Hawaii Oceanic Manta Magic Hawaii, known for its stunning natural beauty, is home to a truly enchanting spectacle: the Hawaii Oceanic Manta Magic. These majestic creatures, known as mantas, gracefully glide through the ocean waters, captivating onlookers with their mesmerizing movements. The Hawaii Oceanic Manta Magic refers to the awe-inspiring show that takes place when these gentle giants head to the nighttime feeding grounds. Attracted by the bright lights used by scuba divers and snorkelers, the mantas gracefully soar through the water, feasting on plankton illuminated by the beams. The experience of witnessing the Hawaii Oceanic Manta Magic is an unforgettable one. As the mantas swim effortlessly, they perform a mesmerizing dance, somersaulting and barrel-rolling through the water.
FROM KAILUA KONA VIA HIGHWAY 11 (KUAKINI)
Drive south on Highway 11, from the intersection of Palani Road and Highway 11, until you reach the eighth stop light at Kamehameha III Road where you will turn right. Continue through two stop lights always heading west towards the ocean on Kamehameha III Rd. until you see a dirt road on your left which will take you to a dirt parking lot. If you pass the lot, you will reach a dead end, so you will need to turn around. Follow the detailed map below to walk to the harbor. Please observe any No Parking Signs.
Snorkeling with Kona s famous manta rays is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that The Travel Channel called one of the top 10 things to do in your lifetime. Your Captain and snorkel guide will educate you on Kona s famous manta rays and will discuss our safe and humane approach to engaging with the gentle giants.
As the mantas swim effortlessly, they perform a mesmerizing dance, somersaulting and barrel-rolling through the water. Their enormous wingspans, some reaching up to 20 feet, create a sense of wonder and awe. Snorkelers and divers who are fortunate enough to see this oceanic spectacle often describe it as a magical encounter.
Hawaii Oceanic - Magic Manta Ray Night Snorkeling
Snorkeling with manta rays is one of the top activities on Hawaii's Big Island. A once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list experience for many, it's bound to be the highlight of your vacation. Come aboard the Pueo Kai (Ocean Owl), which conveniently departs from Keauhou Harbor, just in time to enjoy a beautiful sunset at sea.
Upon arriving at the manta ray snorkeling site, a light board is set up in the water for you to hang on to while snorkeling. The light board in the water attracts the plankton, which in turn attract manta rays. And then. the magical experience begins. The manta rays are attracted by the light and the plankton (their food source), so they will swoop within inches below you as you float on the water's surface. Enjoy the manta ray ballet in the water below you for up to about half an hour as the manta rays enjoy their plankton buffet dinner.
After your Manta Magic experience, the Pueo Kai will head back to the harbor under the light of the stars and the moon. Be sure to gaze upward, as you may glimpse the Milky Way on a clear night.
Tour Highlights:
- Short 5-minute boat ride to snorkel site
- Snorkel with manta rays for about 30-40 minutes
- Plenty of great photo opportunities
Tour Inclusions:
- Snorkel gear is provided (fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuit)
- Snacks and beverages
Where and When: Trip 1: Check in at 6:00 pm. Tour time: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Trip 2: Check in at 7:30 pm. Tour time: 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Trip 3: Check in at 8:30 pm. Tour time: 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Trip 4: Check in at 9:30 pm. Tour time: 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Location:
Keauhou Harbor, 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St., Kailua Kona, HI 96740
View Map
Driving Directions:
FROM KAILUA KONA VIA ALII DRIVE
Drive south on Alii Drive, ocean will be on your right, until you come to the intersection of Kamehameha III Road. Turn right at this light and park in the dirt parking lot which will be on your left as indicated by map below. Please observe any No Parking Signs.
FROM KAILUA KONA VIA HIGHWAY 11 (KUAKINI)
Drive south on Highway 11, from the intersection of Palani Road and Highway 11, until you reach the eighth stop light at Kamehameha III Road where you will turn right. Continue through two stop lights always heading west towards the ocean on Kamehameha III Rd. until you see a dirt road on your left which will take you to a dirt parking lot. If you pass the lot, you will reach a dead end, so you will need to turn around. Follow the detailed map below to walk to the harbor. Please observe any No Parking Signs.
FROM KOHALA COAST RESORTS
Head south on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, (Highway 19), towards Kailua Kona. At the intersection of Palani Rd. and Highway 19, the continuation of this highway becomes Highway 11, Kuakini Highway. From this intersection, you will go through seven stop lights. The eighth light will be Kamehameha III Road where you will turn right. Proceed through two stop lights on Kam. Rd., always heading west towards the ocean, and turn into the dirt road on your left as indicated by the map below. You will walk to the harbor from here. Please observe any No Parking Signs.
Restrictions: The minimum age to participate is 3 years. Children 3 and older are welcome on the tour if they can comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean. Every person on the boat needs a ticket, regardless of age or size because the boat is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard for 12 passengers, and this limit can't be exceeded.
Weight limit per person is 300 lbs (136 kg).
The mantas, distinguished by their dark upper bodies and white undersides, glide gracefully just inches away from the mesmerized spectators, as if performing an underwater ballet. For those looking to witness the Hawaii Oceanic Manta Magic firsthand, there are several popular spots in the Hawaiian Islands to experience this phenomenon. Keauhou Bay on the Big Island is well-known for its manta ray viewing opportunities, as is Kona Coast in the Kailua-Kona area. These locations offer guided tours, allowing visitors to safely observe the mantas in their natural habitat. Conservation efforts are vital to protecting these magnificent creatures and ensuring that future generations can also experience the Hawaii Oceanic Manta Magic. The Hawaii Marine Manta Ray Advocacy Group, along with other organizations, works tirelessly to advocate for the protection of mantas and their habitats. In conclusion, the Hawaii Oceanic Manta Magic is a truly breathtaking display of nature's beauty. As these gentle giants glide through the ocean waters, they captivate observers with their graceful movements and awe-inspiring presence. Witnessing this enchanting spectacle is an experience not to be missed, providing an unforgettable encounter with one of Hawaii's most majestic creatures..
Reviews for "Conservation success stories: How Hawaii's manta rays are making a comeback"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed in the Hawaii oceanic manta magic tour. First of all, the tour guide was not very knowledgeable and didn't provide much information about the mantas or their habitat. Secondly, the boat we were on was incredibly crowded, making it difficult to see the mantas once we reached the spot. Lastly, the tour was quite expensive for what it offered. Overall, I would not recommend this tour to anyone looking for a quality manta ray experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I had high hopes for the Hawaii oceanic manta magic tour, but it turned out to be a complete letdown. The tour operator did not communicate clearly about the expectations and what we could expect to see. We spent hours on the boat only to spot a couple of distant manta rays, hardly the magical experience we were promised. Additionally, the boat was in poor condition and the crew was unfriendly and unprofessional. Save your money and choose a different manta ray tour in Hawaii.
3. David - 2 stars - I was very underwhelmed by the Hawaii oceanic manta magic tour. The advertised "magic" was nowhere to be found. The boat was crowded and uncomfortable, and we were rushed through the entire experience. The crew seemed disinterested and didn't make an effort to create a memorable experience for the guests. On top of that, the tour was quite expensive compared to other options in the area. I would not recommend this tour if you're looking for a truly magical manta ray encounter in Hawaii.