Description
Memories of your night Kona manta ray snorkel are some you’ll treasure forever.
Perhaps not as well known as a whale watch or the popular dolphin swim, Kamanu Charters offers a night Kona manta ray snorkel off the coast of the Big Island. The perfect conditions are only possible in a few spots in this world, making snorkeling with these gentle giants a unique and surreal experience you won’t soon forget. Bring the family on this incredible up-close-and-personal adventure with nature.
Check in at the Kona Harbor to meet and greet the crew and captain of Kamanu Charters. They’ll give you the rundown on what to expect for the evening, and then you’ll make your way along the coastline to the popular night Kona manta ray snorkel site. The mantas frequent this area nightly to feed on the plankton attracted by the lights of the boat. The crew will give you the history of the manta known as “Lefty” who started it all. They’ll give you instructions on how to snorkel with these graceful creatures while keeping both you and them safe.
Although members of the shark family, mantas have no teeth, and instead have a filter which they feed through. As they swim through these waters in slow loops and large somersaults, they filter out the plankton and feed on it. Although numbers vary on a given night, several rays usually frequent the area at the same time. Feel the awesome power of these creatures in the water as they perform their nightly feeding ritual.
Be sure to bring layers! Although the Pacific itself keeps its warm temperatures all the time, you’ll want something warm to wear when you’re on the boat at night. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and hot chocolate when you climb back on board. Make this night Kona manta snorkel a must-do on your visit to the islands. It is truly one of the most awe-inspiring, invigorating, and close-to-nature encounters you can have in your lifetime. Come see these incredible creatures doing what they do best in the waters off the Kona coast.
LOCATION: Honokohau Marina, 74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Check in: approximately 4:30 pm, depending on the season.
3.5 hour tour
Children ages 7 and up welcome.
For help call Big Island Discount Activities at 808-856-4274
