Best time to see manta rays in hawaii. Maximize your chances with our seasonal tips.

Best time to see manta rays in hawaii. Summer and early fall (May through October) usually have the calmest seas and warmest water, which makes swimming more comfortable. There are few places in the world where manta rays are seen predictably. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first Manta ray snorkel tours departing from Kailua-Kona on The Big Island of Hawaii. This commitment ensures the well-being of the manta rays and their environment, preserving this magical experience for years to come. The best time to see manta rays in Hawaii can vary, but generally, there are certain months when manta ray activity is more prevalent. Hundreds of visitors and even locals take part in this experience every night. Find out when to come see these critters. Please note the subreddit rules before posting. Jul 14, 2025 路 Things to Know Before Snorkeling with the Manta Rays 馃搮 Time of Year: Unlike whale watching in Hawaii, there’s no specific time of year that’s best to see the Mantas – they are in the area year-round. Hi I'm planning to go for a manta ray snorkeling tour with my wife. KONASTYLE also includes all snorkeling equipment such as T-top wetsuits, masks, swim noodles, and custom-built light boards that attract manta rays. We review the best Manta Ray night snorkel tours in Kona in our guide. This guide has everything you need to know to plan this incredible experience. There are 2 manta ray night snorkel sites in Kona and one in the north in Mauna Kea. Jul 11, 2025 路 You can learn more about the best seasons and conditions in our guide on the best time of year to see manta rays in Kona. During the peak season, you might see groups of 15 or more manta rays circling the area. Reputable tour operators like Kona Honu Divers, Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii, Kona Snorkel Trips, and Captain Cook Snorkeling Tours prioritize sustainable and ethical practices. The manta rays will arrive shortly after. Oct 3, 2022 路 What is the best time of year to see manta rays in Hawaii? While whale watching in Hawaii has a specific season (mid-December through mid-April), you can see manta rays at any time of the year in Hawaii. You’ll also see some of the interesting Reef structure Kona is known for. Unlike other 5 days ago 路 Manta Point: The Shore Access Secret Most visitors don't know about Manta Point because it requires hotel access, but this exclusivity makes it Hawaii's best-kept manta ray secret. There are 2 feeding stations along the Kona Coast. This unique, reliable interaction has cemented Kona's reputation as the world's best place for manta ray encounters, drawing people from all corners of the globe eager to witness the spectacle firsthand. The best places to see manta rays on Maui include Olowalu Reef, where these magnificent creatures are known to frequent the vibrant coral reefs along with sea turtles and reef sharks. The manta ray night snorkel tour in Kona, Hawaii, is a must-do opportunity to swim with wild manta rays on the coast of The Big Island. Read about the location, history and manta sightings for each manta viewpoint. As the sun goes down, snorkelers gather at popular sites such as Hawaii's Premier Manta Ray Encounters: Top Locations The Big Island of Hawaii has become a world-renowned destination for manta ray night snorkeling. This isn't accidental. The best place to view mantas from Waikoloa is undoubtedly with Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel, which departs from nearby Honokohau Harbor. Looking for info about: ? Read our blog post: Best Places to See Manta Rays on Oahu: Top Spots and Tips for an Amazing Encounter to find out more. Dive in for tips, safety insights, and why this unforgettable adventure belongs on your Hawaii bucket list. Apr 15, 2025 路 Manta Ray Snorkel Kona. The spotted eagle ray is another species we commonly see on our Kauai boat tours and Niihau boat tours, throughout the year. They are Hawaii’s top-rated and most reviewed dive company with over 3,500 5-star google reviews. . This is simply because the ocean conditions are the most favorable. The peak season for manta ray sightings often coincides with plankton blooms, which attract these filter-feeding giants. These beautiful and surprisingly intelligent creatures are a treasured sight off the coast of Kona, and you can see them for yourselves with us! Book now to set yourself up with knowledgeable guides and quality equipment; everything you need to see the manta rays . Feb 24, 2025 路 Discover the best manta ray tours in Hawaii including the best places to go snorkeling on the island. Feb 24, 2025 路 What time is best for a manta ray snorkel in Kona? The best time to go on a manta ray snorkel in Kona is at night. Kona's water is also famously calm and warm throughout the year. Does the timing matter for the tour? Also, if there are any other tour companies you would recommend going for? Jun 1, 2023 路 Kona manta ray snorkeling is one of the best wildlife experiences in Hawaii. But you can’t go to just any beach or aquatic spot and see the broad population of manta rays Hawai'i has to offer. This unforgettable adventure is a must-do on your Hawaii vacation. The Big Island is more famous for manta ray night dives, but Maui also offers its own special encounters with these peaceful ocean dwellers. Dec 30, 2023 路 Best Night Snorkel Tours with Manta Rays in Kona If you are feeling overwhelmed trying to find the best manta ray snorkel on the Big Island, I’ve got this manageable list of the highest rated tours to choose from. This guide will help you plan your manta ray night snorkel! Best Big Island Manta Ray Tours Experience the best Big Island Manta Ray Tours and dive into the captivating world of Kona’s majestic manta rays. I believe they are the only company that guides tours from shore. Swim with these gentle giants and you'll agree - there isn't a better night dive on the planet. Apr 29, 2025 路 In fact, the Kona Coast is the only place in the world where you can reliably snorkel or dive with giant manta rays at night any time of year (though the winter months can be a little dodgy with rougher seas). You can't miss this bucket list experience on the Big Island! Sep 30, 2025 路 My Review on Swimming with Manta Rays in Kona, Hawaii How much do the Tours Cost? Best time to see them? Choosing to Snorkel or Dive? What to Expect & Common Questions! Average Water Temperatures? Where else can you see Manta's? Where to Stay? Other Things to do nearby? Wrap up – Review: Swimming with Manta Rays in Hawaii. Sep 23, 2025 路 Experience the magic of Kona's Manta Ray Night Snorkel! Swim alongside majestic manta rays in one of the world’s best night dives. These gentle giant rays have large scoops for mouths and can collect zooplankton from the water without using teeth. While most manta rays migrate during a specific time of year, the reef mantas in Kona can be found in the water year-round. With delicate manta rays, we keep this top of mind and try to only promote activity providers that are on the green list from Hawaii Ocean Watch, an organization Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii, Island of Hawaii: "What is the best time of night to see the manta" | Check out 7 answers, plus see 1,877 reviews, articles, and 332 photos of Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii, ranked No. To help you plan the best manta ray diving experience, we have compiled a list of the 10 best destinations to dive with mantas, as well as the best times to visit these places. Discover what to expect, safety tips, and the best tours for families and first-timers. We agree with the experts and think that swimming with manta rays is one of the Big Island activities that you shouldn’t miss. However, I recommend doing it with Martina at Manta Ray Advocates. Nov 6, 2024 路 Iruka Hawaii Dolphin is my #1 manta ray tour pick for non-swimmers. Sep 30, 2020 路 All about the different viewing sites for manta rays around Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. This learned behavior is really the heart of the whole experience. Jun 1, 2023 路 One of the most majestic creatures you can encounter in the island’s azure waters is the manta ray, known for its elegant swimming style and wing-like fins. Also, resorts like the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offer night viewing locations for manta rays. Additionally, manta rays are very friendly creatures and they love to see humans. As the sun sets, these graceful creatures gracefully cruise the coral reefs and offer an unforgettable experience. Jul 13, 2024 路 Everything you need to know about night snorkeling with Manta Rays in Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii! Why the experience is special, recommended snorkeling tours, and how to prepare for your night snorkel experience with Manta Rays in Kona. Considering factors like group size, equipment quality, and guide expertise will help you select the perfect manta ray Kona Hawaii tour that meets your needs and preferences. They have been visiting Manta Ray heaven exclusively since 2017 and are the only dive company to do so. The price seems reasonable ($75. The 2 tank manta ray night dive is an exhilarating experience that is unique to the Kona Coast and one of the top night dives in the world. However, the summer months offer the best ocean conditions. Apr 2, 2024 路 This is the ultimate guide to snorkeling with the manta rays in Kona, Hawaii. Jun 25, 2024 路 Kona Ocean Adventures offers highly rated guided tours of the best spots in Hawaii to see manta rays tailored to your liking. The famous manta ray night dive in Kona is widely regarded as one of the most memorable dives on the planet. This light attracts the plankton, which in turn draws the mantas right to you, usually while Best Time of Year to Visit Manta ray snorkeling trips in Kona run all year. The one thing that no other place has is the manta ray night snorkel in Kona. That’s why when people visit Hawaii, meeting manta rays is a must! Across the islands, different groups offer special adventures for meeting manta rays. Book your adventure today and go home with memories that will last a lifetime. Yes it is incredible and absolutely worthwhile. During these months, more tours are available. The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a unique experience that takes place after sunset, when these gentle giants are most active. When Is The Best Time Of Year To See Manta Rays in Kona? Here’s one of the most amazing things about the Kona manta ray snorkel: it’s a year-round spectacle with an insane success rate, consistently over 90%. Highly photogenic, seeing rays is always the highlight of any snorkeling adventure. Discover the best time to see manta rays in Kona with expert insights for an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure. ) Hawaii is home to three types of rays: manta, stingray and spotted eagle. I see a highly rated one on viator but the only option I have is the 7:30PM tour. With no need to “see” to appreciate the beauty, this is an experience you won’t forget. Mar 20, 2025 路 These are the best places to dive with manta rays by month, from the Socorro Islands, Mexico in January to Raja Ampat, Indonesia in November. On the reef you may see animals like Manta ray’s, monk seals, dolphins, spotted Eagle rays, eels, octopus, and many colorful reef fish. Dec 5, 2022 路 Places for Viewing Manta Rays in Hawai'i Hawai'i is famous for many things, and one of them is for being among the best spots in the world to see manta rays. Jul 25, 2025 路 Want to swim with manta rays in Maui? Discover the best spots, guided snorkel tours, and safety tips for an unforgettable ocean experience with these gentle giants in 2025. Here are 10 facts about these lovely fish. $149 More Info 2 Tank Twilight & Manta Dive Hawaii Manta Ray Night Dive Pair our twilight reef dive with the manta ray night dive for an excellent evening two tank Apr 29, 2025 路 Both locations offer incredible chances to see mantas, but knowing these differences can help you pick the perfect manta ray snorkel kona hawaii tour for your comfort and expectations. The way that this experience works is, the tour operator takes the guests to a location in open waters where manta rays are frequently seen. It’s more sustainable, seasickness is not an issue, and the smaller group size means it’s more personal and you’ll spend more time Hawaii is one of the best locations in the world to snorkel and dive with manta rays in the wild. Find out the best time of the day for a manta ray tour in Hawaii and more. No where else in the world can you see manta rays feeding at night like you can here in Kona, Hawaii. The two locations on the Kona Coast are not cleaning stations but feeding stations. Since there isn’t much light at night, plankton emerges to play and feed when an alternate light source is created above the sea. Unlike boat-based tours, Manta Point allows visitors to swim directly from the Apr 20, 2025 路 As you can see, each tour operator offers a unique experience. Learn more about snorkeling with manta rays in Kona, Hawaii - read these frequently asked questions before booking a Moonlight Manta Swim with us! Dive Tours Kona Honu Divers has offered the manta ray scuba dive in Kona for over 22 years. Plus, KONASTYLE offers an incredible Manta-Ray Guarantee – If by some strange chance you don’t see a manta ray on the tour, they’ll help you re-book for another night. Kona, Hawaii is one of those places. Certain locations provide the perfect environment that attracts these magnificent creatures night after night. This makes it the best place in Hawaii to snorkel. A distant cousin of the shark, rays can often be seen in Maui's waters fairly close to shore. Discover top spots, snorkeling tips and responsible tourism practices. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE MANTA RAYS? We are extremely fortunate that the resident population of manta rays roams the Kona Coast all year long and tours are offered throughout the year. Manta ray trips usually start about 30 – 45 minutes prior to sunset to give guests time to enjoy a legendary Hawaiian sunset at sea while commuting to the manta ray site (s). May 10, 2024 路 For those new to snorkeling, see our 5 Best Big Island Snorkeling Spots! Read on for details on the best Big Island snorkel spots, directions, when to go snorkeling, and snorkel safety. Apr 17, 2025 路 While manta rays can potentially be seen year-round, certain months offer higher probabilities. Aloha - this is a subreddit for visitors looking for advice to plan their vacation, or to share their own experiences on the Hawaiian islands. Apr 20, 2025 路 The Mesmerizing World of Manta Ray Diving in Hawaii Hawaii is a world-renowned haven for manta ray encounters, attracting approximately 80,000 visitors each year specifically to snorkel or dive with these gentle giants. 馃 Safety: It is totally safe to swim with manta rays! However, please refrain from touching them. To see what fellow adventurers are saying, check out these recent reviews from Manta Ray Night Snorkel Hawaii. The manta ray is the Oct 7, 2025 路 Looking for where to see manta rays in Hawaii? Discover the top 6 spots on the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu for an unforgettable underwater encounter. Discover the best places to see manta rays in the world, with photos! Learn where to go, when to visit, and more. During these months, the calm seas also ensure better visibility for snorkelers. We take Hawaii snorkel safety very seriously because we want you to come back to Hawaii! Ready to see this incredible underwater ballet for yourself? At Kona Snorkel Trips, our lifeguard-certified guides and small-group tours offer a safe, personal, and unforgettable manta ray night snorkel experience. We go manta ray night snorkeling every trip to the Big Island and this is our favorite tour for the ideal location, the crew, and the number of manta rays! Book direct with this tour here: https Mar 11, 2025 路 The best time to visit Manta Point for manta ray sightings is between March and June, although they can be spotted here year-round. Discover the wonders of Kona’s nightlife with a unique after-dark experience. On these tours, you’ll be taken out on a boat just before sunset and provided with all the necessary equipment for a successful night in the water. The most manta ray dives were canceled from January to mid-March due to rough ocean conditions, including swells and strong winds. Munch on a tasty snack while taking in Dec 10, 2023 路 The best way to see manta rays in Kona is to take a guided snorkeling or diving tour. Small groups of 4-6 snorkel out 100 yards from the beach, no boat necessary. Aug 5, 2023 路 But with varying conditions throughout the year, when is the optimal time to plan your Hawaiian dive trip? If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Late spring through early fall offers the warmest water temperatures, best visibility, and highest chance of spotting megafauna like whales, dolphins, and manta rays in Hawaii. Choosing the right tour maximizes your chances of a memorable and enriching experience with these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. With our tips about where and when to see the manta rays in Kona, Hawaii, you will have an incredible experience. Apr 22, 2022 路 With so many of these beautiful and awe-inspiring creatures just offshore of the island, a visit to Hawaii offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience an up-close encounter with manta rays. Dinner is the best time to see manta rays in their element as they perform barrel-rolls to maximize feeding. The manta ray night snorkel Kona has is the #1 thing to do in Kona at night. Nov 15, 2022 路 Known originally as Makako Bay, this dive site is one of the most popular sites in Hawaii drawing hundreds of divers and snorkelers nightly to see manta rays. Serving the communities of Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai. Oct 14, 2024 路 The manta rays of Kona are one of those unique experiences that are only available on the Big Island of Hawaii. Check out our staff picks for top adventure packages on The Big Island. Seeing the manta rays firsthand is an experience of a lifetime! Kona is the only place in Hawaii, and the world, where people can witness manta rays feeding right in