
If you’re looking to dive or snorkel with manta rays, the best place to do so is on the Big Island. Best places to snorkel and dive with manta rays in Hawaii These tour operators operate to the highest environmental standards while still providing you with an amazing experience. These are our favorite manta ray night snorkeling (and diving) tours on the Big Island. Many Big Island tour operators offer a manta guarantee, something you won’t find on the other islands. While there are manta rays on the other islands, sightings aren’t as good or reliable, so if you’re hoping to see manta rays while in Hawaii, head to the Big Island. The best place to see manta rays in Hawaii is on the Big Island, specifically on the Kona coast. Is there a Manta Ray night snorkel near the Kona Sheraton?.What is the best time of year to see manta rays in Hawaii?.What happens if you don't see a manta ray on your snorkel tour?.What's it like to go on a Manta Ray night snorkel tour?.


You can expect to see wildlife you typically don’t see in the daytime, like jellyfish and other translucent creatures. This is a night dive tethered to a line connected to the dive boat. There is a huge broken pipe here and coral has built upon it.īlackwater Dive – One dive we didn’t do is the blackwater dive. Pipe Dreams – I loved this dive because we saw so much life. Dive instructors are experts at this dive and make sure you don’t get lost back to the boat.Ĭrescendo – This was one of our favorite dives in Hawaii because we saw three huge tiger sharks! This dive happens at dusk, so it is a night dive. Don’t miss Frank, the eel that stays in the middle light. You sit for about 45 minutes while manta rays swoop above the lights to feed. Dive companies bring huge lights to place on the seafloor while divers sit in a big circle, like a campfire. This is THE dive people come for and it makes many “best dives in the world” lists. Manta Night Dive – Of course, I have to mention this one. If you’re diving with a company, they know which sites to visit based on the audience and conditions, but they’ll take recommendations.

Because of elevation, you should not visit Mauna Kea or the north part of the island near Waimea within 24 hours after diving.įrogfish camouflage Best Dive Sites on the Big Island If you’re planning to summit Mauna Kea, keep in mind the moon cycle for the best views. Plan your diving around activities above water too. Humpback whales are likely from December to March. We dove in September, one of the warmest months, and wore 5mm wetsuits. The average water temperature is 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll need it to get around the Big Island.ĭiving is enjoyed year-round in Hawaii. There are high elevation places around the island, so plan your vacation to avoid these the day after diving.Make time to get breakfast, find the marina, and do a final bathroom break to be on time.Map out places to get a quick lunch if you are diving all day.

Visit the dive shop the day before your first dive to get your gear in order.
