Manta Ray Night Dive - and Snorkel!

The Kona manta ray night dive is (arguably) one of the most memorable dives around the planet, and is one of the activities on Hawaii that you shouldn't miss. Manta rays are harmless and giant (7 feet on average, but manta rays with 12 feet wingspan do exist) animals that feed on plankton and have no teeth.

Manta ray night dives are nightly outings that let you float between the giant (manta rays are an average of 7 feet wide!) manta rays in the water. The manta rays come together at night to feed on the large quantities of plankton that are attracted by flood lights that shine on the water surface.

Diving or Snorkeling?

You have the choice to see the manta rays while scuba diving (you need to be properly certified for this option) or snorkeling. Scuba diving allows you to sit on the ocean floor and see the manta rays feed and play from below. If you choose to snorkel you will float on the water while holding on to a flotation device, and look down at the manta rays.

You don't need to be an expert snorkeler or swimmer to do this trip, and as for the choice between diving and snorkeling, that is totally up to you. Some experienced divers actually prefer the snorkeling to see the manta rays.

What is the manta ray dive like?

The manta rays typically feed at only one location, and that is the place all the tours go. This means that you should not expect to be all alone with the manta rays. Despite the crowds, seeing the manta rays is quite an event, and well worth the investment! If you are curious what it will be like to see the manta rays swirl around you in the water, have a look at the manta ray night dive video on the lovebigisland manta ray night dive guide.

This information has been provided by the lovebigisland travel guide to Hawaii. Please note that Aaah the views takes no responsibility for the content, nor endorses any of the outfitters or vendors mentioned.