front of their faces. Located at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast, this site offers something unique – shore-based manta ray viewing and swimming. May 22, 2023 路 When’s the best time to see manta rays in Hawaii? We are extremely fortunate that the resident population of manta rays roams the Kona Coast all year long and tours are offered throughout the year. This may be one of the best places to see manta rays in Hawaii. Feb 14, 2024 路 The Best Manta Ray Night Snorkel & Dive in Kona To pick the best tours in Kona, we prioritize a few things: Adherence to the highest standards: on each tour it’s important that tour operators keep both you and the environment safe. Take a tour of the Hawaiian waters and witness the amazing manta rays gliding through the ocean. Our expert-guided tours offer an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants as they gracefully glide through the crystal-clear waters. Looking for info about: ? Read our blog post: Best Places to See Manta Rays on Kauai: Top Spots and Tips to find out more. What is the Best Time of Year to see manta rays in Hawaii? While mantas are abundant throughout most of the year the water is more calm and warmest during the summer through fall till mid November. Jul 31, 2023 路 Planning a trip to the Big Island in Hawaii and looking for something fun to do? In this post, we review 11 of the best manta ray night snorkel tours to book in Kona for an unforgettable experience! We recently spent 6 days in Hawaii on a Big Island vacation and going on a night snorkeling tour with manta rays was the highlight of our trip. Keauhou Bay (Manta Village) The highest success rate of manta ray sightings The best time of day to witness the majestic manta rays in Hawaii is during the late afternoon or early evening. Kona’s local manta population doesn't migrate, so they're here waiting for you whether you visit in July or December. These top 5 incredible manata ray snorkeling night adventure awaits just below the surface. Jul 4, 2022 路 Night time manta ray snorkel refers to the activity of snorkeling with manta ray fish in the ocean after sundown. Mar 12, 2025 路 Join my family on an underwater snorkeling adventure as we go on a night manta ray snorkel in Kona on Keauhou Bay on the Big Island. 1. Both snorkeling and diving provide amazing opportunities to witness Nov 5, 2024 路 Discover the best spots for diving with manta rays in Hawaii! Learn tips, locations, and what to expect during your magical encounter. Apr 9, 2018 路 One of the most exciting fish to see while snorkeling in Hawaii is a ray. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the warm waters, and the majestic sight of these majestic creatures. If you are like me and prefer a less crowded and more personal experience, I highly suggest choosing a small group tour. Aug 2, 2025 路 To get a better feel for the show, check out our guide on the manta ray night dive in Kailua-Kona. Jan 17, 2025 路 Experience the magic of night snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii! This guide covers everything you need to know before you go, from choosing the best tour to what to expect in the water. Preparing For Oct 2, 2023 路 Find out more about the three established manta ray viewing sites on the Kona coast in Hawaii. Manta rays consume plankton, and plankton is drawn to light. Mar 8, 2024 路 The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is Kona’s Most Unique Activity While some people are planning to go to the beach, or visit the coffee or cacao farms, those are something anyone can do many places in Hawaii or throughout the world. With the right equipment, you can observe these gentle giants in all their glory. Instantly book a manta ray snorkel tour online. Feb 9, 2020 路 That said, the best times to see manta rays in Hawaii are late spring, summer, and early fall. But where exactly can you see manta rays in Maui? This guide will take you to some of the top spots for viewing these extraordinary creatures. Kona is where the manta ray sorkel and dive started, and it’s still one of the most popular attractions on the island. There are places to snorkel and scuba dive at every Oct 3, 2025 路 Searching where to see manta rays in Hawaii? Discover the top 6 locations, including Kona’s famous night dive, for an unforgettable encounter in 2025. Manta rays are known to come closer to the surface to feed on plankton attracted by lights. That consistency means the best Native Hawaiians held manta rays in very high regard and in 2009, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to ban the killing or capturing of manta rays. Here are some of the best places to go to see giant manta… Aug 13, 2025 路 Head down into the ocean at night and snorkel with manta rays on the Big Island! Find out everything you need to know before you go. Fortunately, Hawai'i has a plethora of manta viewing spots to offer. Oct 17, 2025 路 Where to see manta rays in Hawaii? Discover the top 7 spots from Kona’s night dive to Maui’s reefs for your next unforgettable underwater encounter. The best time to see manta rays varies by location, but generally, they are more abundant in areas with warm waters and plentiful food sources. 