KONA MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKEL
Picture yourself floating on the peaceful, smooth surface of the Pacific Ocean with a velvet sky and tropical stars above you. Deep below the surface you suddenly see a patch of ocean light up as a special light attracts millions of tiny zooplankton. Emerging from the deep dark abyss of the water rises a graceful, enormous shape, arcing upward from just inches away from your mask.
This is the ultimate Big Island night manta ray snorkel, arguably the most awe-inspiring animal interaction in the world.
If you're traveling to Kona, or searching for one spectacular bucket list activity during the trip, Big Island night manta ray snorkeling is non-negotiable.
Master Snorkelling with Mantas: Hawaii's ultimate night experience
Other manta rays can sometimes be seen elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands, however the Kona coast is legendary around the world as the best place to guaranteed seeing some.
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Resident Population: Unlike migratory species, resident populations (about 300 individual reef manta rays) make the Kona coast their home year-round.
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High Success Rates: Since these graceful behemoths have returned to the plankton-rich waters for thousands of years, the success rate at most Kona night manta ray snorkel/dive trips are an unbelievable 80-90%.
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Excellent feeding areas: Favorite feeding destinations like manta village and manta heaven have optimal underwater topography that attracts nutrient flow.
Why the Big Island is the Capital of Manta Ray Snorkeling
The frequent "Why do we swim at night?" question!
The marvel of night manta ray snorkeling in Big Island relies solely on an astonishing food chain. The rays are solely filter feeders; their gaping jaw has unique, pad like lobes that channel huge volumes of plankton. These creatures actually do not have any stingers or any sharp parts; they do not possess any barbs; this makes them totally harmless to people!
This makes for the reason of why they only feed during the nighttime. It is during the day when the plankton goes all the way out into the deeper sea! Nevertheless, once local businesses like tour boats and accommodations at shores turn on specially designed lights at nightfall in the ocean; the effects are similar to the light shining from the moon. At this point the plankton gathers in and surrounds the light source and right behind them come the manta ray at dinner!
The Science Behind the Spectacle
The night manta Ray Snorkel at the Big Island is expected to be a highly structured, ultra-safe and an utterly amazing tour:
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Check in and briefing. Your night of exploration kicks off around the sunset where highly-trained and informed guides will fit you with all necessary equipment-wetsuit or thermal top, mask and snorkel, and flippers-and thoroughly review every safety detail.
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Short boat ride. Most of the manta trips will depart from Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. A short and enjoyable boat ride from harbor to the viewing areas will be taken where people can glimpse of scenery around Big Island.
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Get in water. People then form a circular outline around an artificial light float or surfstyle viewing raft specifically constructed for observing the animals. The observer of the snorkeling session clings to a frame while keeping a perfectly horizontally flat body posture at the water surface.
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A ballet beneath the waves. While looking down to the surface you will witness large- with width of over twelve feet at times, giant manta Rays glide elegantly toward your light and twist and turn at a range of inches from you and dance their way slowly back into the darkness.
What to Expect on Your Tour
To best enjoy your night manta ray snorkeling tour on the Big Island, consider the following tips.
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Book tour early in your trip: Booking early in your stay will ensure you have a "rain day" buffer of dates. If conditions force a cancellation, they can easily reschedule the tour within the following days.
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Dress warm: Although HI water is warm (78-82F), floating motionlessly on the surface at night can cool you off quickly. Pack a warm towel, as well as a light warm jacket for transport to and from the tour in the boat.
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Responsible snorkeling: Manta rays are protected animals and should always be revered in their natural habitat. They are graceful by nature; give them the right to be where they feel comfortable. Remember the golden ecotourism rule: "look but don't touch" to help them continue visit the Kona coast for years to come.
What are you waiting for – book your spectacular night manta ray snorkel today!
Tips for the Best Experience