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 5:00-7:30pm
check in time 4:45pm
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 7:45pm
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!
We offer two Manta trip options:
Night Manta Snorkel or Dive from 5:00-7:30pm
check in time 4:45pm
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 7:45pm
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!
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.