to arrive wearing your swimwear, ready to go! We highly recommend a rashguard and leggings with sun protection instead of sunscreen. If you do bring sunscreen – kindly make sure it’s reef safe. At night those same items can provide a little bit of additional warmth. We know you want to have fun in the sun, but Hawaii’s sun is strong and we don’t want you to get a sunburn so covering up is your best option.
Where do I meet the boat?
We depart from the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. The easiest way to get there is to follow the Google Maps link in your confirmation email or type Tiger Shark Deli into Google Maps and follow the directions. If you know where the harbor is just turn in and stay to the left and follow the road until you come to the two-story building with a red roof and gas station. Park in the lot and meet us at the covered picnic tables. If you arrive at check-in and our boat is not there or no one is present to check you in we are either bringing the boat around or coming back from our previous trip. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to check your confirmation email for the correct date.The address for GPS or smartphone maps is: 74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua, HI 96740 or you can put Tiger Shark Deli in Google Maps.
I have mobility issues, can I still join?
While we’d love for everyone to come with us our boat is not suited for everyone. To board the boat one must take a big step up from a dock onto the boat and then a big step down into the boat. To get back in the boat, from the water, guests must be able to climb a short ladder unassisted.
Does your boat have a restroom?
Yes! We have a marine head on board!
How do I prevent sea sickness?
Bonine is your best option for sea sickness medication. It is over the counter, non drowsy, and you can find it at any longs drug store and even at jacks deli at the harbor. Please take it at least 12 hours before your trip! If you are people who are more susceptible and we still want you to have a great time so it’s always better to be proactive. Also Sea-Bands are helpful as a non-drug option.
How does weather affect the trip?
If it’s not safe we don’t go! Our team will make a determination whether or not the trip can go out safely. If we cancel, we will do our best to rebook you for another time. We will give you a full refund if we cannot accommodate you. A little rain doesn’t hurt anyone – you’re getting wet anyway!We sometimes have to cancel the trip at the last minute. While we know it is a major inconvenience for our guests sometimes the conditions change from safe to unsafe right before the charter. Or the ocean conditions are calming down and we hope they’ll be safe enough to run the tour by check-in time – and they aren’t. What is a major bummer is canceling too early and then conditions are fine at tour time. That’s the biggest bummer! We do our best with the information we have and the experience under our belt to make the best decision -we’ll always err on the side of caution for you and our crew.