Big Island: Night Swim With Manta Ray With Hot Chocolate

Exploring the Big Island at night offers a mesmerizing experience. Travelers can witness the captivating manta rays as they feed beneath the stars. This 75-minute adventure, complete with snorkel gear and a warm treat afterwards, promises an unforgettable encounter. While safety and conservation are priorities, the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is truly remarkable. Those seeking a unique and enchanting adventure won’t want to miss this chance to connect with the wonders of the island.

Key Points

• Opportunity to observe manta rays feeding on plankton during a 75-minute night swim on the Kona Coast of Big Island, Hawaii.
• Guided tour with experienced operators, providing all necessary gear and safety briefing.
• Post-swim refreshments of hot chocolate and cookies offered to participants.
• Limited availability with a starting price of $146.41 per person, suitable for experienced swimmers.
• Eco-friendly experience focused on marine conservation, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The night swim with manta rays on the Kona Coast of the Big Island, Hawaii, is a 75-minute activity that takes place under the stars.

Priced from $146.41 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so travelers should check availability for starting times.

The experience allows guests to swim with the giant manta rays as they feed on plankton attracted by the high-illumination blue water lights.

After the snorkel adventure, participants can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while recounting their magical encounter with these graceful sea creatures.

Booking Information

Reserving the night swim with manta rays is easy – guests can reserve now and pay later, without paying anything upfront.

Cancellation is also free up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility.

Guests should keep in mind that this tour isn’t suitable for:

• Children under 7

• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users

• Non-swimmers or those without snorkeling experience

The tour give you an immersive, eco-friendly experience, with all necessary gear such as snorkel equipment and wetsuits provided.

Guests can look forward to a memorable encounter with the gentle giants of the ocean.

Swim With Manta Rays

After the sun dips below the horizon, adventurous travelers embark on a thrilling night swim with majestic manta rays along the Kona Coast.

Guided by experienced tour operators, guests observe the giant rays feeding on plankton attracted by underwater blue lights. Swimmers have the chance to encounter these gentle giants up-close as they gracefully glide through the water.

The tour provides all necessary snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly experience.

Guests can savor hot chocolate and cookies after the swim, reflecting on their awe-inspiring encounter with the magnificent manta rays.

Feeding Behavior of Manta Rays

Although manta rays are filter feeders, their feeding behavior is remarkably complex. They employ a unique "somersault" technique to capture plankton, opening their massive mouths wide and rolling backwards to scoop up their prey.

Manta rays also work in groups, using coordinated movements to herd and corral schools of tiny fish and crustaceans.

Their feeding is influenced by:

• Water temperature

• Plankton abundance

• Moonlight

This intricate dance between predator and prey is a captivating sight to witness during a night swim with these gentle giants.

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Snorkel Gear and Amenities

The night swim tour provides all the necessary snorkel gear, including masks, snorkels, and fins.

Wetsuits are also available to keep swimmers warm in the cool ocean. Flotation devices are provided for those who need extra support.

After the swim, guests can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies to warm up.

The tour is eco-friendly, ensuring that all gear and amenities are well-maintained and sanitized between uses.

The tour is eco-friendly, ensuring all gear and amenities are well-maintained and sanitized between uses.

The experienced staff ensures that everyone has a safe and comfortable experience throughout the night swim with the majestic manta rays.

Safety Considerations

Safety is of utmost importance for the night swim with manta rays. The tour is limited to experienced snorkelers and swimmers only.

Before entering the water, guests receive a comprehensive safety briefing to ensure they understand the proper techniques and protocols.

The key safety requirements include:

• Tour participants must be competent swimmers and comfortable in the ocean.

• Wearing the provided wetsuits and flotation devices is mandatory for safety.

• In the rare event that no manta rays are sighted, guests can return at no additional cost.

On rare occasions with no manta ray sightings, guests have the option to return at no extra charge.

Participant Requirements

As the tour is designed for experienced snorkelers and swimmers, participants must meet specific requirements to join the night swim with manta rays. The tour is not suitable for:

| Participants | Requirements |

| — | — |

| Children under 7 | Minimum age of 7 |

| People with mobility impairments | Able to enter and exit the water |

| Wheelchair users | Able to access the boat and water |

| Non-swimmers | Comfortable swimming and snorkeling |

| Those without snorkeling experience | Prior snorkeling experience |

A safety briefing is provided before the tour, and on rare occasions with no manta rays sighted, guests can return at no additional cost.

Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the night swim with manta rays, with the tour boasting an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 392 reviews.

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the night swim with manta rays, with the tour boasting an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 392 reviews.

Reviewers have highlighted several key aspects of the experience:

• A German traveler, Anne, exclaimed, "We saw so many manta rays. Amazing experience!"

• Britni from the United States declared, "Incredible experience! 10/10 must do tour!"

• Another German guest, Christina, was so captivated that she "Did it twice because it was just amazing!"

The consistently positive feedback underscores the tour’s ability to deliver an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants of the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Beginner Swimmers?

No, this tour is not suitable for beginner swimmers. It’s recommended for experienced snorkelers and swimmers only. The activity includes swimming with giant manta rays after sunset, which may be challenging for those without prior water experience.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

No, guests are not allowed to bring their own snorkel gear. The tour provides high-quality snorkel equipment, wetsuits, and flotation devices as part of the eco-friendly experience. This helps ensure everyone’s safety and comfort during the swim with the manta rays.

How Deep Is the Water During the Swim?

The water depth during the swim is generally 12-20 feet. Guests will float on the surface and observe the manta rays feeding below using the provided snorkel equipment. The tour is suitable for experienced snorkelers and swimmers.

Are Photographs Allowed During the Experience?

Yes, guests are allowed to bring cameras and take photographs during the night swim with manta rays. Underwater cameras are recommended to capture the magical experience of swimming alongside these gentle giants.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There’s no minimum group size requirement for this night swim with manta rays tour. Participants can book individually or in groups.

The Sum Up

The Big Island night swim with manta rays is a captivating experience that allows visitors to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. With expert guidance, quality gear, and safety as the top priority, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe the feeding behavior of manta rays under the stars. Warm refreshments and exceptional customer reviews make this adventure a must-do for those seeking a unique and memorable encounter on the Big Island.

You can check availability for your dates here: