Big Island: Snorkel With Manta Rays – Manta Guarantee

Snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island is a must-do experience. Visitors can sail to Manta Ray Village on a 50-ft catamaran, where expert guides provide professional gear and briefings. Observing these graceful creatures up close is nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for their natural wonder. With an optional GoPro rental, guests can capture the magic of this extraordinary encounter. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or seeking a unique Hawaiian activity, this manta ray snorkeling excursion promises an unforgettable glimpse into the underwater world.

Key Points

• 2-hour catamaran sail to Manta Ray Village with expert tour guides for a professional manta ray snorkeling experience.
• Guests outfitted with wetsuits, snorkel gear, and state-of-the-art manta floatation devices for comfortable and safe manta ray observation.
• Expert-led briefing covers safety protocols, manta ray biology and behavior, and tips for capturing underwater footage.
• Tranquil observation period allows guests to marvel at the graceful movements and sheer size of the manta rays.
• Light snacks and hot cocoa provided during the adventure, with an optional GoPro rental to capture the magical experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Activity

According to the knowledge provided, snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island is one of the top ten things to do in a lifetime, as noted by the Travel Channel.

This 2-hour activity involves sailing to the Manta Ray Village on a 50-ft catamaran, where participants receive a professional briefing from expert tour guides before floating above the manta rays on state-of-the-art manta floatation devices to observe the creatures feeding on plankton below.

Snorkel gear, wetsuits, and the manta float are included, and an optional GoPro rental is available. Participants must be experienced swimmers and snorkelers, and the boat is shoeless.

Manta Ray Village Sail

The catamaran departs from Keauhou Bay Pier, taking participants on a scenic journey to the Manta Ray Village.

During the 2-hour voyage, expert tour guides provide a professional briefing to prepare everyone for the encounter with these magnificent creatures.

Outfitted in provided wetsuits and snorkel gear, including prescription masks, guests eagerly await their chance to float above the manta rays on the state-of-the-art manta floatation devices.

As they peer into the water, they’ll observe the manta rays feeding on the plankton below, mesmerized by the graceful movements of these gentle giants.

Light snacks and hot cocoa help keep spirits high throughout the adventure.

Expert Guided Briefing

Expert tour guides deliver a professional briefing to prepare participants for their encounter with the manta rays. The briefing covers four key areas:

1. Safety protocols and best practices for snorkeling with manta rays.
2. Manta ray biology, behavior, and feeding habits.

Instructions on how to use the state-of-the-art manta float floatation device.

Tips for capturing the best underwater footage and photographs using the optional GoPro rental.

The guides’ expertise and attention to detail ensure that guests feel confident and excited to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Manta Ray Observation

Floating above the manta rays on the state-of-the-art manta float, guests gaze in awe as the majestic creatures glide gracefully through the water, feeding on plankton below.

As the manta rays’ enormous wings undulate, guests are mesmerized by the hypnotic movements and sheer size of these gentle giants.

Tour guides provide expert commentary, sharing insights about the manta rays’ behavior and biology, enhancing your’ understanding and appreciation of these magnificent marine animals.

The tranquil observation period allows visitors to fully enjoy the natural wonder unfolding before their eyes, creating an unforgettable and deeply moving experience.

Guests leave the encounter with a newfound respect and reverence for the magnificent manta rays.

More Great Tours Nearby

Snorkel Gear Provided

On the Manta Ray tour, participants receive a full set of snorkel gear, including masks, snorkels, and even prescription masks for those who need them. The tour also provides wetsuits to keep everyone warm and comfortable, as well as a state-of-the-art manta floatation device.

This allows guests to effortlessly float above the manta rays and observe them feeding on plankton below.

The tour includes:

1. Light snacks and hot cocoa to refuel during the adventure.
2. An optional GoPro rental to capture the magical experience.
3. A professional briefing from expert tour guides.
4. All the necessary equipment for a safe and memorable snorkel with manta rays.

Requirements for Participants

Participants must be experienced swimmers and snorkelers to join the manta ray snorkel tour.

They can’t be wheelchair users, and should wear swimwear, bring a towel and light sweater, and leave their shoes on the boat.

The tour is open to those comfortable in the water, as it involves floating above the manta rays on a specialized floatation device. This allows guests to observe the majestic creatures feeding on plankton below.

The activity isn’t suitable for those with limited mobility or swimming abilities. Ensuring participants can safely access and enjoy the encounter is a top priority for the tour operators.

Logistical Details

Guests should check in 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time at the Keauhou Bay Pier, where the 50-ft catamaran departs for the Manta Ray Village.

This shoeless boat excursion offers several logistical conveniences:

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
All necessary snorkel gear, including masks, snorkels, and prescription masks, is provided.
Wetsuits and a state-of-the-art manta float floatation device are included.
Light snacks and beverages, such as hot cocoa, are served during the 2-hour tour.

Plus, an optional GoPro rental is available for those who wish to capture their manta ray encounter on video.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the scheduled departure. This allows guests to adjust their plans without penalty if needed. Last-minute cancellations, however, will result in the full charge being applied.

Cancellation Policy
24+ hours	Free cancellation
Less than 24 hours	Full charge
No-shows	Full charge
Rescheduling	Subject to space
Refunds	Not available

The manta ray snorkel tour has a strict cancellation policy to ensure the tour operator can maintain a consistent schedule and avoid last-minute disruptions. Guests are encouraged to review the policy carefully before booking their adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Manta Rays Guaranteed to Be Present During the Activity?

The activity does not guarantee the presence of manta rays. While tour guides take participants to the Manta Ray Village, the sighting of the rays is not assured due to the unpredictable nature of these marine creatures.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The activity doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, but participants must be experienced swimmers and snorkelers. Children are welcome if they meet the swimming and snorkeling experience criteria.

Can Non-Swimmers Participate in the Manta Ray Observation?

No, non-swimmers can’t participate in the manta ray observation. The activity requires participants to be experienced swimmers and snorkelers to float above the manta rays on a state-of-the-art manta floatation device.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Activity?

Photos and videos are allowed during the manta ray snorkeling activity. The tour provides an optional GoPro rental so guests can capture the experience. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras as well.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Manta Ray Snorkel?

The maximum group size for the manta ray snorkel activity is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, it’s likely that the tour operator limits the group size to ensure a quality experience for participants.

Recap

Snorkeling with manta rays on the Big Island is a truly captivating experience.

Guests sail to Manta Ray Village, where expert guides provide professional briefings and the necessary gear.

During the observation, visitors can witness the graceful movements of these gentle giants, capturing the magic with an optional GoPro rental.

This extraordinary encounter is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: