These spots are unique to each manta ray and is what allows researchers to identify each manta ray individually. The ventral (bottom) side is mostly white with black pigmentation spots. The dorsal (top) side of the manta ray skin is a blueish gray. And living up to 50 years old, they are also some of the oldest. With a wing span of 3.5m (11.5ft) wide and 5.5m (18ft) long they are some of the largest sea creatures found in Hawaii. Their shape allows them to majestically flap their winged pectoral fins to create an appearance of flying underwater. In fact, “Manta“ is a Spanish word for blanket or cloak and describes their fluid body. Their bodies are soft and made up of mostly cartilage. Manta Rays are highly intelligent, giant disc shaped creatures. It is even regarded as one of the best night dives in the world! Read below to learn more about it and how you can sign up and join a manta ray night snorkel during your next Hawaii vacation. This charter boat was designed for Hawaiian waters and was built in Hawaii.Swimming with Manta Rays at night is by far one of the most popular tours and activities in Kona, Hawaii. They take off on Pueo Kai 2, their Coast Guard-certified 27-foot Force Marine powerboat with a full cabin and some shade. About Hawaii OceanicĮstablished in 2013, Hawaii Oceanic has been providing excellent tours. Please keep in mind that once the sun sets, snorkeling in the dark adds more of a challenge to swimming and orientation, so do what is safest for you. If you’re not there, you’re still welcome to get a ride-along ticket and not enter the water. If you can comfortably swim 25 yards in the ocean, you can safely snorkel on the tour. What if I’m not a strong swimmer or can’t swim? They eat plankton, and members of the community have taken to providing lights that attract plankton for the manta rays. No, manta rays are not dangerous as they have no barbs or stingers. Are manta rays dangerous? What do they eat? If you’re not a strong swimmer, you’ll want to stick with the first tour of the evening. On the later tours, it’s dark so it is a very different swimming and snorkeling experience. On the first tour of the night, you’ll get a nice Kona sunset and you’ll still have light as you get into the water. What’s the difference between the earlier and later tours? Be sure to book your tour early in your trip so you can be rebooked if necessary. They see manta rays on 92% of their tours, so there is only about an 8% chance you’ll miss out. They do offer guaranteed sightings, meaning if you do not see a manta ray on your tour, you can book another tour at no cost. Contact by phone or email to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. If your tour does not meet the minimum required passengers, you will be presented with an option to receive a full refund, rebook to a different tour, or pay for additional seats and run the scheduled tour. Customers will receive a refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather, not meeting the minimum required passengers, or other unforeseen circumstances. Tour times change slightly throughout the year to stay with the sunset.īe sure to also check out their Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling tour! Manta Ray Snorkeling Small Group FAQ What is the cancellation policy?Ĭustomers will receive a refund, minus the 6% transaction fee, with a minimum of 24 hours notice of cancellation. If you’re apprehensive about snorkeling in the dark or really want to catch a sunset on the water with this tour, we recommend booking their earliest timeslot. You won’t have to worry about missing the mantas as you’re just as likely to see them across all tour times. They have several tour times each evening so book the one that works best for your group. Get to the meeting spot for Hawaii Oceanic 30 minutes prior to tour departure for a wetsuit fitting (if desired) and check in even if you won’t be using a wetsuit. You’ll want to arrive early to find parking and your tour operator as there are several other night snorkel tours leaving from the area. It is a smaller group than other manta night snorkels from Manta Village, so you get an extra intimate experience. This tour leaves from Keauhou Harbor which is in Manta Village and next to Kona Outrigger Resort. A night snorkel is a truly unique experience as darkness adds an exciting element. Take a 5-minute slow boat ride over to the snorkel destination and slip into the water at sunset or in pure darkness to swim with manta rays. This tour used to depart from a harbor near the airport, but now it leaves from Keauhou Harbor.
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