Big Island: Manta Ray Snorkel Boat Tour

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a truly unique experience for those seeking to encounter the majestic manta ray up close. Snorkel Big Island’s Manta Ray Snorkel Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness these graceful creatures in their natural habitat. With a focus on safety and environmental stewardship, this family-owned operation ensures an unforgettable adventure for participants of all ages. What awaits those who embark on this captivating journey? Discover the wonders that lie beneath the surface as you learn about the underwater realm of the manta ray.

Key Points

• Family-owned Snorkel Big Island offers 2-hour Manta Ray Snorkel Tours on the Big Island, with pricing ranging from $137.00 to $95.90 and up to 30% savings.
• Highly experienced guides with USCG Captains and Red Cross Lifeguard certifications ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for guests.
• The tour includes a 20-minute safety briefing, a 20-minute speedboat ride to the viewing site, and one hour of snorkeling with manta rays.
• Prior swimming and snorkeling experience is required, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, or non-swimmers.
• Snorkel Big Island prioritizes environmental stewardship, with a no-touch policy, educational focus on conservation, and eco-friendly boats and equipment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Manta Ray Snorkel Tour is an activity that lasts approximately 2 hours.

The Manta Ray Snorkel Tour is an activity that lasts approximately 2 hours.

Priced from $137.00 to $95.90 per person, this tour offers savings up to 30%. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, canceling up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

A reserve now and pay later option is also available.

The tour is operated by Snorkel Big Island, a family-owned business with over 12 years of experience in Manta Ray Snorkel Tours, committed to environmental stewardship and ensuring safety and expertise through USCG Captains and Red Cross Lifeguard Certified Guides.

Company and Experience

Snorkel Big Island, the experienced operator of this Manta Ray Snorkel Tour, has been leading these tours for over 12 years.

As a family-owned business, they focus on environmental stewardship. Customers can feel confident in the expertise of the USCG Captains and Red Cross Lifeguard Certified Guides who ensure safety throughout the tour.

With their years of experience, Snorkel Big Island provides a professional and knowledgeable tour for guests to enjoy the incredible experience of snorkeling with these magnificent marine creatures.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with a 20-minute safety briefing before participants embark on a 20-minute speedboat ride to the manta ray viewing site.

Once there, guests will have an hour to snorkel and observe the majestic manta rays with wingspans up to 16 feet. An optional return speedboat ride is available.

The itinerary is designed to ensure guests maximize their time observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

The itinerary is carefully crafted to ensure guests optimize their time observing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.

Throughout the experience, guests will be guided by USCG captains and Red Cross lifeguard certified experts who prioritize safety and environmental stewardship.

Safety and Requirements

Prior swimming and snorkeling experience is required for this activity. Participants must be able to independently climb up a side boat ladder.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, non-swimmers, or individuals with recent surgeries. Safety is the top priority, so guides are USCG Captains and Red Cross Lifeguard Certified.

All participants must follow instructions during the safety briefing to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The focus is on environmental stewardship, so touching marine life, animals, or plants is strictly prohibited.

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Meeting Point and What to Bring

To attend the Manta Ray Snorkel Tour, guests should head to the meeting point at 74 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA.

Guests should head to the meeting point at 74 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA to attend the Manta Ray Snorkel Tour.

Participants should follow signs to the Honokohau Marina and park near the public restroom building.

The tour recommends bringing the following:

1. Swimwear

2. Towel

3. Sunscreen

Guests aren’t allowed to touch any marine life, animals, or plants during the tour.

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Manta Ray Sightings and Encounters

Guests can expect to encounter manta rays up to 16 feet in wingspan during the snorkel tour. These majestic creatures gracefully glide through the water, feeding on plankton. Witnessing their mesmerizing movements is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Participants may see the mantas perform acrobatic maneuvers as they feed, their wings undulating effortlessly. The tour guides are adept at spotting and directing guests to the best viewing locations, ensuring optimal manta encounters.

With their enormous size and sheer elegance, these gentle giants are the highlight of the snorkel adventure, leaving guests in awe of their natural wonder.

Environmental Stewardship

As a family-owned business, Snorkel Big Island takes great pride in their commitment to environmental stewardship. Their approach encompasses three key principles:

1. Sustainable Practices: The company strictly enforces a "no-touch" policy, ensuring guests don’t physically interact with the manta rays or any other marine life during the tour.

2. Educational Focus: Snorkel Big Island’s guides provide thorough briefings on the importance of preserving the delicate manta ray ecosystem and the role each individual can play in protecting it.

3. Eco-Friendly Operations: The company utilizes eco-friendly boats and equipment, minimizing their carbon footprint and demonstrating their dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the Big Island.

Booking and Reservation Details

Booking the Manta Ray Snorkel Tour is a straightforward process. The tour is priced between $137.00 and $95.90 per person, with up to 30% savings possible. Guests can conveniently reserve their spot and pay later.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The family-owned tour company, Snorkel Big Island, operates this excursion and has over 12 years of experience with manta ray tours.

Safety is a top priority, with USCG Captains and Red Cross Lifeguard Certified Guides leading the tour. Prior swimming and snorkeling experience is required, as participants must independently climb a boat ladder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food or Drink Provided During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any food or drink during the 2-hour activity. Participants are responsible for bringing their own snacks and beverages. The focus is on the snorkeling experience with the manta rays.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but it’s not required. The tour company provides high-quality snorkel gear, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography?

The company allows guests to bring cameras and take photos during the snorkel tour, but they can’t touch or interfere with the marine life. Flash photography is prohibited to avoid disturbing the manta rays.

How Often Do Manta Rays Typically Appear During the Tour?

Manta rays typically appear during 80-90% of the tours, though sightings can’t be guaranteed. The operators have extensive knowledge of the local manta ray population and their feeding patterns to maximize the chances of encounters.

What Happens if the Weather or Ocean Conditions Are Poor?

If weather or ocean conditions are poor, the tour operator may cancel or reschedule the activity. Participants are entitled to a full refund if the tour is cancelled due to unfavorable conditions.

The Sum Up

The Manta Ray Snorkel Tour on the Big Island offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. With a focus on safety, environmental conservation, and an experienced team, this tour provides a unique and thrilling experience for all participants. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-time adventurer, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: