Snorkeling with Manta Rays

More and more visitors are now able to cross snorkeling with manta rays from their bucket list of things to do in in this lifetime. On the big island of Hawaii this experience is a nightly opportunity just off the coastline of Kailua-Kona. In the Hawaiian language, manta rays are called “hahalua” and are often referred to as the ‘gentle giants’ or ‘butterflies of the sea’.

The tropical waters off the big island are the only place in the state that has a population of these shark relatives. With a home range, the manta rays seem to prefer Keauhou Bay and the Kohala Coast line. Sea vessels with snorkeling passengers can usually find a good number of manta ray about 3 miles off shore.

Even though they are relatives of the shark, the manta rays are not harmful to humans. They are graceful and solitary creatures who come together to consume their meals of plankton or to mate. Manta rays are bottom feeders and not reef dwellers. They visit the reefs so smaller fish living off the coral can clean them.  

The manta ray is typically gray and black. They have a diamond shaped body that moves swiftly through the waters. That is how they escape being prey to sharks and killer whales. Scientists believe that a manta ray can live to be 50 to 100 years and have witnessed manta rays at depths of 800 feet for brief time periods. Most of the time manta rays like more shallow waters depending on weather conditions and the amount of plankton they can eat. Tour boats travel at night hoping to offer their guests the best visual experience and passive interaction with the fish. Since June 5, 2009, it is illegal to kill or capture manta rays in Hawaii.

Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Big Island tours and Big Island activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.