Unlike sharks and stingrays which they are related to, manta rays have no stingers and swim away when threatened. They are peaceful sea creatures who only want to feed on tiny zooplankton.
The reef manta rays you’ll see in Hawaii belong to the Mobula alfredi species and can grow to have wingspans of 18 feet. They can be spotted year-round, but summer is the best time to see them in Kona.
Daytime Sightings
In the daytime, you may see manta rays around Hawaii throughout the year. However, summer months are typically better for spotting them because the warm waters and calm seas make it easier for them to move around.
Manta rays are a member of the shark and ray family, so they have skeletons made from cartilage rather than bones. They do not have stingers and feed on tiny zooplankton that comes out of the reef at night. When the light shines on the water, it attracts this plankton, acting like a dinner bell to any nearby mantas. These stunning creatures then swim gracefully toward the bright lights, gulping down the plankton while also turning somersaults in the process.
There are many snorkeling and manta ray snorkeling tours kona companies that offer manta ray encounters in Kona. Some operate year round, while others only run tours during the summer months when there is a higher likelihood of seeing manta rays.
Some of the most popular manta ray encounters are at Garden Eel Cove (nicknamed “Manta Heaven”) in Makako Bay, one of the few places in the world where you can see them feeding during the day and night. These reef manta rays aren’t migratory and spend their entire lives in the waters around the Big Island, including in and around Kona.
If you are lucky enough to be on the right beach at the right time, you’ll see them swimming by and even interacting with each other. Because they have an outer layer of mucus that protects them from disease and parasites, you can touch them but be sure to be careful not to get too close or rub against them.
Whether you are snorkeling or scuba diving, these gentle giants will leave you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the underwater ecosystem that is Hawaii. Just be sure to respect their space as well, as they are wild animals that live in a delicate balance with the rest of the ocean.
Another great way to experience the Big Island’s marine life is to join a whale watching tour. While humpback whales can be seen year-round in Hawaii, the peak season for whale watching is from January through March. During this period, you will have the best chances of witnessing breaching (when the whales jump out of the water), tail slapping and fin waving by males competing for females.
Nighttime Sightings
The Big Island is the only place in the world where manta rays can be seen at night, and a swim with these gentle giants is an incredible experience. They are filter feeders that eat plankton near the water’s surface and float gracefully through the dark ocean like beautiful underwater ballerinas.
Unlike sharks and stingrays, they do not have stingers and are completely harmless to humans. They are incredibly peaceful creatures that are completely at ease swimming alongside snorkelers. This is an incredible experience that should not be missed and it’s one of the best things to do on a vacation to the Kona area.
There are two spots in the area where manta rays regularly congregate at night, known as feeding stations. These are specific areas of the reef where manta rays gather to feed on tiny zooplankton that is attracted by the lights placed in the water. You can join a tour that takes you to these feeding stations and swim around on the bottom holding onto a raft while letting the bright light draw the manta rays towards you. They will circle around you and the other snorkelers as they eat the tiny plankton.
You don’t have to be an expert swimmer for this activity and most snorkeling tours include instruction on how to safely interact with the marine life in the water. It’s important to follow the instructions from your guide as they know what is safe and what is not.
The peak season for nighttime manta ray sightings is from May to September but these tours are available all year round. There are also manta ray encounters in the winter months, but they tend to be more sporadic and less predictable due to the weather conditions.
The recommended attire is a rash guard and a wetsuit if you plan to snorkel. Bring a biodegradable sunscreen (not spray) to protect your skin, and a GoPro or waterproof camera to record these unforgettable moments for you and future generations. You can also bring a Dramamine or other seasickness medicine if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Snorkeling Spots
One of the best places to swim with manta rays in Hawaii is Garden Eel Cove (nicknamed Manta Ray Heaven) on the Big Island. Every night dozens of snorkelers and divers go there to watch the mantas feed. You’ll see them gliding through the dark ocean with their mouths open, eating up the tiny phytoplankton that is attracted to the bright lights used by dive operators. It’s a beautiful sight and the mantas often turn their heads and do somersaults to swallow the plankton.
They also interact with the snorkelers. Occasionally you’ll see a manta come close to the surface and blow air out of its mouth. Then you’ll see it swim down and rake its tail across the surface of the water. When it’s done raking the bottom, smaller fish will swim up to clean off any parasites. It’s all very graceful, reminiscent of a ballet.
Several tour companies offer manta ray night snorkels and dives. You’ll need a mask, snorkel, wetsuit and floatation belt. You’ll sit on a modified surfboard with rope “handles” going around the perimeter of it. You’ll hold onto the handle Superman style and float on your stomach. In the center of the board is a light that attracts the plankton that the mantas eat. You’ll have about an hour in the water depending on whether you’re a snorkeler or scuba diver.
The snorkeling is easy and it’s suitable for all ages and abilities. You don’t need to be a great swimmer or have any diving experience, but you do have to know how to breathe through the snorkel. The most important thing is to stay calm.
While it’s possible to see manta rays year-round on the Big Island, summer is a good time to try because it’s typically less crowded. If you want a really high chance of seeing mantas, you should consider going to the two locations on the southern part of the island with the highest rates of sightings, Manta Village and Manta Ray Heaven. They’re both much less crowded than the spot on the northern side of the island, Manta Reef.
Expert Tips
If you are looking to see manta rays in Hawaii it’s important to know the best time of year to go. In general, summer months offer the best opportunities to see them. However, manta rays can be seen all throughout the year in Hawaiian waters. The main difference is that sightings are much more common during the summer, especially around Kona.
The best way to see manta rays in Kona is to go out for a nighttime snorkel or dive. This is because it’s when they typically aggregate to feed on plankton. To attract the plankton, tour companies use powerful lights to illuminate the water. This creates a spectacular underwater spectacle as the manta rays gracefully glide through the lights.
Unlike sharks and sting rays which they are related to, manta rays do not have any stingers. This makes them a safe and fun activity for people of all swimming abilities to enjoy. It also doesn’t require a lot of equipment to get involved with, but it is important to wear a wetsuit and snorkel. A GoPro or waterproof camera is also recommended to capture the amazing moments of this experience.
Kona is home to the largest population of manta rays in the world, and these large creatures can be seen year-round in Hawaiian waters. The particular manta rays that inhabit Hawaiian waters are known as reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and can grow to be up to 12 ft wide with a wingspan of 18 ft!
To see these giants in their natural habitat, it is recommended that you book a trip with a company that offers manta ray night snorkel tours. This will ensure that you are with a knowledgeable guide who can point out the mantas and answer any questions that you may have about them.
There are many different tour operators in Hawaii that offer manta ray night dives and snorkels, and some have better reputations than others. A popular choice is Kona Honu Divers, which is the number one rated dive operation in the Pacific for safety and customer service.