Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Exploring the depths of the Pacific at night can be a thrilling experience. The Manta Ray Night Snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii offers just that – an unforgettable 2.5-hour encounter with these majestic creatures. Donning wetsuits and snorkel gear, participants can witness the manta rays’ impressive wingspans of up to 12 feet as they glide through the water. With high ratings and a guarantee of sightings, this tour promises an up-close experience you won’t soon forget.

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour snorkeling experience with manta rays, located on the Big Island of Hawaii and departing from Kailua-Kona.
• Participants are equipped with wetsuits, snorkel gear, and customized light boards to observe the manta rays’ feeding behavior.
• The tour guarantees manta sightings or provides a voucher for another trip, with a high rating of 4.6/5 from over 1,150 reviews.
• Participants must know how to swim due to the water depth, and children under 5 must wear life vests.
• Departure times may vary seasonally, and visibility and conditions may affect sightings, with free cancellation allowed up to 24 hours before the experience.

Overview of the Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a captivating 2.5-hour experience that allows visitors to swim with these gentle giants in their natural nighttime habitat.

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is a captivating 2.5-hour experience that allows visitors to swim with these gentle giants in their natural nighttime habitat.

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the tour departs from Kailua-Kona and guarantees manta sightings or offers a voucher for another trip.

Equipped with wet suits, snorkel gear, and customized light boards, participants can observe the manta rays’ impressive wingspan of 4 to 12 feet and weight of 400 to 1200 lbs as they feed.

This must-try activity has earned a 4.6/5 rating from over 1,150 reviews.

Tour Details and Inclusions

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel departs from Bite Me Sport Fishing in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Guests must check in 30 minutes prior to departure.

The tour includes essential gear like wetsuits, snorkel equipment, and flotation devices. Snacks and bottled water are also provided.

A professional guide leads the experience, ensuring guests safely interact with the majestic manta rays in their natural habitat.

Snorkeling takes place in 30 to 35 feet of water, giving travelers an up-close view of the rays’ 4 to 12 foot wingspans and 400 to 1200 pound bodies as they feed.

Highlights of the Encounter

Firstly, guests enjoy watching the Kona sunset from the boat before venturing into the water.

The night snorkel offers several highlights:

• Interacting with majestic manta rays, with wingspans up to 12 feet and weights over 1,000 lbs.
• Observing the feeding behavior of these gentle giants using a customized light board.
• Snorkeling in 30-35 feet of water, surrounded by the dark, mysterious ocean.
• Witnessing the rays’ graceful movements as they glide through the water, feeding on plankton.

The experience allows travelers to marvel at these captivating creatures in their natural nighttime habitat.

Manta Ray Facts and Characteristics

Manta rays are among the largest ray species, boasting impressive wingspans that can reach up to 12 feet.

These gentle giants can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and feast on plankton, feeding through their wide open mouths. Mantas have distinctive cephalic fins that resemble horns, hence their nickname "devil rays."

Their huge size and graceful movements make them captivating creatures to observe in their natural habitat.

During the night snorkel, participants have the unique opportunity to interact with these majestic animals and witness their unique feeding behaviors under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Safety Considerations and Accessibility

To participate in the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, swimmers must know how to swim, as the activity takes place in 30 to 35 feet (9 to 10 meters) of water.

Swimmers must know how to swim for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, as it takes place in 30 to 35 feet of water.

The tour has several safety and accessibility considerations:

• Children must be accompanied by an adult, and life vests are required for those under 5.
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but collapsible wheelchairs are allowed with an assistant.
• The maximum group size is 30 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Visibility may be affected by tour conditions, but the crew emphasizes safety throughout the excursion.

Departure Location and Check-in Process

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel departs from Bite Me Sport Fishing in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Guests must arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. This allows time for check-in and getting fitted for the provided wet suits, snorkel gear, and flotation devices.

Professional guides will be on hand to ensure a smooth and safe experience. The tour includes snacks and bottled water to keep participants fueled during the 2.5-hour excursion.

With a maximum of 30 travelers per tour, guests can expect personalized attention from the crew throughout the evening’s activities.

Seasonal Variations and Departure Times

Although departure times for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel may vary seasonally, the tour operator advises guests to check the schedule 24 hours prior to their selected date.

This is to ensure the most up-to-date information, as the timing can fluctuate based on factors like:

• Sunrise and sunset times
• Tidal patterns
• Weather conditions
• Seasonal shifts in manta ray migration and feeding behavior

Booking, Cancellation, and Visibility Conditions

Guests receive confirmation upon booking the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, though cancellations may occur if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met.

Confirmation is provided upon booking the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, but the tour may be canceled if the minimum number of guests is not met.

Departure times vary seasonally, so travelers should check 24 hours prior for specifics. The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Visibility and conditions may affect the sightings, but the crew prioritizes safety.

While wheelchairs are allowed, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires an assistant. Knowing how to swim is mandatory, and children under 5 must wear life vests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Cold Is the Water During the Night Snorkel?

The water temperature during the night snorkel typically ranges from 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C), providing a comfortable experience for participants. Wearing a provided wetsuit helps maintain body warmth in the slightly cooler nighttime conditions.

Can I Bring a Waterproof Camera to Capture the Experience?

Yes, participants can bring a waterproof camera to capture the experience. The tour provides snorkel gear, but doesn’t restrict guests from bringing their own underwater photography equipment to document the magnificent manta rays up close.

Is There a Way to Extend the Snorkel Time if We See More Mantas?

While the standard tour duration is 2.5 hours, the crew may extend the snorkel time if there are more manta ray sightings. However, this is at the discretion of the guides and depends on various factors like weather and safety.

What Should I Bring to Stay Warm and Comfortable During the Tour?

To stay warm and comfortable during the tour, it’s recommended to bring a lightweight wetsuit, gloves, booties, and a warm layer like a rash guard. The tour provides wetsuits, but personal gear can help extend your enjoyment in the cool ocean water.

Do the Mantas Ever Interact Directly With the Snorkelers?

The mantas do sometimes interact directly with the snorkelers. They’ll often swim very close to the snorkelers, even brushing against them as they feed. However, the crew emphasizes safety and ensures the snorkelers keep a respectful distance.

The Sum Up

The Manta Ray Night Snorkel is an exceptional opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. With guaranteed sightings, professional guidance, and stunning views, it’s an experience not to be missed. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, this tour provides an unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of the ocean. Don’t hesitate to book this once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the Big Island of Hawaii.