The Manta Pacific Research Foundation has identified 174 manta rays inhabiting the waters off the Kona coast, which are perfect for underwater adventures because the water is warm and clear and there are protected coral reefs with abundant tropical marine life. Their wingspans can reach up to 25 feet, and they can weigh as much as 5,000 pounds. Tour companies have dubbed this visually striking display “the manta ray ballet.” Manta rays are harmless relatives of the shark, lacking the barbed tail stinger of stingrays. Snorkelers and scuba divers plunge into the ocean at night to see graceful, gentle manta rays glide out of darkness into light and turn cartwheels as they feed. 1 night dive in the world, and it’s on the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) list of 100 Things to Do Before You Die. I was on the Manta Ray Night Dive off the Kona coast, which some quality sources claim is a must-do when visiting Hawaii’s Big Island. The spectacular sight sent shivers down my spine. Seconds later, I watched more than a dozen of the enormous alien-like creatures dance like moths in the light ahead. As soon as I entered the water, I saw a giant black and white manta ray flutter beneath my legs. Please reach out to our office immediately if there was any confusion during booking regarding this requirement.Moonlight shimmered on the Pacific Ocean as I prepared to jump from a boat into the midnight-blue sea. We do require everyone to know how to swim if they are planning on going in the water during the snorkeling section of this activity. On the way back to Puako pier, you’ll enjoy the beautiful starlit sky! If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office. When our normally scheduled trip is full, we open up the secondary Late Night Manta Snorkel. We do highly recommend the earlier departure time but the likelihood of sightings is the same on each trip. Our Minimum requirement is 8 guests and our Maximum is 18 guests on each tour. Any cancellation or rebooking must be done 48 hours prior to the departure time of your scheduled trip. We do have a 48 hour cancellation policy. We unfortunately do not offer an ‘observer’ rate but you may still purchase a ticket at full price and potentially still see the mantas from the boat. We do require all participants snorkeling to know how to swim. Drinks and a snack will be waiting for you on the boat upon your return. The suits are not required but highly recommended. Please include your height and weight information so we can predetermine your correct wetsuit size. We cannot offer a refund as this does cost money to operate this tour. This is on a First Come First Serve Basis. “Come Again Free” tickets are given away everyday at 3 pm on Standby. We do offer a “Come Again Free” if for some reason, on your trip, you do not see these animals. We do see the Manta Rays over 90% of the time. We cannot guarantee the presence of Manta Rays as they are wild animals. Watching these amazing creatures somersault in front of you multiple times, close enough to where you could kiss them, is a once in a lifetime experience. These harmless and docile creatures feed under the bright lights and with a guide in the water, you will witness this amazing phenomenon in a beautiful and safe way. We get in the water and witness these incredible Manta Rays feeding on plankton. After we anchor in a beautiful bay, we will briefly talk you about how to behave in the water, what to expect and fun facts about Manta Rays. It is a short 10 minute boat ride up to the Northern Manta Viewing site. We launch out of Puako Boat Ramp (about 10-15 minutes from most hotels in the Waikoloa Area). This is one of the amazing experiences that is very unique to the Big Island.
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