SWIM ALONGSIDE THESE
GRACEFUL GLIDERS
Snorkel with the Giant Mantas
While there are lots of places to view Manta Rays from shore that may not be close enough for you! If that’s the case book a tour with one of the following companies to swim with these gentle giants:
Fairwind Hawaii Ocean Cruises – Large boat (Hula Kai) – Keauhou Bay in Kona
Sea Paradise Snorkel & Sail Cruises – Catamaran – Keauhou Bay in Kona
Ocean Encounters – Fishing Boat – Departs from Honokohau Harbor in Kona
Kamanu Charters – Zodiac or Catamaran Boat – Departs from Honokohau Harbor in Kona
Aloha Kayak Co. – Kayak to snorkel with mantas in Keauhou Bay
If you are a licensed diver, you should check out the SCUBA tours offered by Jack’s Diving Locker or Big Island Divers. Both of these companies offer spots for snorkelers as well as SCUBA divers – perfect if you have your SCUBA certificate but you’re traveling with non-divers.
If you don’t want to snorkel or scuba, you can also see manta rays from the viewing areas at some local resorts where they put on bright lights to attract plankton for the rays to feed on. At Kona’s Sheraton Keauhou Bay, you can see manta rays from the Manta Ray Learning Center – right next to the Rays on the Bay restaurant. On the Kohala Coast, you can view the rays at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel where they have set up a light to attract them to Manta Ray Point.
We recommend contacting organisations directly to get the most up to date information about their operations.
