Swimming with Manta Rays: A Bucket List Experience

Floating in warm Hawaiian waters while giant manta rays glide gracefully beneath you is an experience that defies description. With wingspans up to 16 feet, these gentle giants put on a nightly ballet that attracts visitors from around the world.

Why the Big Island?

The Kona Coast has become the world's most reliable location for manta ray encounters. Lights from shoreline resorts attract plankton, which in turn attracts the mantas every night. The result is an almost guaranteed encounter—success rates exceed 90%.

Understanding Mantas

Before you go, it helps to understand these magnificent creatures:

• Not stingrays: Mantas have no barb or stinger
• Completely harmless: They eat only plankton
• Intelligent: Largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish
• Acrobatic: They do barrel rolls and somersaults while feeding
• Individual: Each manta has unique belly markings
• Long-lived: Can live 40+ years

The Experience

Snorkel Tours

The most popular option. You'll float face-down at the surface, holding onto a lit surfboard or floating ring. The lights attract plankton, and mantas come to feed directly below you—often within arm's reach.

• No swimming required (you just float)
• Suitable for most comfort levels
• Wetsuits provided for warmth
• Duration: 2-3 hours total, 30-45 minutes in water

Scuba Diving Tours

For certified divers, the experience is even more immersive. You'll sit on the ocean floor (30-40 feet) while mantas swoop overhead.

• Closer, longer encounters
• Open water certification required
• Night dive experience helpful but not required
• Some operators offer "intro dives" for non-certified swimmers

Best Time to Go

Manta tours operate year-round, but conditions vary:

• Best months: April through October (calmer seas)
• Peak season: Summer months
• Moon phase: New moon = darker = better visibility of mantas
• Time: Tours depart at sunset, viewing begins after dark

Choosing a Tour

Several operators offer manta tours from Kona. Look for:

• Small groups: Better experience than large boats
• Conservation focus: Operators who follow responsible viewing guidelines
• Good reviews: Check recent feedback
• Equipment quality: Wetsuits, snorkel gear, lights

Departure Points

• Keauhou Bay: Most reliable manta viewing location
• Kona Harbor: Convenient for Kona hotels
• Shore dives: Some operators offer beach entries

What to Bring

• Swimsuit (wear under clothes)
• Towel and dry clothes for after
• Motion sickness medication if prone
• GoPro or underwater camera (optional)
• Light jacket for boat ride

What to Expect

1. Check-in: Arrive 30-45 minutes early
2. Briefing: Learn about mantas and safety guidelines
3. Boat ride: 10-30 minutes to viewing site
4. Sunset: Enter water as it gets dark
5. Viewing: 30-45 minutes floating with mantas
6. Return: Back to harbor after dark

Tips for the Best Experience

• Relax: The more relaxed you are, the better
• Don't touch: Let mantas come to you
• Stay still: Minimal movement attracts more mantas
• Look down: They'll come right up to your mask
• Breathe slowly: Reduces bubbles that might scare mantas

From Island Goodes

The manta sites are on the Kona Coast, about 1.5 hours from Island Goodes. Most tours depart between 5:30-7:00 PM depending on sunset time. Plan to make it an evening excursion—you'll return around 9-10 PM.

Consider spending a day on the Kona side before your tour: visit coffee farms, snorkel at Kealakekua Bay, then finish with the manta experience.