Here in Hawaii, we’re fortunate to have some of the best spots in the world to snorkel with manta rays.
At Manta Ray Advocates, we offer guided snorkeling tours with the gentle giants of the ocean. They take place at night when manta rays feed at the viewing sites along the coast of Kona.
Occasionally, someone asks us if they couldn’t simply access the viewing sites by themselves – without a guide. And you might think that we’re slightly biased; after all, we wouldn’t offer these snorkeling tours if we didn’t believe that’s the best way to experience manta rays in their natural habitat! However, we strongly believe that going without a guide could turn this magical experience into something far less enjoyable— even dangerous.
[For the purpose of this article, please imagine a pitch-dark room without any lights or windows. This helps you visualize the ocean at dusk or darkness, and the following will make more sense.]
The Challenges of Snorkeling at Night
Most manta ray sightings in Hawaii occur at night because the mantas are drawn to the artificial lights at the viewing sites. Through years of classical conditioning, they know they’ll find abundant plankton to feed on in these illuminated areas.
Naturally, snorkeling at night is way more challenging than during the day, and the risks are often underestimated.
Visibility is limited to what a hand-held torch (you might have or not) illuminates.
- It’s easy to get disoriented. This confusion can quickly lead to dangerous situations, especially if unfamiliar with the area.
- Sharp coral reefs can be nearly invisible in low light, and a quick brush against them results in painful cuts.
- Black spiny sea urchins are everywhere in Hawaiian waters. If you step on one of those, you’ll be dealing with sharp, painful spines that are most difficult to remove. They only break off and cannot be pulled out like a wood splinter, and the adjacent tissue most often swells up. The body needs time to dissolve and process the needle-like spines
Our snorkeling guides know exactly where (NOT) to go. They will tell you what to avoid during the safety briefing covering possible scenarios before, during and after the swim. They will safely lead the group around potential danger zones or warn you about unexpected situations.
Changing Ocean Conditions
Heading out into the ocean solo in unfamiliar waters can quickly turn into a risky situation. Currents and swells can change fast, large waves roll in, and what seems like a calm sea one minute can become a real challenge the next.
When you book a tour with a safety-first operator, you can rest assured that we monitor ocean conditions closely and will not hesitate to cancel snorkel tours if we deem the situation unsafe.
Learn more about how we watch out for risky ocean conditions on this page.
Assistance with Snorkeling Gear and Preparations
If you’re an experienced snorkeler or certified diver, this may not apply to you; but most of our guests (including the ones who’d like to venture out on their own) don’t have snorkeling gear of their own, nor have they ever received an introduction to a mask or snorkel including how to troubleshoot.
Renting snorkeling equipment not only constitutes an extra cost, but if you’re unfamiliar with the gear, you may make mistakes that could diminish your experience or even make it dangerous. The ocean has not much patience or mercy. When things go wrong, they go wrong fast, and we don’t wish this for anyone.
Most tour companies supply items like masks and snorkels, fins, swim vests, and safety lights that help you see and be seen in the dark waters. Not only that, our swim guides will also make sure the gear fits you and is well-adjusted so you don’t run into trouble while in the water.
Wearing well-fitted snorkeling gear gives you peace of mind. You can focus on the magic of swimming with manta rays reducing your worries about safety.
The Likelihood of Meeting Mantas
As much as we’d like the gentle giants to show up at the viewing sites every single night, that’s not always the case; mantas are wild animals and come and go as they please.
The likelihood of seeing manta rays on any given night depends on multiple factors, including weather and ocean conditions.
At Manta Ray Advocates, we are dedicated to giving our guests the best possible experience. We will let you know if we haven’t seen manta rays on previous swims, so you have a chance to cancel or postpone your participation ahead of time.
Avoiding Jellyfish
Around 8-10 days after a full moon, there is a high probability of encountering box jellyfish along Hawaii’s leeward (west) and south shores.
While the jellyfish in Hawaii aren’t deadly, their stings can cause painful burns, and skin irritation and potentially ruin your trip.
When you book a manta ray moonlight swim with us, our guides take extra precautions, ensuring everyone has proper skin coverage. If we determine the risk of encountering box jellyfish is too high, we’ll cancel or reschedule the tour to keep you safe.
Passive Interaction with Marine Life
Beyond your personal safety, we feel the deep responsibility of protecting the environment. Manta rays, like other marine life, are sensitive to human interaction. Some snorkelers or divers might disturb these creatures, with or without intent, disrupting their natural behaviors or harming their habitat.
Our knowledgeable swim guides will teach you how to passively interact with the manta rays, ensuring that you observe them respectfully and without causing stress.
Safety First, Not Third
It’s a common inside joke when you work with certain operators – “Safety Third” (Money First!). This isn’t the case with our team; safety always comes first, for both humans and manta rays.
Experienced guides aren’t just familiar with the ocean’s landscape but also trained in first aid and emergency response, ready to handle unexpected situations.
Before you even enter the water, we provide a safety briefing, covering everything from how to properly use your snorkeling gear to interacting with marine life. We also prepare you for what to do in case of currents, strong offshore winds, or other unexpected challenges, ensuring you’re confident and safe throughout the experience.
Why Local Swim Guides Make All the Difference
But it’s not just about safety. Guides bring a wealth of knowledge that enhances the whole experience. They can explain manta ray behavior, point out interesting marine life, and give you a deeper understanding of the underwater world. This way, your snorkel session isn’t just safe—it’s an unforgettable learning adventure.
Furthermore, snorkeling guides ensure that all interactions are conducted respectfully and noninvasively so that the mantas aren’t frightened or injured by human presence, protecting the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.
What to Know Before Booking a Guided Tour
As you can see, booking a manta ray experience with an experienced tour guide is the best choice for swimming with manta rays. We go as far as to state that your life is worth the admission price. However, it’s important to consider a few aspects to ensure you’re participating in the activity with a safe, sustainable, and responsible tour operator. We recommend asking the tour provider these five questions (published by Hawaii Ocean Watch) before booking your swim.
Joining a manta ray tour or booking a private experience not only keeps you and the manta rays safe but also makes the activity more enjoyable and educational. It’s a win for everyone.
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