117 on Tripadvisor among 679 attractions in Island of Hawaii. No matter which location you choose, the trick to getting the best view is sticking close to the tour's light source. Dive into an adventure as you swim with manta rays in Oahu, Hawaii. 馃挵 Cost: Expect to spend May 13, 2025 路 Don't leave Kona until you see thee gentle giant Manta Rays in the evening. 1 Tank Manta Night Dive The World's Best Night Dive Our world-famous Kona Manta Ray Night Dive is a bucket-list item for any diver. Kona Honu Divers is the top rated and most reviewed dive company in Hawaii and we provide the highest quality experience available above and below the surface. Aug 17, 2023 路 The Big Island’s Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience The Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its diverse marine life and offers an exceptional opportunity to witness manta rays in their natural habitat. Maximize your chances with our seasonal tips. Manta rays are fish that are large in size, but super gentle and peaceful. The islands' volcanic Answer 11 of 22: I'm looking at different options to view manta rays and would like to know what others think about Blue Sea Cruises' Evening on the Reef and Glass Bottom Cruise. January through April is often highlighted as the peak season for sightings, as plankton is abundant in the warmer waters. Experience the unforgettable thrill of snorkeling with manta rays in Big Island. We know you want to spend as much time as possible snorkeling with the Manta Rays— not sitting on a long, cold boat ride. Aug 13, 2022 路 That being said, the late spring, summer, and early fall are the best times to see manta rays in Hawaii. Discover why it’s one of Kona’s top activities and how to book your spot today. Through the gloom of the ocean, manta rays swoop gracefully, gathering food and playing. 95), and it includes dinner and one drink and This is the Big Island manta ray night snorkel, an absolutely unforgettable wildlife encounter that belongs on every adventurer's bucket list. What is it all about? Our professional guides help you get in the best possible viewing position to watch the Manta Rays dance around as you hang onto our custom-made light boards. Their window raft allows you to feel safe sitting out of the water while seeing the mantas without swimming! Oct 24, 2024 路 Where can you see manta rays in Hawaii? While it’s possible to see mantas while snorkeling or diving on any of the Hawaiian islands, the Big Island is undoubtedly the best, specifically on the Kona Coast. Oct 1, 2024 路 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii The Kona Coast, you know it is my favorite spot already. Keep in mind that manta rays can be encountered year-round, but specific factors like water temperature, plankton availability, and other environmental conditions can influence their presence. This may lead you to wonder, is there an ideal time to meet manta rays? Aug 4, 2023 路 Diving & snorkeling with Kona’s manta rays is easily one of the highlights of traveling to Hawaii’s Big Island. Oct 8, 2024 路 Ever wondered why the best time to see manta rays is at night? The magic of manta ray night snorkel and night diving with manta rays draws people in. However, when it comes to spotting these beautiful creatures in Hawaii, there are some important factors to consider. Dec 3, 2023 路 The best time to see manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii is during the evening hours, specifically after sunset. Aug 19, 2025 路 What Is the Best Time of Year to See Manta Rays? Here's the best news for your travel plans: there is no bad time! The manta ray night dive is an amazing year-round adventure. This popularity stems from a unique combination of factors that make Hawaiian waters ideal for consistent and breathtaking manta ray experiences. Looking for info about: ? Read our blog post: Best Places to See Manta Rays on the Big Island of Hawaii: Top Viewing Spots and Tips to find out more. 8brj fok6 bblb b1p x3 m1a olqmff lqodwngn arsvau sabp