Kailua-Kona: Night Manta Snorkel or Dive

Soar alongside these gentle giants in the plankton-rich waters of Kailua-Kona as you witness their awe-inspiring nighttime feeding ritual through an unforgettable snorkel or dive experience.

Kailua-Kona’s night manta snorkel or dive experience offers adventurers a chance to encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat. As snorkelers or divers glide through the calm, plankton-rich waters, they witness the awe-inspiring sight of manta rays with wingspans up to 15 feet performing graceful flips while feeding. With included gear and a serene atmosphere, this adventure promises a surreal and intimate encounter that’s a must-do for any trip to Kona. But what makes this experience truly unforgettable?

Key Points

  • Kailua-Kona offers unforgettable encounters with gentle giant manta rays during night snorkeling or diving excursions.
  • Mantas perform mesmerizing flips and somersaults while feeding on plankton, creating a surreal experience for visitors.
  • The calm, sheltered bay provides ideal conditions for intimate observation of mantas with wingspans up to 15 feet.
  • Snorkeling gear, light refreshments, and towels are included, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free outing.
  • Diving gear is available for rent on-site, allowing both snorkelers and divers to experience the magic of manta encounters.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Encounter Gentle Giants

Although the Manta Rays may appear intimidating at first glance, they’re incredibly gentle creatures.

Gliding effortlessly through the water, these majestic animals can reach wingspans of up to 15 feet and weigh over 1,000 pounds.

Drawn to the plankton-rich waters of Kailua-Kona, they perform continuous flips and somersaults, providing a breathtaking display for visitors.

Drawn to the plankton-rich waters of Kailua-Kona, they perform continuous flips and somersaults, providing a breathtaking display for visitors.

Encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an experience that has been ranked among the top ten dives globally, offering a truly surreal and unforgettable moment for both snorkelers and divers alike.

Surreal Diving Experience

The serene, sheltered bay of Kailua-Kona provides the perfect setting for a surreal diving experience with Manta Rays.

Ranked among the top ten dives globally, this intimate encounter allows you to observe the gentle giants up close as they perform continuous flips to feed on concentrated plankton.

  • Witness the majestic 15-foot wingspans gliding effortlessly through the calm waters.

  • Feel a sense of awe as the over 1,000-pound creatures move gracefully, almost appearing to dance.

  • Enjoy the serene, otherworldly atmosphere, often described as a truly unforgettable experience.

Calm Waters for Exploration

The serene, sheltered bay of Kailua-Kona provides the ideal setting for exploratory diving. With calm waters, it’s the perfect location to encounter the majestic manta rays up-close.

Divers and snorkelers can observe these gentle giants perform continuous flips as they feed on plankton drawn to the lights. The sheltered environment allows for safe and comfortable exploration, making it one of the top-rated diving experiences globally.

Visitors will marvel at the mantas’ impressive wingspans reaching up to 15 feet and weights exceeding 1,000 pounds. This surreal encounter is an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Kona.

Manta Feeding Behavior

Mantas perform continuous flips and turns to feed on the concentrated plankton attracted by the lights during the Kailua-Kona night snorkel or dive. Their graceful movements are mesmerizing to witness:

  • Manta wingspans can reach an impressive 15 feet and they can weigh over 1,000 pounds.

  • Their mouths open wide to gulp down the abundant plankton, showcasing their sheer size and power.

  • Watching the mantas glide effortlessly through the water is a surreal and unforgettable experience for visitors.

More Great Tours Nearby

Impressive Manta Wingspans

Manta rays’ impressive wingspans can reach up to 15 feet, dwarfing the average human.

With a weight of over 1,000 pounds, these gentle giants are truly awe-inspiring. Their massive wingtips easily span the length of a small boat, a remarkable feat considering their graceful underwater movements.

Despite their size, mantas are effortless swimmers, using their expansive wings to propel themselves through the ocean.

Tourists can witness this spectacle firsthand during the Kailua-Kona night manta snorkel or dive experience, where these majestic creatures perform continuous flips to feed on plankton attracted by the lights.

Included Gear and Amenities

Snorkeling gear, light snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the Kailua-Kona night manta snorkel or dive experience. Towels and gratuities are also provided.

For divers, diving gear is available for rent on-site for an additional $40 fee.

The included amenities ensure a comfortable and hassle-free outing:

  • Stay refreshed with provided snacks and drinks during the 2-hour adventure.

  • Keep dry with complimentary towels.

  • Avoid extra costs with gratuities included.

This all-inclusive package allows visitors to focus on the mesmerizing manta ray encounter without worrying about additional expenses or gear rentals.

Preparation and Requirements

To fully prepare for the Kailua-Kona night manta snorkel or dive, visitors should bring along a few essential items. This includes swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, snacks, water, and a waterproof camera. Biodegradable sunscreen is also recommended.

It’s important to note that this activity isn’t suitable for individuals with back problems, non-swimmers, or those prone to seasickness. Participants should check availability for starting times and make sure they’re able to meet the physical requirements before booking.

Following these simple preparations will ensure a smooth and enjoyable manta ray encounter.

Important Booking Information

Visitors can find the meeting point for the Kailua-Kona night manta snorkel or dive experience via Google Maps.

Touching marine life and plants is strictly prohibited, as this can disrupt the delicate ecosystem. Guests are advised to check availability for starting times and participant selection, as these activities may be in high demand.

  • Witness the awe-inspiring mantas gliding gracefully through the water.

  • Enjoy the serene, sheltered bay with calm waters.

  • Observe the mantas’ impressive wingspans up to 15 feet and over 1,000 pounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This a Good Option for Families With Young Children?

This activity may not be ideal for families with young children. The 2-hour duration, potential seasickness, and ability requirements could make it challenging for younger participants. Parents should carefully consider their children’s abilities and comfort level before booking this experience.

Can I Request a Specific Dive or Snorkel Time?

Yes, you can request a specific dive or snorkel time. The activity provider allows you to check availability and select the starting time that best fits your schedule. Advance reservations are recommended to secure your preferred time slot.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Locals or Multi-Person Bookings?

Yes, there are discounts available. Locals can get 10% off, and bookings of 2 or more people receive a 5% discount. Multi-person bookings also have a ‘Reserve Now, Pay Later’ option to make it more convenient.

What if I Don’t Have All the Required Gear Listed?

If you don’t have all the required gear, you can rent diving gear on-site for $40. Snorkeling gear, however, is included in the tour price. The tour provides towels and other essential equipment for your convenience.

Can I Expect to See Other Marine Life Besides Manta Rays?

Yes, you can expect to see other marine life besides manta rays. The tour takes place in a serene, sheltered bay, which provides an opportunity to spot a variety of fish, sea turtles, and potentially other species during the experience.

The Sum Up

Kailua-Kona’s night manta snorkel or dive offers an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants. Adventurers can witness the awe-inspiring sight of manta rays up to 15 feet wide performing graceful flips while feeding. With included gear, snacks, and a serene atmosphere, this activity promises a surreal and intimate experience, making it a highlight of any Kona trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: