Dive with Manta Rays on our Night Dive Experience

Manta Ray Night Dive is something that you will always remember. You need not much experience as snorkelers to observe the mantas in their own habitat. For the best Manta Ray Night Dive or Night Snorkel give us a call. This experience of Manta Ray Night Snorkel or Dive is rated as one of the top 10 dives in the world; it is often described as “surreal”.

We provide all the gear that you require. Snorkel, Mask, Fins, Wetsuit, Dive light as well, as a “floatation ring” for everyone to hold onto. Our swim guide will be right with you in the water to assist you if you have any issues with your gear or fear. She will prepare you when the mantas are coming up close to so you are able to have them come within 1foot of your face. If you get cold, she will bring you back to the boat before the others are finished.

Our Manta Rays are very comfortable with snorkelers or divers in the water. This activity has been going on since the late 1970’s and they know that we will never harm them. Therefore, we get one of the greatest exposures to wild marine life possible and it’s totally safe.

How it works

The boat ride is about 20 minutes from the Honokohau Harbor. We tie up to a mooring ball close to shore in 30’ of water. As we’re waiting for it to get completely dark, I give a Manta Ray talk that describes what Manta’s are and why they do the things they do. I use a picture book so you can visualize what is going to happen. After the talk, we gear up and slide into the water and gather around a central spot. Here all the snorkelers from different companies gather together with all of their lights to attract the plankton.

The mantas come to feed on the plankton that results in a truly majestic manta ballet that is comparison to a beautiful choreographed ballet. I have a professional videographer that comes and films you. Manta Ray Night Dive is so incredibly beautiful; you will count it as a highlight of your Hawaii experience.

Details about the Manta Ray day snorkel

First, manta rays are completely harmless (unlike sting rays, they do not have a barb). As tempting as it is when they get within an inch of you, you cannot touch them. They have a protective film on this skin that protects them from bacteria and touching them removes this coating. They eat plankton, which is attracted by light, so the mantas indirectly go towards underwater lights. They are typically 12′ in wingspan and will come literally within inches of you (but they will not touch you).

General information for the night Manta Ray snorkel

They provide you with a wet suit, diving flashlight, quality mask, snorkel and fins, a floaty ring that everyone holds on to in the water and towels for when you get out, in case you forget your own. They also have drinks and snacks on board – we even got homemade brownies made by Captain Ron’s wife!