Manta Ray
The Big Island is the best place in the world for manta ray encounters!
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Manta Ray Snorkel or Dive
Hawaii is considered the #1 place in the world to view Mantas. The Manta Rays here have become conditioned where to go each night to find an easy meal; feeding on the plankton that is attracted by our underwater lights...which makes locating them easy for us!
How it works:
As the sun is setting we tuck into a bay at the Manta feeding area and listen to the story of how the world-famous Manta Tour was started, learn about the mantas here in Hawaii and receive a briefing on Manta viewing guidelines and proper "manta etiquette”. After the sun sets you will step into your wetsuit, put on your snorkel or dive gear and enter the water with your swim guides.
Snorkeling
When snorkeling with the Manta Rays you will hold on to a comfortable bar attached to a large surf board that has 16 bright LED drop lights. This makes it easy to keep our groups together and the mantas feed on the plankton underneath us that is attracted by our lights. Your swim guides will keep your board positioned over the manta ray snorkeling area.
Scuba Diving
You may also scuba dive on this tour but you must be certified to do a night time manta dive. This is a one tank dive. All dive gear is included. Includes: All snorkel or dive gear, towels, drinks, snacks, and hot chocolate.
What to Bring with You:
Underwater camera and warm clothes (sweats). A videographer is on board every night if you would like to be filmed with the manta rays. Video usually costs around $45.00 Tour
Departures:
Departs from Honokohau small boat harbor. Manta Swim is 2 hrs long. Check in 5:00 pm - Depart 5:15/5:30 pm (this departure time is seasonally adjusted as this tour takes place right after sunset.)
Free Shuttle: There is a free shuttle that departs Bongo Bens Restaurant at 4:45 PM located at: 75-5819 Alii Dr Kailua Kona, HI 96740-1311. Upon availability, restrictions may apply. If you need a shuttle from Waikoloa please call. There may be an extra charge.
Snorkel: Adult $95 Children 6 -12 yrs. $45 (5 & under free if this tour is suitable for your little one. You must be able to swim to enter the water.)
Scuba Dive: $130
Driving times to Sea Wolf Charters: Boat Name: TIMBER WOLF
From Hilo to Harbor : 2.5 hr
From Waikoloa to Harbor : 45 min
From Kona to Harbor : 15 min
FAQs *
Do I have to wear a wet suit?
No, but we highly recommend it because it helps keep you warm and float. The water temperature is an average of 75 to 85 degrees.
*Can Manta Rays hurt me?
No. Unlike Eagle rays or Sting Rays the mantas have no teeth or stinger. These Manta Rays are considered to be gentle giants of the sea.
*How close do we get to the Mantas?
The Manta Rays may come very close. They may accidentally bump against you but please do not try to touch them. Your swim guides will ask you to keep your legs up to avoid touching them as they are protected fish.
*What are the chances of seeing the manta ray?
We have about an 85% chance of seeing manta rays each night. While diving, scuba divers shine lights up while sitting on the bottom of the ocean floor and the swim board shine lights down. This creates a column of light that attracts millions of minuscule plankton, which in turn attracts the Manta Rays.